King Range National Conservation Area
ISSUE 862 - July 18, 2019
Happy Birthday, BLM
Headlines and Highlights
Wildland Fire
BLM Turns 73
The Bureau of Land Management was created 73 years ago this week through the merging of the General Land Office or GLO and the U.S. Grazing Service. Although the BLM was established on July 16, 1946, its roots go back to the years after America's independence, when the young nation began acquiring additional lands. At first, these lands were used to encourage homesteading and westward migration, supported by the GLO. Over time, values and attitudes regarding public lands shifted, and Congress merged the GLO and the U.S. Grazing Service, creating the BLM. (BLM California Facebook)
8 Things You Didn't Know About the Bureau of Land Management
One of nine bureaus under the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management's roots go back to America's founding. BLM was established on July 16, 1946, when the General Land Office and the U.S. Grazing Service were merged. More than 70 years later, it remains a small agency with a big job -- managing public lands for multiple-uses like recreation and natural resource development for the benefit of present and future generations. Check out these interesting facts about the current responsibilities and duties of BLM. (BLM California Facebook)
Your Public Lands in California
Public lands in the Golden State offer a sense of adventure for the outdoor enthusiast, offering rivers, trails, campgrounds, off-road open areas and more. The experiences are as varied as the landscapes. Spectacular scenery can be found among scenic vistas, such as the foggy bluffs of the King Range National Conservation Area, in the ancient redwood forest of the Headwaters Forest Reserve, in the geological formations of the Alabama Hills, the valley of golden flowers in the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the wind sculpted sand dunes in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. You will also find wilderness areas, national scenic and historic trails, national wild and scenic rivers, wildlife viewing areas, off-road opportunities and even a lighthouse or two to explore and learn about California's history. Your BLM adventure starts here! (BLM California Facebook video)
Be sure to follow #MyPublicLandsSummer on social media!
Over the summer, follow along as we highlight opportunities for #BLMAdventures
on your public lands across the nation.
BLM Seeks Public Comment on US Gypsum Mine Expansion Project
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed expansion of the US Gypsum Mine and associated water lines in Imperial County. The proposed project supports the Administration's goals of strengthening local economies and creating local jobs. The public is invited to an open house meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 350 Smoketree Drive, El Centro, CA 92243. During the meeting, participants can learn more about the project, ask questions about the environmental analysis and decision process, discuss concerns, and provide written comments. Public comment on the draft supplemental EIS must be submitted to BLM by September 3. (BLM news release)
BLM Seeks Public Input on Proposed Communications Site in San Bernardino County
The Bureau of Land Management Needles Field Office is seeking input on an environmental assessment for a proposed communications site in San Bernardino County, approximately 10 miles north of Needles near Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 95. The public comment period, which begins today, will close on August 2. InterConnect Towers, LLC has submitted several proposals for communication sites located on lands managed by the Needles Field Office. So far three of these proposals have been approved. Each site consists of a 196-foot-tall lattice signal tower; a single multiple-room building capable of holding up to five communications vendors; up to three 1,000-gallon propane tanks; and two 35-kW generators situated on a 50-foot concrete pad. (BLM news release)
Public Land Mining Claim Fees and Waivers are Due to BLM by September 3
The Bureau of Land Management reminds claimants who wish to retain their existing mining claims on federal public lands through the 2020 assessment year to pay a maintenance fee or file a Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification (Small Miner's Waiver) on or before Tuesday, September 3, to prevent the mining claim from being declared forfeit and void. (BLM news release)
Campfire Permit
Campfire permits are required for open fires, such as campfire, barbecues and portable stoves on federally managed lands and private lands that are the property of another person. On private lands, written permission from the landowner is also required for campfire use. Get your California Campfire Permit quickly and easily online! (readyforwildfire.org)
Visit the BLM California fire restrictions website for more information about current fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands.
Follow wildland fire incident information and updates
via InciWeb and CAL FIRE.
