News.bytes issue 533 - BLM California

http://ptusss.blogspot.com/2012/05/western-great-basin-federal-highway.html
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: BLM CA Newsbytes <reply-183567@elabs10.com>
Date: Thu, 31 May 2012 14:49:30 -0700
Subject: News.bytes issue 533 - BLM California
To: guyperea@gmail.com

News.bytes
A publication of Bureau of Land Management in California

Issue 533 - 5/31/12 - Visit us on Facebook -- follow us on Twitter -
Share us with friends and colleagues!

THIS WEEK IN NEWS.BYTES:
- Cute burros!
- America's Great Outdoors
- America's Great Outdoors: Fort Ord National Monument
- America's Great Outdoors: On the water
- Get Outdoors tip of the week
- Wildfires and prevention
- Wild horses and burros
- Kenna's Corner: BLM State Director speaks on the BLM and conservation
- Not for educators only: Wildlife trivia question of the week
- Renewable energy
- Headlines and highlights: Assorted topics from your public lands in California
- Selected upcoming events
- National and Department of the Interior items

If this message does not show up properly in your email, see it online at:
www.blm.gov/ca/news/newsbytes/2012/533.html


CUTE BURROS!
That's right, they've got cuteness --and they're not afraid to use it.
And neither are we! We're trying to get some attention here. So visit
us on Facebook and hit "Like" on your favorite burro or burros!


http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,m8u3,29a5,283f,37zd

AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS

"BLM honors volunteers with 2012 'Making a Difference' National
Awards" (BLM, 5/24/12)
This year's prestigious "Making a Difference" National Volunteer
Awards -- for outstanding volunteer service or volunteer leadership on
BLM-managed lands -- included three California winners among four
individuals, three couples, one group, and one BLM employee. The
winners were selected for their exceptional contributions to
conservation and management on public lands. A national panel of BLM
specialists and partner representatives selected the award winners
from a record number of nominees submitted by BLM state offices.
www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/NR_05_24_2012.html

RELATED: "Volunteer winners" (BLM)
Profiles of the winners of the "Making a Difference" awards --
including California winners East High School (working with the BLM's
Arcata field office); Bill Baker (working with the Santa Rosa and San
Jacinto Mountains National Monument) and winning BLM employee Martha
"Marty" Dickes with the BLM's Ridgecrest field office.
www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/NR_05_24_2011A.html

RELATED: "Fortuna's East High School receives national BLM
recognition" (BLM, 5/30/12)
Students from East High School in Fortuna have received national
recognition for their volunteer work at the Headwaters Forest Reserve
on California's North Coast.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/NC1267_easthighaward.html

"Kenna visits BLM Eastern Sierra, drops in on Mule Days" (News.bytes Extra)
BLM California State Director Jim Kenna visited sights in the Eastern
Sierra from Bridgeport to Lone Pine and participated in Mule Days in
Bishop last week. Kenna visited with a local fire crew and a
representative of the Marine Corps training facility, toured a
geothermal facility and met with BLM Bishop Field Office employees.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2012/533xtra_kenna_bifo_muledays.html

RELATED: "General Land Office anniversary commemorated at Mule Days"
(News.bytes Extra)
Mule Days also gave children and adults a chance to learn about the
General Land Office, as the BLM commemorated its anniversary and the
150th anniversary of the Homestead Act, which was administered by the
GLO and the BLM.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2012/533xtra_glo_muledays.html

"Redding BLM, partners are getting children outside" (News.bytes Extra)
Offer grade school pupils the chance to study aquatic macro
invertebrates, and you probably won't generate howls of excitement.
Give those same children a chance to get outside near a creek, and
you'll probably light up some faces-- and set them up to learn about
their environment. That was the idea behind a partnership involving
the BLM Redding Field Office, French Gulch School and the Western
Shasta Resource Conservation District that connects kids with the
outdoors...
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2012/533xtra_ago_french_gulch_school.html

"Big Sunday group sponsors Girl Scouts trail restoration" (News.bytes Extra)
Coachella Valley Girl Scouts and their parents restored a trail
shortcut in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National
Monument. The project was on a popular loop trail near the National
Monument Visitor Center. The objective was to reduce erosion to an
interesting linear wash feature.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2012/533xtra_girlscouts_srsjmnm.html

