BLM California News.Bytes Issue 808

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Title: Your Public Lands, BLM's E-Newsletter

Sheep Grazing at Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
ISSUE 808 - May 17, 2018     

- Celebrating Public Lands
- Energy
- Headlines and Highlights

- BLM and DOI Highlights
- Wildlife Question of the Week
- Upcoming Events

CELEBRATING PUBLIC LANDS

Moss Landing Couple Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by BLM for Work on Fort Ord

A Moss Landing couple has been named the recipients of a national award for their volunteer work on Fort Ord by the Bureau of Land Management. David and Jane Styer of Moss Landing have spent more than 15 years as volunteers at the Fort Ord National Monument and will be receiving BLM’s 2018 Making a Difference National Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award. “We’ve been going out into the field on Fort Ord for many years and recording data. We’re about to publish a book on the plants of Fort Ord and to be recognized is a wonderful thing,” said David Styer. “We appreciate the wonder that is Fort Ord.” (Monterey Herald)

Pacific Crest Trail Exhibit in the Sylvia Winslow Gallery

A photographic exhibit on the Pacific Crest Trail is now on exhibit in the Sylvia Winslow Gallery. This 2,650 mile trail goes through some of the most inspiring and beautiful landscapes in the United States; from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. The PCT passes through 9 mountain ranges, 25 national forests, 7 national parks, and many wilderness areas. Traveling through this untamed country provides a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of terrain, flora, fauna, and animals that characterize the western United States. (Maturango Museum)

Related: Find Your Way on National Historic Trails (BLM California Facebook)

Celebrating Route 66 Mural

The BLM Barstow Field Office, City of Barstow and Main St Murals hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a new mural on Route 66. Main St Murals and artists Kathy Fierro and Juliette Tison are dedicated to sharing the natural and historic wonders of the Mojave Desert with residents and visitors through artwork. The new mural is located on the New Life Fellowship building at 134 Main St. The mural program is supported by the City of Barstow. Jane Brockhurst and Rose Bearshear from the Desert Discovery Center developed a youth program centered around Mojave Trails National Monument that highlights the ecological value and recreation opportunities of the Monument and encourages people to discover the desert! The youth program culminated with the community mural that was unveiled Friday. Thank you to the City of Barstow, Main Street Murals, The Desert Discovery Center and the Barstow Community Coalition! (BLM California Facebook)

2nd Annual "Meet the Scientists" at Piedras Blancas Light Station

On Sunday, April 29, the Piedras Blancas Light Station celebrated National Volunteer Month by hosting our 2nd annual “Meet the Scientists” event for local volunteers, agency and non-governmental partners. Biologists from a variety of agencies and NGO’s were on hand to present their research and answer any questions visitors might have about their work. (BLM California Facebook)

Hard Work on Earth Day for National Volunteer Month

Last month, in honor of Earth Day and National Volunteer Month, the Ridgecrest Field Office hosted a Desert Cleanup Project in partnership with Gateway Elementary School's "Anchored for Life" program. This program is funded by the U.S. Navy to assist local schools in rural areas and entails prepping the children for leadership and success. It, also, requires a specific “community” project to work on. The children picked an area on public lands just outside of Ridgecrest to clean-up and put up a safety barrier and informational kiosk. The canyon is a popular recreational shooting area, but unfortunately, not all pick up their “trigger” trash. In all, around 4,000 lbs of trash was collected and hauled off and a 200 foot post and cable barrier with a new kiosk went in. And last but no least, one horned lizard was saved from certain, landfill doom. Big thanks to these volunteers! (BLM California Facebook)

ENERGY

BLM Approves Two Exploratory Projects in the California Desert

The Bureau of Land Management has approved two exploratory projects in the California desert, the Perdito Exploration Project and the Green Planet Group sampling project. “The two projects support the administration’s priorities by encouraging environmentally responsible development of minerals on public lands, while creating jobs and providing economic opportunities,” said BLM Ridgecrest Field Manager Carl Symons. (BLM news release)

BLM Announces Availability of Final Environmental Analysis for Palen Solar Photovoltaic Project

The Bureau of Land Management announced the availability of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report and California Desert Conservation Area Land Use Plan Amendment for a proposed solar project in Riverside County... The Palen Solar Project is consistent with the Trump Administration’s priority of pursuing energy independence, while improving infrastructure and creating jobs in local economies. The project is estimated to employ approximately 1,145 individuals during the project’s peak, with an average construction-related, on-site workforce of more than 550 individuals, and provide enough energy to power about 130,000 homes. (BLM news release)
HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Flocking Back to the Hills of Cronan Ranch

This month when you see the cottony clouds floating across the rolling green slopes of Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, take a closer look – they may actually be our woolly grazers, returning this spring to the popular BLM-managed public lands around the South Fork American River. Just a few miles upstream of Folsom Reservoir, the Cronan Ranch trails are used by more than 30,000 hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers each year. (BLM California Facebook)

