REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management today approved the Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan for public lands managed by the BLM Arcata and Redding field offices. The planning area covers 14.4 million acres in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, and Butte counties, including approximately 382,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands and 295,100 acres of federal mineral estate.

“This plan is a collaborative effort and reflects the input of communities, local governments, Tribes, and other partners,” said Northern California District Manager Dereck Wilson. “We appreciate the public’s engagement to develop a management strategy that meets the needs of local communities and stakeholders, allowing for informed decisions and conservation that reflects BLM’s multiple-use mission.”

Management plans for the Redding and Arcata field offices were last developed in the 1990s. The new integrated plan addresses changing use patterns, provides for a wide variety of recreation opportunities, enacts new wildland fire and fuels management strategies, and protects and conserves Wild and Scenic Rivers and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. The plan and Record of Decision are available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

For more information, contact the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300, or the BLM Redding Field Office at 530-224-2100.

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – With the return of cool, fall weather, the Bureau of Land Management has rescinded fire restrictions on public lands managed by the Applegate and Eagle Lake field offices in Lassen, Modoc, and Plumas counties, the eastern parts of Shasta and Siskiyou counties in northeast California, and in parts of Washoe and Humboldt counties in northwest Nevada.

Easing of fire restrictions means that campfires are again allowed.  Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds on BLM-managed lands in California. They are available free online and at BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

“Even though we are experiencing fall weather conditions, people using the public lands still need to be careful with all uses of fire,” said Dereck Wilson, manager of the BLM’s Northern California District. “Campers should always keep campfires small and fully extinguish them when leaving a campsite.”

Year-found fire restrictions remain in place for BLM-managed public lands in California.  These orders required that a five-foot diameter area be cleared to bare soil and be free of overhead flammable material before a campfire is used. The order requires that anyone using a campfire have a round-point shovel with a handle at least 35-inches-long nearby.

More information about use of fire on public lands is available from the BLM Applegate Field Office,

530-233-4666, or the Eagle Lake Field Office, 530-257-0456. Termination of the Fire Prevention Orders can be reviewed online for Applegate and Eagle Lake field offices.

 

WASHINGTON —The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for a new Federal advisory committee that will help inform how the Bureau implements the Public Lands Rule. The Committee will advise on outreach and engagement, best management practices, and the development and refinement of agency guidance to support implementation of the Rule across the country.

The Public Lands Rule provides the BLM with new tools and guidance to inform the balanced management of our natural resources. The Committee will allow the Bureau of Land Management to continue working with the public and a full range of experts to support successful implementation of the Rule, protecting our best and healthiest lands and waters, restoring those that need it, and making informed management and development decisions based on the best available science and data, including Indigenous Knowledge.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently signed the charter establishing the Committee and is seeking 15 members to serve two-year terms. The Committee will consist of:

• two representatives of Tribal governments;
• two representatives of State governments;
• one representative of local governments;
• two representatives of the public at large;
• at least one representative of the science community, including archaeological or historical interests;
• at least two representatives of non-governmental organizations specializing in environmental, conservation, or watershed interests; recreation interests; or hunting and fishing interests;
• at least one representative of energy or mineral development;
• at least one representative of Federal grazing permit holders or other permittees; and
• at least one representative of commercial recreation activities.

Additionally, the Secretary will appoint 15 alternates to deliberate and vote on Committee matters in the absence of the primary representative.

The 30-day nomination period is open until November 18, 2024. Nominations should include a resume providing an adequate description of the nominee’s qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make informed decisions to meet the membership requirements of the Committee, as well as appropriate contact information.

Nominees are strongly encouraged to include supporting letters from employers, associations, professional organizations, or other organizations that indicate support by those interest groups or communities they are representing.

Completed nomination packages or questions about the Committee should be emailed to BLM_PLR_IAC@blm.gov.

For more information about the nomination process, please contact Carrie Richardson, National Advisory Committee Coordinator, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240; phone: (202) 742-0625, email: crichardson@blm.gov.

