EL CENTRO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management is looking for enthusiastic individuals to reside and work as volunteer campground hosts at two locations in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA).

Join our team as a volunteer camp host and make a positive impact on the community, while immersing yourself in one of California’s most extraordinary landscapes. In this role, you will engage with visitors from all walks of life and help support the BLM’s multiple-use mission.

Located in the eastern Imperial Valley, ISDRA is accessible from Highway 78 in the Glamis area and off Interstate 8 at the Grays Well Road exit. On average, ISDRA receives approximately 1.2 million visitors each year with the majority of visitation occurring between mid October and mid April, which is considered the high use season. ISDRA campground hosts will stay on site during the high use season to serve as public contacts. They also provide assistance when the ranger stations are closed.

The BLM needs a camp host at Glamis on Gecko Road Pad 1, where they can dry camp without hookups for water or electricity. Another available camp host site is adjacent to Buttercup Ranger Station, which offers full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer dump. Inside Buttercup Ranger Station there is a washer and dryer available for use by the camp host.

Interested individuals can fill one of the volunteer camp host positions during the high use season, starting in mid October and lasting through mid April. At both locations the hosts live on site in their self-contained recreational vehicles. The BLM provides camp hosts with a minimum monthly reimbursement of $250 to cover living expenses. The hosts greet visitors and provide information on recreation in ISDRA, including where to purchase permits and rules and regulations for the area. Camp hosts also complete light maintenance at campgrounds and day use areas. Your local knowledge will help visitors navigate the area, recreate safely and enjoy their adventures.

Those interested in the volunteer campground host position should contact the BLM El Centro Field Office, 760-337-4400, or email Roger Rubio at r1rubio@blm.gov.

Learn more about Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area including rules and regulations for the area.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. –  The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office is lifting the emergency closure of the Creek Campground, a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and Canebrake Road in Tulare County.  The closures were in place for public and firefighter safety in relation to the management of the SQF Lightning Complex Fire and are no longer necessary due to the lack of fire progression.  The closures are lifted as of Tues., Aug. 13.  Long Valley Campground and Long Valley Loop road remain closed. 

The SQF Lightning Complex Fire started Tuesday, July 13, and has burned more than 32,000 acres of short grass and brush near the Chimney Peak Recreation Area.  The Trout Fire is 70 percent contained; the Long Fire is 98 percent contained; resources remain on the ground and both fires are being monitored by air.

Public and wildland firefighter safety are the BLM’s highest priority.  Be aware firefighting crews and emergency vehicles remain in the area.  For the latest information on the SQF Lightning Complex Fire, visit InciWeb.