"America's Great Outdoors: Salazar, Jarvis announce designation of 54
new national recreation trails" (Department of Interior, 5/31/12)
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director of the National
Park Service Jonathan B. Jarvis announced the designation of 54 trails
as national recreation trails -- including two in California -- adding
almost 1,400 miles of trails to the National Trails System. Spanning
23 states, the land and water trails provide opportunities for
communities to connect to the great outdoors.
www.ca.blm.gov/jgkd

"Get Outside - What will you do today?" (National Wildlife Federation)
Includes links to "Nature Find," an interactive map to search for
parks, outdoor spaces and events in your area - A guide to "help
parents overcome obstacles to getting kids outdoors" - The Great
American Backyard Campout (June 23) and more.
www.nwf.org/Get-Outside.aspx

RELATED: "The Dirt on Dirt: How getting dirty outdoors benefits kids"
(National Wildlife Federation, April, 2012)
"Only two decades ago, kids made forts with sticks and mud, waded up
to their knees in streams. How many do that now? .... Dirt and germs
can actually be good for kids." PDF file:
www.nwf.org/~/media/PDFs/Be%20Out%20There/Dirt_Report_2012.ashx


AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS: Fort Ord National Monument

"Miles of scenic trails at Monterey County's Fort Ord" (San Francisco
Chronicle, 5/30/12)
"This is a paradise for hikers, with 86 miles of trails through a
native landscape ranging from streams to coastal scrub to thick woods
to the classic California golden grassy hills studded with billowing
oak trees, all framed by views that go on forever. Many of the trails
are especially well suited for mountain biking and horseback riding. A
couple of special treats: Fort Ord entry and parking are free, and
dogs are allowed off-leash except in posted sheep-grazing areas." With
15 photos.
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/05/30/central_coasting_fort_ord.DTL

"Sheepherders, border collies run the show at Sheep Appreciation Day
on Fort Ord" (Monterey County Herald, 5/29/12)
"A small pack of border collies ... seemed eager to show off their
skills for a fascinated crowd of about 80 spectators" at the Fort Ord
National Monument last weekend -- moving 1,400 sheep "with startling
efficiency." The event, called Sheep Appreciation Day, was staged by
Bureau of Land Management botanist and Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado."
The sheeps' job is to graze on Fort Ord lands for five months a year,
"effectively ridding the land of non-native foliage while trimming the
native plants to a healthy length."
www.montereyherald.com/ci_20721086/sheepherders-border-collies-run-show-at-sheep-appreciation

"Volunteers needed to patrol Fort Ord bike trails" (KION TV Monterey, 5/29/12)
"Tom McKay's come pretty close to walking up and down every one of the
83 trails on Fort Ord's public land. He's a volunteer patrolman for
the Bicycle Equestrian Trails Assistance, or BETA" that helps the BLM
with "trail etiquette" to make sure horseback riders, bikers, and
hikers "get along on the trails." The group is looking for more
members as "eyes and ears out on the trails."
www.kionrightnow.com/story/18650657/patrollers-needed-for-fort-ord-bike-trails

RELATED: "Join BETA" (Bicycle Equestrian Trails Assistance)
We welcome enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy hiking, biking, and
horseback riding on the many miles of trails" at Fort Ord. BETA
members also take First Aid and CPR training, to help those on the
Fort Ord trails.
www.ftordbeta.org/join/index.html

"Fort Ord National Monument" (BLM Hollister Field Office)
On April 20, 2012, President Obama signed a Proclamation to designate
the Fort Ord National Monument, which holds some of the last
undeveloped natural wildlands on the Monterey Peninsula.
www.blm.gov/pgdata/content/ca/en/fo/hollister/fort_ord/index.html


AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS: On the water

"Rafting season in full flow" (Union Democrat, 5/24/12)
"Rafting season will likely be shorter than normal on most California
rivers due to less-than-expected snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, but
water levels are excellent for the time being .... Rafting tours have
been running nearly every day on the Merced and Stanislaus rivers for
the past month. "
www.uniondemocrat.com/News/Local-News/Rafting-season-in-full-flow

