SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has acquired the Lost Coast Redwoods property from Save the Redwoods League ensuring lasting protections of approximately 4,500 acres along eight miles of California coastline. Conservation of the Lost Coast Redwoods benefits coastal wildlife and future public access. Funded by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Save the Redwoods League, and the State of California’s Wildlife Conservation Board and Coastal Conservancy, the acquisition includes a diverse ecosystem of old- and second-growth redwoods in northern Mendocino County and builds on decades of work that has now protected over 53 miles of the coastline. 

“Putting eight miles of gorgeous coastline and redwood forests into public ownership is a remarkable gift to the public and future generations,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. ”Thanks to our partnership with Save the Redwoods League and the State of California, the Lost Coast Redwoods will now be managed in cooperation with Tribes and protected. We’re grateful to everyone who worked so hard on making this acquisition possible.”   

The future management of the Lost Coast Redwoods is supported by the Lost Coast Redwoods Sustainable Stewardship Endowment established through a $2 million donation from Save the Redwoods League, made possible through the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the official charitable partner of the BLM. The endowment establishes a sustained source of funding available to the BLM for stewardship, public access, tribal engagement and in support of long-term conservation for Lost Coast Redwoods. 

Much of the region was in active timber production since the 1880s. Save the Redwoods League started to purchase portions of the property in 2008 and completed the entire acquisition in December 2021. The League has been actively working on restoration and public access projects on the property for over a decade.  The Bureau looks forward to continuing stewardship of the property with Tribal partners. 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was permanently authorized in 2019. In 2020, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act, providing $900 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund funding annually. Congress allocates this funding to the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and state and local governments. 

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands was chartered by Congress in 2017 and officially formed in 2022. The Foundation operates and raises private funds to help raise awareness, increase access, and inspire stewardship of more than 245 million acres of U.S. public lands and waters. 

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.

ARCATA, Calif.  — The Bureau of Land Management is advising Lost Coast Trail hikers in the King Range National Conservation Area to be vigilant near three active landslide areas north of the Black Sands Beach Trailhead in Shelter Cove, and to consider postponing their hike.

Mud, rock and woody debris have been falling onto the trail in areas between Sea Lion Gulch and Randall Creek, and between Shipman Creek and Gitchell Creek. The slides are most active during and after rainstorms, and beach stretches can be impassable. The largest of these slides spans the entire beach about a half-mile north of the Black Sands Beach trailhead in an area popular for day hikes.

“In some areas the slides can block narrow stretches of beach,” said BLM Arcata Field Manager Collin Ewing.  “Hikers should consider whether to proceed with their trip. If proceeding, they should assess conditions in slide areas and avoid the temptation to cross the landslides.”

Ewing stressed the importance of contacting the King Range Visitor Center, 707-986-5400, for information on trail conditions, tides, and creek levels before heading out.

The Lost Coast Trail is one of the few coastal hiking trails in the nation. There are no fees or permits required for day hiking, but overnight trips require permits available through www.recreation.gov.

The King Range also offers 80 miles of upland trails. Most are strenuous hikes due to the rugged nature of the King Range. Descriptions and conditions are available in the roads and trails report.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management California Desert District has selected Brandon Anderson to serve as the field manager for the Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office. In his role, Anderson oversees the management of about 1.7-million acres of public lands in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Anderson started his position on July 15.

“Brandon brings a wealth of experience to the role and has an exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships with stakeholders, local communities, and fellow land managers,” said Shelly Lynch, California Desert District Manager. “We are thrilled to have Brandon lead this field office and his unwavering dedication to public lands makes him an invaluable asset to our team.”

Anderson started his career with the BLM in 2009 as a realty specialist intern for the California State Office, while finishing his degree in finance, real estate, and land use at California State University, Sacramento. He spent five years as a realty specialist working on complex actions such as renewable energy and was a member of the first Roads to Realty cohort that trained new realty specialists in the BLM. After graduating with his master’s degree in urban land development and public policy in 2014, he became a realty specialist and project manager in the Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office.

Anderson most recently spent five years as the BLM California Desert District’s project support assistant district manager, leading the team responsible for managing renewable energy projects across the roughly 11 million acres of public lands managed by the District. During his tenure, he and his team permitted more than 2500 megawatts of renewable energy and pioneered implementation of the first projects covered under the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan.

“I am incredibly grateful to have this opportunity and will work hard to uphold my obligations to the community and team I serve,” said Anderson.

Anderson and his wife are long term residents of the Coachella Valley. Together, they enjoy exploring public lands, including Anderson’s personal favorite places of Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, Sand to Snow National Monument, and the California Coastal National Monument. In his personal time, Anderson enjoys finding solitude among the ancient oaks in the Beauty Mountain Wilderness or the twisted slot canyons in the Mecca Hills Wilderness. Anderson has two pups, Huckleberry and Finnegan.
 

MARINA, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is lifting its seasonal fire restrictions on December 4 for approximately 300,000 acres of public land due to reduced wildland fire potential. The easing of seasonal fire restrictions applies to public lands in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Stanislaus counties. Recreational target shooting and campfires will once again be allowed on public lands with a valid campfire permit, unless otherwise posted. The rescinded fire order can be viewed at the BLM website.

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 lizards as they are released into restored habitat, prevent destruction of plant and wildlife habitat, and protect and preserve ongoing scientific studies. 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,” said Central Coast Field Manager Zachary Ormsby. “However, we want to remain vigilant, and all do our part to prevent wildfires and promote ongoing scientific restoration efforts.” 

Visitors are responsible for recreating in a safe manner, and must avoid damaging natural resources, signs, or facilities. 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 and 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. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs.

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.