BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual public meeting of the BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on Thursday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The business meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams and will include a public comment period scheduled at 1:30 p.m. The business meeting agenda can be reviewed online.

The RAC will be updated on BLM programs and activities from the BLM Central California District and field offices. In addition, the RAC will receive presentations and make recommendations on fee proposals from the USDA Forest Service in the Inyo National Forest, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Los Padres National Forest.

“We are looking forward to sharing ongoing projects and priorities throughout the district. In addition, we welcome the National Forests and their business plan proposals,” said Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

Meeting participants must register through Microsoft Teams to attend. Upon registering, participants will receive an email including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. Participants may need to download the Teams app if joining via phone prior to the meeting. Here are some tips on how to use Microsoft Teams.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at 1:30 p.m. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Office, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 35126 McMurtrey Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

To learn more about the Central California RAC, visit online. Please contact the BLM for reasonable accommodations to participate. For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.
 

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central California District is hosting virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grants support off-highway vehicle management activities, including visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and monitoring, and maintenance on BLM-managed public lands.

Representatives from each field office will present information on their OHV programs and the development of preliminary grant applications for the upcoming grant cycle.

“The BLM uses grant funds from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to improve off-highway riding and driving opportunities for our communities and visitors,” said BLM Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “We appreciate hearing suggestions from those who enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation on public lands.”

Those who wish to participate can register for the meetings through Zoom. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Anyone interested can participate in the entire meeting, or just the field office sessions that interest them, during the following date and times:

Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Bakersfield Field Office: Public Meeting 4 – 4:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 4:30 – 5 p.m.
• Bishop Field Office: Public Meeting 5 – 5:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 5:30 – 6 p.m.
• Ukiah Field Office: Public Meeting 6 – 6:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 6:30 – 7 p.m.

Grant applications are currently being prepared for the G25 OHMVR Division grant cycle. Public and stakeholder input will help the BLM identify OHV recreation needs for better connectivity, safer solutions for shared trails, greater public access, and more enjoyable experiences.

Preliminary applications must be submitted to the OHMVR Division no later than March 3 and will be available on the OHMVR Division’s website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov for additional public review and comment from March 4 – May 5. The website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments. Participants can submit written comments to the field offices by mail or email:

• BLM Bakersfield Lake Field Office, 35126 McMurtrey Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308, attention Michelle Bem; email: mbem@blm.gov.  

• BLM Bishop Field Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514, attention Brett Holman; email: bholman@blm.gov.

• BLM Ukiah Field Office, 2550 N State St., unit 2, Ukiah, CA 95482, attention Ashley Poggio; email: apoggio@blm.gov.

The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division state program supports off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing funds collected from gas tax, entrance fees and off-highway vehicle registration. For information on the OHV grant program, past grant allocations, program regulations, and more, please visit the website.

The BLM manages off-highway vehicle areas to provide outstanding, sustainable opportunities for recreation on trails designed to minimize impacts on natural resources. The agency works closely with stakeholders and communities in this effort.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central California District is hosting virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grants support off-highway vehicle management activities, including visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and monitoring, and maintenance on BLM-managed public lands.

Representatives from each field office will present information on their OHV programs and the development of preliminary grant applications for the upcoming grant cycle.

“The BLM uses grant funds from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to improve off-highway riding and driving opportunities for our communities and visitors,” said BLM Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “We appreciate hearing suggestions from those who enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation on public lands.”

Those who wish to participate can register for the meetings through Zoom. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Anyone interested can participate in the entire meeting, or just the field office sessions that interest them, during the following date and times:

Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Bakersfield Field Office: Public Meeting 4 – 4:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 4:30 – 5 p.m.
• Bishop Field Office: Public Meeting 5 – 5:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 5:30 – 6 p.m.
• Ukiah Field Office: Public Meeting 6 – 6:30 p.m.; Stakeholder Meeting 6:30 – 7 p.m.

Grant applications are currently being prepared for the G25 OHMVR Division grant cycle. Public and stakeholder input will help the BLM identify OHV recreation needs for better connectivity, safer solutions for shared trails, greater public access, and more enjoyable experiences.