"River recreation" (BLM California)
Rivers that cross BLM California lands offer a variety of recreation
-- from whitewater runs for experienced users only, to stretches
suitable for canoe trips, fly fishing and wildlife viewing. Be sure to
note the river safety tips.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/recreation/rivers.html

"SYRCL to help parks department manage river" (Nevada City Union, 5/30/12)
"A local environmental nonprofit will attempt to help park officials
manage the South Yuba River State Park in times of extreme budget
constraints for the state government. The executive director of the
South Yuba River Citizens League said, "As advocates for the
preservation of the river, the River Ambassador program is one-way
that SYRCL volunteers can partner with State Parks and the Bureau of
Land Management to maintain the river's natural beauty."
www.theunion.com/article/20120530/BREAKINGNEWS/120539983/1053

RELATED: "South Yuba River" (BLM Mother Lode Field Office)
The South Yuba River combines history, scenic beauty, and whitewater
excitement. This Gold Country river flashes and dances through an
intricate minefield of boulders on its downstream journey.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/yuba.html

"Effort escalates to halt mussels' spread in North Coast lakes" (Santa
Rosa Press Democrat, 5/28/12)
"The effort to prevent an invasive species of mussels from getting
into Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino, which could result in the lakes
being closed to all recreation, began this weekend with an educational
campaign aimed at boaters."
www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120527/ARTICLES/205281006/1033/

RELATED: "Quagga mussels' spread creates quandary" (Las Vegas
Review-Journal, 5/28/12)
Quagga mussels were first discovered in Lake Mead five years ago, and
now number in the "hundreds of trillions." .... If boaters aren't
careful, they could wind up taking quaggas home with them and never
know they are doing it .... The real threat is the babies, also known
as veligers. Invisible but plentiful, they could - and likely do -
exist in even the smallest puddles of lake water." The key thing to
know, says a researcher, is "Don't bring Lake Mead water home or to
another lake, river or stream."
www.lvrj.com/news/quagga-mussels-spread-creates-quandary-154984825.html

RELATED: "Efforts to prevent spread of quagga mussels work" (San
Francisco Chronicle, 5/6/12)
"An unspoken alliance between boaters and local agencies is crushing
the biggest threat ever faced at recreation lakes in Northern
California. In four years since invasive quagga and zebra mussels
showed up in San Benito County in central California, volunteer and
mandatory programs have kept the mussel confined to points south.
Vigilance by boat owners and inspection programs by local agencies at
key lakes have stopped the invasion."
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/06/SPCK1OD535.DTL


GET OUTDOORS TIP OF THE WEEK...
...Celebrate National Trails Day June 2, with outings to these
BLM-managed areas:

June 2 - Guided hike - King Range National Conservation Area
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/king_range_guided.html

June 2 - Bizz Johnson Trail bus shuttle service begins
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/bjt_shuttles_2012.html

"National Trails Day events" (American Hiking Society)
Saturday, June 2, 2012 is a day to "participate in a local hike, dog
walk, cycling event, horseback ride, trail maintenance project, paddle
trip, health fair, geocaching activity, photo safari, birdwatching
expedition, and more." Click on the map to find events near you.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,cv60,c7o4,283f,37zd


KENNA'S CORNER
BLM California's State Director Jim Kenna offers some background on
conservation and the BLM, not just as a history lesson, but "to talk
about the American concept of conservation, and how it is so
intrinsically tied to who we are as a people." (This YouTube video
selection was edited from his Oath of Office ceremony earlier this
year.)
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,2vk7,23xf,283f,37zd


NOT for EDUCATORS ONLY:
western diamondback rattlesnake
WILDLIFE TRIVIA QUESTION of the WEEK:
Western diamondback rattlesnakes…
(a.) …are the most poisonous snakes in California.
(b.) …are the largest rattlesnakes in California.
(c.) ...do not have any known predators.
(d.) …are more active in hot weather, when their mammal prey is more sluggish.
(e.) …gave us noted cardshark Diamond "Slim Jim" Indio Fats, whose
star faded as his sport of choice migrated online -- and he found that
although he could track and capture just about any California pocket
mouse, he was unable to handle the logistics of a simple computer
mouse.
See answer -- and more wildlife stories -- near the end of this News.bytes.