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is issuing fire restrictions for northeast California public lands managed by the Applegate and Eagle Lake field offices in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou and Shasta counties in California and Washoe County, Nevada beginning Monday, July 15.  These seasonal restrictions listed in the fire order will be in place to help prevent wildfire and will remain in effect until further notice. These restrictions are in addition to the BLM year-round statewide fire prevention order.

“Recognizing that most wildfires in California are human-caused and occur in close proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, these fire restrictions are an important way that we can help protect public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said Andrew Johnson, acting assistant field manager in the Eagle Lake Field Office, Susanville.

The fire restrictions prohibit campfires and barbecues, except within established campfire rings and barbecue grills in designated recreation sites.  Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside of developed recreation sites. In areas within California, users must have a valid California Campfire Permit, available online or at any BLM, Forest Service or CAL FIRE office.

Other fire restrictions include:

• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines may be used off established roads or trails. Chainsaws with functioning spark arresters can be used for personal firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
• It is illegal year-round to possess or discharge fireworks including “safe and sane” devices on public lands.
• No target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or using exploding targets.

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

Help prevent fires

Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires.

• Make sure all campfires are dead out. Drown the fire ashes and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it’s not cool, it is not out.
• Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure for all vehicles, ensure adequate tire tread, and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
• Off road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.

More information about preventing wildland fires is available online. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California public lands is available on the fire restriction website. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service. For more information, telephone the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.

REDDING, Calif. – In order to provide benefits to wildlife, open new recreational opportunities, and protect a historical area from potential development, the Bureau of Land Management has purchased approximately 3,200 total acres of new public land in areas from the Great Basin in northwest Nevada to the Pacific Coast in northern California.

“These successful land purchases underscore the BLM’s commitment to conserving vital habitats, enhancing recreational opportunities, and preserving the natural beauty of public landscapes for future generations, in alignment with the President’s America the Beautiful conservation initiative,” said Dereck Wilson, manager of the BLM Northern California District. “We extend our gratitude to the dedicated landowners and partners who made these achievements possible.”

The acquisitions include:

•    Greater Sage Grouse Habitat:  The BLM purchased eight parcels covering nearly 1,300 acres within areas designated as priority sage grouse habitat in Washoe County, Nevada. Containing springs, riparian areas, and meadows, these parcels provide ideal conditions for greater sage grouse, mule deer, and pronghorn. Acquiring these properties for public ownership enhances access to surrounding public lands and opens opportunities for hunting upland game birds and big game. The lands will be managed by the Applegate Field Office.

•    Mule Deer Winter Range:  Purchase of this 280-acre parcel along U.S. Highway 395 south of Susanville, California, will allow conservation of crucial mule deer wintering habitat along an important migration corridor. The newly acquired land, managed by the Eagle Lake Field Office, will also greatly improve public recreation access to the northern slope of the Diamond Mountains, a northern extension of the Sierra Nevada range.

•    Bald Mountain Special Recreation Area: This 760-acre property managed by the Eagle Lake Field Office will improve access to a popular recreation area offering 20 miles of equestrian, hiking, and mountain biking trails. The area lies between the Lassen County communities of Janesville and Standish. The acquisition opens access to the trails from the east side of Bald Mountain, complementing existing west side access. Bald Mountain provides users with expansive views of the Honey Lake Valley and a great spot to enjoy the sunrise over the Lassen County high desert.

•    California National Historic Trail: The Rush Creek parcel, 800 acres of high desert east of U.S. Highway 395 near Susanville, preserves portions of the Nobles Emigrant Trail, a segment of the California National Historic Trail. Managed by the Eagle Lake Field Office, the property contains lush stream corridors and supports greater sage grouse, pronghorn, migratory birds, raptors, and fish. It also offers excellent public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, and photography. This acquisition provides protection from potential development and includes water rights, bolstering resource resilience for the future. 