The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office issued seasonal fire restrictions for BLM-managed public lands in the Eastern Sierra effective Monday, July 1, due to increased wildland fire danger in the region. The restrictions will remain in effect until November 1, or until wildland fire conditions on public lands in the region improve. (BLM news release)
BLM Bakersfield Field Office Increases Fire Restrictions
The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office increased fire restrictions for BLM-managed public lands effective Monday, July 1, due to high wildland fire danger. The additional restriction includes no campfires, barbeques, or open fires, regardless if you are in a developed campground, other than portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel with a valid California campfire permit, available free at all BLM, Forest Service and Cal Fire offices or at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits. The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions are in eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties; as well as the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Keysville Special Recreation Management Area, Lake Isabella and San Joaquin River Gorge. (BLM news release)
The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office initiated fire restrictions, effective July 1, for BLM-managed public lands in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties, due to wildland fire danger. (BLM news release)
The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily closing public lands in and near Whitewater Canyon, Riverside County, due to the potential threat of wildfire. This public safety closure started Monday, July 1, and will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM news release)
The Bureau of Land Management implemented fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Redding Field Office in Shasta, Siskiyou, Butte, Trinity and Tehama counties, beginning Monday, July 1. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM news release)
BLM Announces Fire Restrictions for Lands Managed by Arcata Field Office
The Bureau of Land Management implemented fire restrictions for public lands managed by its Arcata Field Office in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties, beginning Monday, July 1. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. (BLM news release)
The Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office initiated fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne and Yuba counties, effective June 14, due to wildland fire danger. (BLM news release)
BLM Central Coast Field Office Initiates Seasonal Fire Restrictions
The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is initiated fire restrictions, effective June 10, for BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, due to wildland fire danger. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts the likelihood for large wildland fires will be above normal this summer. An unusually wet winter has produced an abundant grass crop, which has already cured or dried out. These heavy fuel loads have a high potential for creating extreme wildland fire behavior. (BLM news release)
BLM Bakersfield Field Office Issues Fire Restrictions
The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office issued fire restrictions for BLM-managed public lands effective May 20, due to potential wildland fire danger. The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions are in eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties. Fire restrictions will also affect BLM-managed recreational areas including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers. (BLM news release)
The Bureau of Land Management initiated stage II and III fire restrictions as of April 10 for BLM-managed public lands within Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Mono and San Diego counties. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Stage II and III fire restrictions address the use of campfires, controlled flame devices and smoking on public lands. (BLM news release)
Be #WildfireWeatherAWARE
It's that time of year again and we need to get ready for wildfire. This includes things like clearing leaves off the roof and out of the gutters, clearing vegetation and combustible materials around your home and preparing or reviewing your evacuation plan. This spring and summer, learn more by following the #WildfireWeatherAWARE campaign with the Bureau of Land Management, CAL FIRE, U.S. National Weather Service, Forest Service and California Fire Safe Council. (BLM California Facebook)
Related: Ready for Wildfire (readyforwildfire.org)
Since 1944, ________________ has taught millions of Americans just like you about their role in preventing wildfires. 75 years later, in 2019, ______ is celebrating a milestone birthday.
Keep scrolling to find out!