#FindYourPark, Sandman and Drifter Certainly Did

Two newly hired employees found a way into a favorable law enforcement duty location. Meet Sandman and Drifter, the latest additions to the law enforcement mounted patrol at Yosemite National Park. (BLM California Facebook)

Related: Keep Horses at the Heart of Yosemite (Yosemite Conservancy)

Related: Yosemite National Park Adopts Two Wild Mustangs (Yosemite National Park website)

Training for a Good Home

Gale Bustillos, a public contact representative at the Lassen National Forest in Susanville, is doing her part to support wild horses and burros by gentling animals and finding adoptive homes for them. Munchkin, an 11-year-old burro, recently went to a new home. Morongo, pictured with Gale's granddaughter, Sarah, 7, is one of five mustangs she has gentled and placed. (BLM California Facebook)

San Diego's Night-Time Surf Glowing with Aqua Colored Light as Bioluminescence Takes Hold

A red tide that developed off San Diego over the past few days is producing one of nature’s small but grand spectacles: bioluminescent light in the ocean. The algae bloom is filled with bioluminescent phytoplankton that lights up when the micro-organisms tumble down the face of waves at and near shore. At times, the light appears when a surfer paddles his or her board through the surf, or simply walks on the beach. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Related: Photos by BLMer Kyle Sullivan from Seaside State Beach (BLM California Twitter)

Spin Your Wheels! Ride Out on Mountain Bike Challenge

The Mayor’s Mountain Bike Challenge kicked off in Redding last month, but you’ve still got plenty of time to get your miles in. In its second year, the free challenge has the same format as last year. Pick a category — beginner, intermediate, advanced — and then complete the five or six rides in that grouping by June 1. (Record Searchlight)

Ready For Wildfire

Each year California highlights the importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness by declaring the first full week of May as “Wildfire Awareness Week”. In 2017, there were 9,368 wildfires in California, which burned 1,254,929 acres across both private and public lands. This week, in preparation for the 2018 wildfire season, BLM California participates in Wildfire Awareness Week alongside other federal, state and local partners. This year, BLM California is preparing over 350 fire personnel, 27 wildland fire engines, two hot shot crews, two helicopter crews and one firefighting crew made up of United States military veterans. 

Related: California Wildfire Stats on Your Public Lands (BLM California Facebook)

Related: From the Field for #WildfireAwarenessWeek (BLM California Facebook)

Related: Don’t let target shooting end with a wildfire (BLM California Facebook)

Follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

BLM AND DOI HIGHLIGHTS

New Mexico Elementary School Receives $26.2 Million for New School Construction

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that the Laguna Elementary School in New Laguna, New Mexico, will receive $26.2 million for the construction of a new school. “As Secretary of the Interior, I am responsible for the education of 48,000 native children in the Bureau of Indian Education school system​, and that is an honor and responsibility I take very seriously​,” said Secretary Zinke. “I applaud the Laguna Department Of Education’s commitment to providing a first class education to its students​ and for developing a successful plan​. An investment in our youth is an investment in our future​. I am hopeful that the proposal President Trump and I put forward to rebuild Indian schools is passed by Congress.” (DOI news release)

Department of the Interior Border Surge Shows Immediate Success, Zinke Commits More Officers to Borderlands

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that just two days into the surge operation of Interior law enforcement officers to the Department’s southern borderlands, the mission has resulted in more than a dozen arrests. Following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a deployment plan to secure the southern border, earlier this month, Secretary Zinke deployed an initial surge of 22 Department of the Interior law enforcement officers to Interior-managed borderlands between Arizona and Texas. The​ir​ first day of duty was Monday, May 14​, 2018​. By midday Wednesday, May 16, the team had made 13 arrests and confiscated an illegal handgun that had the serial number filed off. Officers also found extensive evidence of recent activity along smuggling routes. (DOI news release)

Interior Awards First Contract for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Services

As part of a broader strategy to aggressively combat wildfires, the U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded a Call When Needed contract to four U.S. companies for small-unmanned aircraft systems services. The contract, which is Interior’s first of its kind, will allow the agency to obtain fully contractor-operated and maintained small drones that are ready when needed to support wildland fire operations, search and rescue, emergency management and other resource missions in the Contiguous 48 States and Alaska. (DOI news release)

Dr. Jim Reilly Takes the Helm at the U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke welcomed the arrival of Dr. Jim F. Reilly II at the Department of the Interior to begin his tenure as the 17th director of the U.S. Geological Survey. “Dr. Reilly is an accomplished explorer, scientist, and public servant who has spent years defending our nation as a Navy Reserve officer and pushing the limits as an astronaut,” said Secretary Zinke. “Dr. Reilly will be a strong leader for the USGS as it addresses the natural resource opportunities and challenges we face as a nation. I am excited to finally have him on board and look forward to working with him.” (DOI news release)