•    Guthrie Creek Expansion: The BLM has acquired the Guthrie Creek parcel adjacent to Lost Coast Headlands, an onshore unit of the California Coastal National Monument. The 143-acre parcel located west of Ferndale is managed by the Arcata Field Office and features a half mile of coastline, beach access, grasslands, coastal bluffs, and an untouched section of Guthrie Creek. Its forest teems with wildlife such as blacktail deer and black bears. Additionally, the parcel offers potential for expanding the Guthrie Creek Trail, creating new opportunities for coastal trail recreation access.

Since 2021, the BLM Northern California District has completed a total of 15 acquisition projects, securing more than 4,100 acres of new public land, comprising about $5 million in total funding. These acquisitions contribute to the nearly $44 million in planned expenditures to acquire approximately 14,000 acres for public ownership within the BLM Northern California District by the end of 2024.

These efforts, supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the State of California Off-Highway Vehicle Fund, aim to preserve critical habitats, enhance recreational access, and protect vital ecosystems across Northern California and northwestern Nevada. The LWCF also provides grants to state and local governments for acquiring and developing new outdoor recreation opportunities. These accomplishments also contribute to the 30 by 30 initiative, a national goal to conserve 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030.
 

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management and Lassen Land and Trails Trust are inviting outdoor enthusiasts to help with Lassen County cleanup and improvement projects in recognition of National Public Lands Day and Susanville Hometown Pride on Saturday, Sept. 28.  Projects will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the historic Susanville Railroad Depot and along the Bizz Johnson Trail.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Depot, 601 Richmond Road, and form into project teams to pick up litter and perform other light tasks.  Lunch will be provided for those who register.  Registration information is also available from the Lassen Land and Trails Trust at 530-257-3252.  The BLM will provide gloves, tools and water.   

National Public Lands Day is coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation.  Since 1994, NPLD has mobilized volunteers on the fourth Saturday in September to celebrate and care for something we all share, our nation’s public lands. 

In the past decade alone, over a million volunteers have donated almost five million hours of their time, worth an estimated $133 million, to improve public lands.  These efforts are crucial to preserving our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Updated September 29, 2023
REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the draft Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for public lands managed by the Redding and Arcata field offices. The comment period will end by Dec. 28.

“Public input is critical to develop this plan that will guide our management into the future,” said Dereck Wilson, manager of the BLM’s Northern California District. “We encourage the public to reflect on the importance of these public lands in northwest California and their significant natural and cultural resources.” 

The Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan will guide management of approximately 382,200 acres of public land and approximately 295,100 acres of subsurface minerals in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Shasta, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Tehama and Butte counties for the next 15 to 20 years.

The integrated plan will replace the resource management plans for the Redding and Arcata field offices put into place in the mid-1990s. The need for a new resource management plan is due to increasing population and changing use patterns; to provide for a broad array of recreation uses; wilderness management; protect and conserve Wild & Scenic Rivers and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern; and consolidate BLM-managed public lands to conserve significant resources while providing public access.

The BLM will collaborate with local, state and federal agencies as well as Tribal partners to complete the plan. Public comments will help prepare the final environmental analysis and proposed resource management plan.

The planning area includes a great diversity of lands ranging from north coast beaches and dunes—to the Central Valley and Sacramento River—to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These public lands provide a wide array of recreational opportunities, including wilderness trails, hunting areas, off-highway riding areas, mountain bike trails and scenic vistas. A wide range of uses are supported by these lands, including habitat for fish and wildlife, livestock grazing, mining, timber production and firewood collecting.

Public participation in the planning process will help the BLM develop a land use plan that reflects the values and needs of the people living in the region and those who visit.

Public comments may be submitted via email to BLM_CA_Redding_Arcata_NCIP@blm.gov, online at BLM NEPA Register, hand delivered, or mailed to the BLM Arcata Field Office at 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA, 95521-4573.

More information is available from the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300, or the BLM Redding Field Office at 530-224-2100.