Preliminary applications must be submitted to the OHMVR Division no later than March 3 and will be available on the OHMVR Division’s website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov for additional public review and comment from March 4 – May 5. The website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments. Participants can submit written comments to the field offices by mail or email:

• BLM Bakersfield Lake Field Office, 35126 McMurtrey Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308, attention Michelle Bem; email: mbem@blm.gov.  

• BLM Bishop Field Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514, attention Brett Holman; email: bholman@blm.gov.

• BLM Ukiah Field Office, 2550 N State St., unit 2, Ukiah, CA 95482, attention Ashley Poggio; email: apoggio@blm.gov.

The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division state program supports off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing funds collected from gas tax, entrance fees and off-highway vehicle registration. For information on the OHV grant program, past grant allocations, program regulations, and more, please visit the website.

The BLM manages off-highway vehicle areas to provide outstanding, sustainable opportunities for recreation on trails designed to minimize impacts on natural resources. The agency works closely with stakeholders and communities in this effort.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has selected Gabriel Garcia to serve as the new District Manager for the Central California District. In this position, Garcia will be responsible for roughly 2.2 million acres of BLM-managed public lands stretching from the Pacific coast through the Central Valley across the Sierra Nevada to the California-Nevada border.

The Central California District manages a variety of National Conservation Land Units, including 12 wilderness areas, 33 wilderness study areas, four national monuments, three wild and scenic rivers, two national scenic and historic trails, and the BLM’s only national scenic area, the Alabama Hills. Five BLM field offices and 260 employees oversee these lands across 42 counties.

“I am pleased to welcome Gabe into this new role where his knowledge of public lands, planning, and recreation will be utilized and benefit the communities and stakeholders we serve,” said BLM California State Director Joe Stout.

Garcia brings more than 22 years of experience with the Bureau of Land Management, most recently as the Field Manager of the Bakersfield Field Office, which manages 600,000 acres of public lands spanning eight counties in Central California. While there, Garcia dedicated over a decade working with the oil and gas program throughout the state of California. In addition, he saw the completion of the Bakersfield Resource Management Plan, the expansion of the Piedras Blancas Light Station into the California Coastal National Monument, the completion of Forest Health Projects within the Case Mountain Recreation Area and oversaw multiple major wildfire incidents.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be a steward of such a diverse landscape and spectacular cross-section of California that is enjoyed and utilized in a variety of ways,” says Garcia. “I look forward to supporting the BLM managers, staff and specialists who are fantastic at handling the popularity of our recreation areas, while building partnerships with other agencies and communities. Together we can leverage resources and enhance the work being done on the ground.”

Prior to his position as Bakersfield Field Manager, Garcia served as the Assistant Field Manager for Minerals and as a Planning Coordinator where he oversaw the many facets of the oil and gas program within the field office. Throughout his BLM career, Garcia has worked in various capacities within the planning, oil and gas, and natural resource programs. Garcia’s time as Field Manager has afforded him opportunities to establish and maintain strong partnerships with other agencies, organizations, and the public to manage important public land resources. He looks forward to expanding on these as he moves into his new role as District Manager.

Garcia graduated from Chico State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and holds a master’s degree in business administration from National University. When not in the office, Gabe enjoys family time, traveling, and recreating on public lands. Garcia replaces Chris Heppe, who has taken a position with the BLM California State Office.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will discuss a range of public land management topics in meeting to be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The business meeting includes a public comment period scheduled at 1:45 p.m. The business meeting agenda can be reviewed in advance.

Agenda topics include landscape restoration efforts and fuels reduction efforts at the Mother Lode Field Office. The RAC will also hear project and program updates from the BLM Central California District and field office managers. In addition, the USDA Forest Service will provide presentations and make recommendations on fee proposals for Inyo National Forest.  