RENEWABLE ENERGY

"BLM announces the availability of draft environmental document for
proposed McCoy Solar Energy Project Near Blythe" (BLM, 5/29/12)
The McCoy Solar Energy Plant in Riverside County would be a
photovoltaic solar facility that could generate up to 750 megawatts of
power with ancillary facilities including a generation-tie line,
access road and switch yard. The precise generation capacity will
depend on the technology selected and efficiencies available at the
time of a rights-of-way authorization. The MSEP would require
approximately 7,700 acres of public lands. The solar power plant area
itself would require about 4,893 acres.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/CDD1250_mccoy_deis.html

"BLM announces public meetings for Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area Near
Ridgecrest" (BLM, 5/29/12)
The HGLA consists of an estimated 22,805 acres of BLM-administered
public lands; this area also includes the area subject to three
pending geothermal lease applications for approximately 4,500 acres of
BLM-administered public lands. The Draft Environmental Impact
Statement analyzes the potential environmental, social, and economic
effects of several alternatives and issues raised during the public
scoping process.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/CDD1251_haiweemtgs.html

"Report details NextEra solar plant's impact" (Palm Springs Desert Sun, 5/29/12)
"The Bureau of Land Management has released the draft environmental
impact report for NextEra Energy's McCoy solar project, to be on
public land 13 miles northwest of Blythe. The release of the draft
begins a 90-day public comment period that will end Aug. 23. The BLM
will hold two public meetings — still to be scheduled — during this
time to allow residents and groups to provide input on the report."
www.mydesert.com/article/20120529/BUSINESS/205290316/Report-details-NextEra-solar-plant-s-impact

"Wind farms considering detection systems to prevent bird deaths" (Los
Angeles Times, 5/28/12)
"Adding bird detection systems could protect wind farms from
litigation in case of deaths of threatened species."
www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-condor-radar2-20120528,0,2831784.story

"New lawsuit against Ocotillo Express filed" (Imperial Valley Press, 5/26/12)
One lawsuit against "an approved a 112-wind-turbine project set to be
built east of Ocotillo ... comes just days after a federal court in
San Diego denied a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by
the Quechan Indian Tribe. The tribe is still pursuing a full
injunction in court ....The Ocotillo Express LLC Wind Energy Project
was approved by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors last month
and recently received the Bureau of Land Management's right-of-way for
construction. "
www.ivpressonline.com/news/ivp-new-lawsuit-against-ocotillo-express-filed-20120526,0,6059227.story

"Third Lawsuit Filed Over Ocotillo Express Wind" (East County Magazine, 5/27/12)
This lawsuit against the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and
Pattern Energy, to stop construction of the project, alleges "that
Supervisors' approval violated the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and that the Final Environmental Impact Report failed to
analyze off-site or distributed generation alternatives such as
rooftop solar."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,fb7g,32q,283f,37zd

"Assessment of Tecopa Road solar project released" (Pahrump Valley
Times, 5/30/12)
"preliminary staff assessment" reporst that the Hidden Hills solar
project "could comply with applicable laws and regulations if
mitigation measures were implemented." BrightSource Energy plans a
500-megawatt solar power plant "on 3,200 acres of private property on
the California side of the border" about nine miles south of Pahrump."
The project would be on private land "and thus doesn't have to acquire
permits from the BLM, except for a planned transmission line" to
connect with the California grid."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,7f2e,6qhc,283f,37zd

"530-mi. power-line plan stirring up rural passions" (Arizona Daily
Star, 5/29/12)
"A proposed power-line system to deliver renewable energy across the
Southwest could disturb habitat for sensitive species, harm more than
300 cultural sites, damage scenic views and increase fire risk while
it's being built, a new federal environmental report says. But the
Bureau of Land Management report also says that many of these impacts
could be eased or otherwise mitigated by careful planning." The SunZia
line would run across "seven New Mexico counties and four Arizona
counties."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,1d3m,6cvc,283f,37zd