Saluting Interior’s Law Enforcement Officers

In 1962, May 15 was designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day and that entire week as National Police Week -- a time to recognize all law enforcement officers. Across Interior, over 3,500 law enforcement officers safeguard lives, protect our national treasures, defend wildlife, and preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to the Department. Everyday, these dedicated professionals provide an invaluable service to the public and the nation. (DOI blog)

Recognizing Outstanding Interior Employees

Every day, the men and women of Interior go to work for the American people. Some are preserving the past and others are planning for the future. They work in the fields of law enforcement, education, science, communication, administration and maintenance. Armed with the tools of their professions and dedicated to the Department’s mission, Interior employees use their minds and hands to accomplish a wide variety of goals. The people in this story represent the public servants you’ll meet when you visit public lands and engage with the Interior Department. They’re regular people doing everyday jobs, living and working in communities all over the country. (DOI blog)

Search #PSRW on social media for more!

BLM Lends a Hand in Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery Efforts

When FEMA requested the BLM's assistance with recovery efforts in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico and surrounding islands, a number of BLMers responded to the challenge... The team is working together with FEMA contractors, local Puerto Rican hires, government staff and several detailers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to conduct damage assessments and cost estimates for  over 300 parks managed at the local, district, and national levels. (BLM California Facebook)

WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Fill in the Blank

__________ are a vital part of marine ecosystems and are valuable indicators for ecosystem health. Most of the 312 species of __________ are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and some are endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Keep reading for answer below.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Now - June 1: Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge

The Mayor's Mountain Bike Challenge is officially underway in the City of Redding! Shout out to partners from Healthy Shasta, Redding Trail Alliance, Redding Recreation and The McConnell Foundation. (Mayor's MTB Challenge website)

May 18: Public Invited to Berryessa Snow Mountain Recreation, Volunteerism and Stewardship Workshops

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office and the Mendocino National Forest invite the public to two Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Recreation, Volunteerism and Stewardship Workshops on May 12 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (BLM news release)

May 19: Endangered Species Day

On Saturday, May 19, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert invites families and all others interested for Endangered Species Day. Visitors will learn about endangered species across the globe and how we can help ensure their survival into the future. Children will have the opportunity to color a cutout of an endangered species and place it on a blow up globe, and play “Operation Survival,” a game introducing them to the threatened and endangered species that call the Coachella Valley home. Throughout the day, the theater will be playing the documentary “Tortoise In Peril, the Struggle to Survive.” Visitors will receive a reusable water bottle especially designed for hiking, featuring a chart showing how much water different ages of hikers should be drinking. Materials from  conservation groups such as CVAG, the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, The Living Desert and US Fish and Wildlife will be part of the event also. The visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to  3:30 p.m. It is located at 51500 Highway 74 in Palm Desert. There is no charge for this event; please call (760) 862-9984 with any questions. (Facebook event)

May 20 and June 3: BLM, Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve Offer Spring Outings

The Bureau of Land Management and Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve will offer free public outings ranging from bird watching to traditional uses of native plants, on weekends from late March until June. The events are free. (BLM news release)

May 25-27: Bishop Mule Days Celebration to Feature BLM Wild Burro Adoption and Sale

The Bureau of Land Management will be offering nine halter-started wild burros for adoption and sale as part of the Bishop Mule Days celebration from May 25-27, at the Tri-County Fairgrounds, 1234 Sierra St. Stop by Friday, May 25, from noon to 4 p.m., to preview the gelded jacks and jennies gathered from the Johnnie Herd Management Area northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, which are available to good homes. BLM California staff will participate in the Mule Days parade on Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m. After the parade, animals available for adoption and direct sale will be on display until the competitive bid adoption at 3 p.m. Any burros still available after the adoption will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis until 6 p.m., then again Sunday, May 27, between 8 to 10 a.m. (BLM news release)

June 13: BLM Seeks Comment on Case Mountain Vegetation and Forest Health Plan

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is seeking public comment on the vegetation and forest health plan environmental assessment and the unsigned finding of no significant impact for the giant sequoia groves on Case Mountain, southeast of Three Rivers, Tulare County. The 30-day public comment period will close June 13. (BLM news release)

WILDLIFE QUESTION OF THE WEEK ANSWER
In honor of World Migratory Bird Day on May 12: Seabirds are a vital part of marine ecosystems and are valuable indicators for ecosystem health. Most of the 312 species of seabirds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and some are endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. (NOAA Fisheries)

Related: World Migratory Bird Day, an Annual Global Celebration (worldmigratorybirdday.org)

News.Bytes is a publication of the Bureau of Land Management California.

Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way, Suite W1623
Sacramento, Ca 95825
(916) 978-4600
www.blm.gov/california


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