Summer: Bus Shuttle Service to Begin on Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Summer bus shuttle service on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail begins Saturday, June 1, and will continue every Saturday through the summer season. The service is a partnership of the Bureau of Land Management and Lassen Rural Bus. On Saturdays, the bus picks up passengers at 8:30 a.m. at the Historic Susanville Railroad Depot, 601 Richmond Rd., and makes stops at Devil's Corral, Fredonyer Summit and Westwood. This allows hikers and mountain bike riders to use the trail for return trips to Susanville. Depending on the stop, the return trips are 7, 18 and 30 miles. The BLM shuttles bicycles in a specially-designed trailer. Participants should arrive early to allow time for bike loading. There are separate fees for the bike shuttle and bus service. (BLM news release)
Now - December 2019: Fueling the Boom, Chinese Woodcutters in the Great Basin 1870-1920
The Nevada State Museum in Carson City is hosting a new exhibit featuring historical/ archaeological artifacts and photographs about Chinese woodcutting camps from Bodie Hills. The exhibit will highlight the significance of the woodcutting community near Chinese Camp (Aurora), shedding light on the little-known history of the Chinese woodcutters who lived there and felled pinyon pines to supply charcoal and firewood to the mining camps of Bodie and Aurora from 1875 to 1915. (Nevada State Museum website)
Now - July 28: California State Fair
Every year the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Indian Affairs and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire collaborate to bring visitors of the California State Fair a fun, educational and interactive fire safety exhibit called "Camp Smokey." Children are encouraged to pick up a passport at the beginning of the camp. With passport in hand, visitors travel between displays collecting stamps. Each location provides fire safety messages or gives insight into how to maintain healthy forests. (California State Fair website)
July 20, 21 and August 1: BLM Opens New Trail, Announces Events, to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Headwaters Forest Reserve
Public events in July and August mark the 20th anniversary of establishment of the Headwaters Forest Reserve. Free events include opening of a new hiking trail, a short film premiere, a guided walk and a writing workshop. On Saturday, July 20, the BLM Arcata Field Office and Friends of Headwaters will officially open the South Side Trail, a 1.6-mile trail open only to hikers on the north side of the Reserve. The new trail intersects the existing Elk River Trail, a shared-use route open to hikers, dog walkers and bicyclists. (BLM news release)
Other special events include:
-- Nature Writing Workshop, Sunday, July 21
-- Native Plant Walk, Thursday, Aug. 1.
August 2 and 3: Celebrating Dark Skies
Free public events celebrating the dark skies of northeastern California and northwestern Nevada will be held August 2-3 in a partnership involving the Bureau of Land Management, Friends of Nevada Wilderness and Cedarville businesses. (BLM California Facebook)
August 2, 3 and 4: 2nd Annual Wild Horse Walkabout
Save the date! The public is invited to the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area near Susanville, CA. Attendees will spend the two nights out on the range to learn about how the BLM monitors rangeland and herd health from a BLM wild horse and burro specialist. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn more about how BLM manages wild horses and burros. (BLM California Facebook)
September 28 and November 11: BLM Announces Upcoming Fee-Free Days on Public Lands in 2019
The summer travel season gets under way in June with Great Outdoors Month. To encourage visitation to America's public lands, the Bureau of Land Management will waive recreation-related fees for visitors to agency-managed public lands on three additional dates through the remainder of 2019: September 28 (National Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day). BLM-managed public lands offer a wide array of recreational opportunities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, whitewater rafting, off-highway vehicle driving, rock climbing, and more. Americans make approximately 67 million visits annually to BLM-managed lands, supporting approximately 48,000 jobs nationwide and contributing almost $7 billion to the U.S. economy. (BLM news release)
First Saturday of Every Month: Living History at Trinidad Head Lighthouse
BLM Park Ranger Julie Clark plays Josephine Harrington for Trinidad School students at Trinidad Head Lighthouse. Josephine lived with her husband, Captain Fred Harrington the lighthouse keeper, at the Trinidad Head Lighthouse for 28 years. Julie has been performing this living history piece to bring the past to life since the BLM acquired the lighthouse in 2014. Now part of the California Coastal National Monument, the Trinidad Head Lighthouse is open to the public the first Saturday of every month (year-round). Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. thanks to docents from the Trinidad Museum Society.
Contact the Arcata Field Office for details, (707) 825-2300.
Ongoing: Bring Home a Wild Horse or Burro
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program is excited to announce nearly 70 events this year as part of BLM's efforts to find good homes for our nation's wild horses and burros. Known for their intelligence, endurance and loyalty, wild horses and burros, with the right training, are outstanding for trail riding, packing, working and have successfully competed for awards in numerous fields from endurance riding to dressage. With more than 81,000 wild horses and burros on BLM-managed public lands, these wild icons of our American history need your help more than ever. Without any natural predators that can control population growth, wild horse and burro herds grow rapidly on the range and can quickly overcome the land's ability to support them. The BLM works to maintain healthy wild herds by gathering excess animals and placing them into good homes. (BLM website)
Related: Adoption Incentive Program (BLM website)
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans just like you about their role in preventing wildfires. Seventy-five years later, in 2019, Smokey is celebrating a milestone birthday. (smokeybear75th.org)