TRADITIONAL ENERGY

"Seeking disclosure on fracking" (New York Times, 5/30/12)
"As the controversial oil and gas drilling practice known as hydraulic
fracturing continues to spread, governments around the world are
grappling with how to regulate it. What should happen to the waste...?
What taxes should oil and natural gas companies pay? What about
earthquakes and air pollution? One regulatory trend is becoming
well-established: requirements that drilling companies disclose
information about the chemicals used in fracking," including bills in
several states, and proposed Department of Interior regulations.
www.nytimes.com/2012/05/31/business/energy-environment/seeking-disclosure-on-fracking.html

"California Senate rejects 'fracking' legislation" (Los Angeles Times, 5/30/12)
The California Senate rejected a bill to require "energy firms to
notify property owners before using hydraulic fracturing to tap oil
deposits on or near their land. The legislation, SB 1054, was pushed
... as the first step toward collecting information and increasing
awareness about a controversial extraction technique that state
regulators are only now beginning to tackle. Currently, California
does not require oil companies to disclose where they use the
procedure or what chemicals they inject into the ground. Other states
have imposed moratoriums and drawn up rules after toxic chemicals were
discovered in drinking water near 'fracking' operations.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,k9xh,j1uc,283f,37zd

"House Cmte examines domestic regulation of 'fracking'" (C-Span, 5/31/12)
The House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Technology,
Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform
will "focus specifically on the oil and gas drilling technique known
as hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking,' which has seen a recent boom
in Pennsylvania and other parts areas east of the Mississippi."
Scheduled witnesses include BLM Acting Director Mike Pool.
www.c-span.org/Events/House-Cmte-Examines-Domestic-Regulation-of-Fracking/10737431127/

"Fracking's interstate pollution needs U.S. rules, scientist says"
(Bloomberg Business, 5/31/12)
"Air and water pollution from natural gas and oil production using
hydraulic fracturing moves across state lines, so the drilling should
be regulated by the federal government, a Cornell University scientist
said."
www.businessweek.com/news/2012-05-31/fracking-s-interstate-pollution-needs-u-dot-s-dot-rules-scientist-says

"Agency promotes global shale gas standards" (Houston Chronicle, 5/29/12)
The International Energy Agency called for "global standards on shale
gas production to mitigate environmental effects and stem public
opposition. The independent organization said the world is on the cusp
of a "golden age of gas" that could be hampered by environmental and
health concerns fueled by rapid expansion of the fossil fuel's
production .... concerns about air and water pollution have followed
the industry globally, leading to effective bans on shale gas
production in some places."
www.chron.com/business/article/Agency-promotes-global-shale-gas-standards-3594099.php



WILD HORSES AND BURROS

"Horses, burros find new homes in Santa Rosa area" (News.bytes Extra)
Residents of the Santa Rosa area provided new homes for 14 horses and
five burros, when the BLM brought its Wild Horse and Burro Adoption
Program to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 19.
The BLM's next California adoption opportunity is June 9 and 10 at the
Clovis Rodeo Grounds.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2012/533xtra_whb_adoption_santarosa.html

"BLM offering wild horses and burros for adoption in Clovis" (BLM, 5/23/12)
Wild horses from northwest Nevada ranges and wild burros from
northeast California public lands will be available for adoption
Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds in
Clovis. The U. S. Bureau of Land Management will offer 30 mustangs
ranging in age from 1 to 4, and 10 burros of all ages, in the event
that runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Anyone interested can
preview the animals when they arrive Friday, June 8, at 4 p.m.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/NC1264_cloviswhb.html

"Kids teach wild mustangs to respond to human touch in Placer
County"(Sacramento Bee, 5/30/12)
"As Rose Ellis, 14, gently pulled the sparkly purple hula hoop to the
side, Nike, her yearling mustang, responded flawlessly, moving away
from the pressure and turning her body." The technique "begins to
teach the horse, who just two weeks ago had hardly been touched by
humans, to respond to the contact of reins." Rose is "one of more than
60 kids across the country participating in the Mustang Heritage
Foundation's mustang challenge. They have 120 days to prepare a
year-old horse that had scant human contact to perform a series of
guidance maneuvers. Unlike the adult challenge, which takes place over
90 days, the children, ages 8 to 18, do not ride the horses."
www.sacbee.com/2012/05/30/4524218/mustang-heritage-foundation.html