“We are looking forward to hearing about the restoration and fuels treatment work being done at various sites within the Mother Lode Field Office, projects throughout the Central California District, as well as projects from the US Forest Service,” said Central Coast District Manager Gabe Garcia. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

Meeting participants must register in advance through Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email, including the meeting link and dial-in numbers.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at 1:45 p.m. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Public Affairs, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 35126 McMurtrey Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.

Donald Trump implored a federal judge in Pennsylvania to toss out the defamation lawsuit filed against him by members of the Central Park Five over comments the president-elect made during last year’s presidential debate, claiming the falsely-accused quintet are portraying his “substantially true” comments out of context.

The 12-page reply motion seeking to have the suit dismissed was filed Wednesday in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and reiterated many of Trump’s previous arguments about the case, mainly, claiming the plaintiffs rely on “misrepresentations of President-elect Trump’s arguments” that could only be defamatory if one were “reviewing the at-issue statements out of context.”

MARINA, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is easing seasonal fire restrictions effective November 19 for approximately 300,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Stanislaus counties, due to reduced wildland fire potential. Recreational target shooting and campfires will once again be allowed on public lands unless otherwise posted. The rescinded fire order can be viewed online.

Motorized access is still restricted at the Panoche Hills Special Recreation Management Area in Fresno and San Benito counties. While allowing recreational activities by non-motorized access, the continued road restriction is required to protect the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard population that lives on the Panoche Hills Plateau are part of a captive breeding program. Please review the closure order that restricts vehicle access at the Panoche Hills Special Recreation Management Area.

“Public land visitors can again use campfires outside of developed campgrounds and posted recreation sites with a valid campfire permit,” said Central Coast Field Manager Zachary Ormsby. “However, we want to remain vigilant and all do our part to prevent wildfires.”

Shooting is strictly prohibited in developed recreation sites and other areas where posted. Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions for Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to avoid shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions. Recreational target shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass, and targets. More information on safe recreational target shooting is available on the BLM website.

The public is reminded to remain cautious to avoid damaging natural resources, signs, or facilities, and are asked to practice good fire safety to help prevent wildland fires when recreating on public lands. Good fire-prevention safety tips include keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. California campfire permits are available free online or at the BLM, U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

For more information on preventing wildfires and additional tips for keeping campfires and target shooting safe, visit ReadyForWildfire.org or call the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200. The field office can also provide additional information on public lands available for target shooting.

The Central California RAC will hold virtual public meetings on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), with a public comment period scheduled for 1:45 p.m. PT; and on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT, with a public comment period scheduled for 12:00 p.m. PT; and an in-person meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. PT, with a public comment period scheduled for 1:45 p.m. PT. A field tour will be held on May 7, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT. The meetings and field tour are open to the public.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is increasing fire restrictions and temporary target shooting limitations for BLM-managed public lands within the Central California District. Increased restrictions are in effect for the Central Coast Field Office, Mother Lode Field Office, and the Ukiah Field Office effective July 24, due to high fire danger. These increased restrictions are in addition to the initial fire restrictions issued by the field offices and the year-round statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.

The additional fire restriction prohibits campfires, barbeques, or open flame of any kind, even if you are in a developed campground. Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jelled petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed both in and outside of a developed campground with a valid California campfire permit, available free at any USDA Forest Service, BLM or CalFire office, as well as online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/.

The BLM’s top priority is always the safety of our staff and recreating public. Please remember to only park legally when using BLM-managed recreation sites. Parking along state routes and county roads can inadvertently cause wildfires and may block access for firefighting engines and emergency vehicles, delaying life-saving services.

This has already been an active wildland fire year with fires occurring close in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threat to public safety. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk, while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe.

The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:

• No campfires, barbeques or open flame of any kind, even in developed campgrounds.
• No target shooting – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Hunters must abide by state of California laws and regulations. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
• No motorized vehicles off BLM designated roads or trails.
• No tools powered by internal combustion engines off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• No explosives.
   

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.

To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires visit www.readyforwildfire.org. Fire restrictions for all California BLM-managed public lands can be found on our website. The latest information is available online or by contacting the Central Coast, Mother Lode, or Ukiah field offices directly.