"Extreme Mustang Makeover - Norco, California" (Extreme Mustang Makeover)
Links to overall final scores and adoption results of the Norco event,
for which trainers had 90 days to train BLM mustangs and compete in a
trail challenge through the hills and streets of Norco. Watch for a
photo feature on the competition in next week's News.bytes.
www.extrememustangmakeover.com/emmcalifornia.php


WILDFIRES AND PREVENTION

"Fire season off to a roaring start" (KQED San Francisco, 5/24/12)
"Get ready for what might be a nasty season for wildfires in
California. Though few have made big news so far, CalFire says that
its crews have already responded to more than 1,000 fires this spring
-- that's double the pace from a year ago and well ahead of the
five-year average." Budget cuts have reduced the number of
firefighters.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,5o62,l10n,283f,37zd

"Fire burns in Temblors southwest of Taft" (Taft Midway Driller, 5/28/12)
"Fire broke out in the Temblor Range southwest of Taft Sunday
afternoon, burning close to 100 acres before it was contained."
Firefighters from Kern County and Bureau of Land Management responded,
and the "the first major brushfire of the season" in the area was
"fully contained at 5 p.m. after burning 93 acres."
www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/x639960549/Fire-burns-in-Temblors-southwest-of-Taft

"BLM announces fire restrictions for lands managed by Redding Field
Office" (BLM, 5/29/12)
The Bureau of Land Management on June 4 will implement fire
restrictions for lands managed by the Redding Field Office in Shasta,
Tehama, Butte, Trinity and Siskiyou counties. The restrictions will
remain in effect until further notice. The restrictions are needed
because of dry fuels and increasing fire danger in the north state
region.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/NC1266_reddingfire.html

"It's time to prepare for wildfire" (East County Magazine, 5/27/12)
"Almost every jurisdiction requires homeowners to clear dry brush from
around a residence; homeowners should check with their local fire
departments for regulations specific to their communities. Creating
defensible space protects a home while providing a safe area for
firefighters."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,95u5,11fm,283f,37zd

"Would-be BLM firefighters must pass pack test - 45 pounds for 3 miles
in 45 minutes" (Magic Valley Times-News Idaho, 5/30/12)
"The BLM hosts the fitness test every year right before the beginning
of fire season. For new recruits, completing the test gives them the
clearance to head to basic fire school, which starts next week .... On
Tuesday, there were three groups of crew members that took turns
walking the course at the College of Southern Idaho. While waiting for
the first group to finish, firefighters cheered on fellow colleagues
and swapped tips on how to complete in time .... fire crews aren't
allowed to run the course." (with video)
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,ilsk,4cop,283f,37zd


HEADLINES and HIGHLIGHTS

"Central California RAC tours Bodie, discusses land issues" (News.bytes Extra)
Members of the BLM's Central California District Resource Advisory
Council saw land management challenges in the Eastern Sierra during a
meeting May 18 and 19 in Bridgeport. Topics included a new OHV area
and sage grouse issues.
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2012/533xtra_cencal_rac_mtng_tour.html

"BLM Resource Advisory Council meets June 13-14 in Cedarville" (BLM, 5/29/12)
Members of the BLM's Northeast California Resource Advisory Council
will discuss wide-ranging natural resource conservation issues. On
June 13, members will tour public lands.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,dypr,4wn2,283f,37zd

"REACH hosts open house" (Imperial Valley Press, 5/26/12)
"The close-knit family of Imperial Valley emergency responders came
together" for an open house "as part of National Emergency Medical
Services Week. Employees from a wide variety of agencies such as El
Centro Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management and West Shores
Ambulance came to the event where friends, family and members of the
public enjoyed food, drinks and downtime together."
www.ivpressonline.com/news/ivp-reach-hosts-open-house-20120526,0,2300756.story

"$2.9M deal gives species safe habitat near Salton Sea" (Palm Springs
Desert Sun, 5/29/12)
"More than 2,100 acres of land along the Santa Rosa Mountains once
owned by timber billionaire and former Coachella Valley resident Tim
Blixseth will now be preserved as open habitat for Peninsular bighorn
sheep and other species." The land "is within the boundaries of the
Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan."
www.mydesert.com/article/20120529/NEWS07/205290312/-2-9M-deal-gives-species-safe-habitat-near-Salton-Sea

RELATED: "Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument" (BLM
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office)
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings/santarosa.html

"Vote may extend suction dredge fight" (Siskiyou Daily News, 5/30/12)
"Votes by two California legislative subcommittees on May 23 could
extend the fight over the practice of suction dredging for gold in the
state's waterways, reversing earlier language that provided a 'sunset
clause' that would end the current dredging moratorium in June, 2016."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,hajs,jg3f,283f,37zd

JOBS
"Current job openings - BLM California" (USAJOBS website)
Currrent listings include IT specialist, recreation technician, and
many temporary positions.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,8qwy,1ci0,283f,37zd


NATIONAL AND DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR ITEMS

"California Trail Center offers glimpse of pioneer experience" (Las
Vegas Review-Journal, 5/27/12)
From 1841 to 1869, when the Transcontinental Railroad was completed,
"more than 250,000 people" in wagon trains carved "deep swales in the
earth that would eventually be called the California Trail." The
California Trail Interpretive Center near Elko, was built to
"commemorate the trail and its importance to America." The Center is
"the result of the hard work and dedication of several Elko groups and
residents." The grand opening is this Saturday.
www.lvrj.com/living/cerca-california-trail-center-offers-glimpse-of-pioneer-experience-154690325.html

RELATED: "Trail Center now a year-round fixture" (Elko Daily Free
Press, 5/29/12)
Exhibits include replica storefronts of Missouri storefronts where the
California Trail started; a diorama with "life-like mannequins"
showing life along the trail; and "interactive video" that tells the
story of the Donner Party (actually the Donner-Reed party) stranded in
the Sierra snow after they took the Hastings Cutoff. "Along with the
chance to see the exhibits inside the center, there will be plenty of
things to do out of doors during California Trail Days."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,52tq,db8n,283f,37zd

RELATED: "Elko Trail Days" (Elko Convention & Visitors Authority)
"California Trail Interpretive Center's Grand Opening and California
Trail Days; June 2 & 3; 10-4; Free! Shoshone crafts - live oxen -
Chautauqua - 1850s trail camp - Gold Rush music - trail shop
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,11o0o,3xn3,4929,2c79,283f,37zd

"Officers clean up pot farm site" (St. George, Utah Spectrum, 5/31/12)
"Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management and the National
Park Service are encouraging residents to be aware of illegal
marijuana farms ... throughout Southern Utah."
www.thespectrum.com/article/20120531/NEWS01/205310329/1002/rss


SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS

June 2 - Guided hike - King Range National Conservation Area
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/king_range_guided.html

June 2 - Bizz Johnson Trail bus shuttle service begins
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/bjt_shuttles_2012.html

June 5 - Public hearing on vehicle, aircraft use in Wild Horse and
Burro Program - Sacramento
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/CASO126_aircraftmtg.html

June 9-10 - Wild horse and burro adoption - Clovis
www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/may/NC1264_cloviswhb.html


WILDLIFE TRIVIA answer and related websites
(b.) …are the largest rattlesnakes in California.

SOURCE: "Western diamondback rattlesnake - Crotalus atrox" (BLM
California wildlife database)
www.blm.gov/ca/forms/wildlife/details.php?metode=serial_number&search=3047

More wildlife news from your public lands (and elsewhere):

"Rattlesnakes in California" (California Department of Fish and Game)
Rattlesnakes "are dangerous if provoked," but provide a service,
eating "rodents, other reptiles, and insects." But "in California
where rattlesnakes are found from sea level to the inland prairies and
desert areas and to the mountains at elevations of more than 10,000
feet, enjoying the outdoors means learning how to avoid contact with
rattlesnakes .... Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when
threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat.
Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally
touched by someone walking or climbing." Includes tips for safety and
what to do if bitten.
www.dfg.ca.gov/news/issues/snake.html

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Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1834
Sacramento, Ca 95825
(916) 978-4600
www.blm.gov/ca/

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