UKIAH, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has selected Neal Craig as the Ukiah Field Manager who will oversee management of more than 270,000 acres of public lands within Marin, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Napa, Colusa, Glenn, Yolo, and Solano counties. 

The Ukiah Field Office also manages parts of the California Coastal National Monument in the Point Arena-Stornetta area and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, managed jointly with the Mendocino National Forest. The field office also administers geothermal leasing at The Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal steam field and the Cow Mountain Recreation Area, which includes the first Congressionally designated OHV area. 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with our stakeholders and the public to manage the Ukiah Field Office,” Craig says.  “I look forward to developing new and existing projects and programs that serve the surrounding communities, while balancing our multiple-use mission.” 

Neal brings a broad background in natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, and organizational development in both the government and private sectors. Most recently, Neal has served as the Assistant Field Manager in the BLM Bishop Field Office where he supervised the multi-resources staff and provided leadership in several program development areas. He previously worked for the U.S. Geologic Survey, serving as a technical expert, project manager, and supervisor in water quality and water quantity projects in Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, and other states. Throughout his career, he has focused on employee training, mentoring, engagement and advancing organizational change. He has also owned and operated a sustainable farm that utilized livestock grazing systems, soil health improvement, and watershed restoration projects.  

“We are fortunate to have Neal on our team,” says BLM Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “His experience and leadership in natural resource management combined with his knowledge of watershed restoration projects will be valuable additions to our Ukiah Field Office.” 

Neal graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in geography. When not in the office, Neal is an avid runner, small batch coffee roaster, and explorer of diverse social viewpoints. Craig succeeds Nick Lavrov, who took a position with another government agency. 

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has eased fire restrictions, effective Monday Nov. 4, on public lands managed by the Mother Lode and Ukiah field offices. Fire restrictions were initiated on June 12 to curb the wildfire risk. Recreational target shooting and campfires are once again allowed on public lands with a valid campfire permit, unless otherwise posted.

The easing of fire restrictions applies to public lands managed in Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba counties.

“Due to cooler fall weather conditions and declining wildfire danger, we are lifting seasonal fire restrictions,” advises Central California District Fire Management Officer Dave Brinsfield. “While weather conditions are no longer causing high wildfire danger, we still urge everyone to Recreate Responsibly to help minimize wildfire potential when visiting public lands.”

The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildfire such as 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 BLM, USDA Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

The statewide Fire Prevention Order remains in place for BLM-managed public lands in California. Recreational target shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. 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 can visit CAL FIRE’s website to learn how to prevent wildland fires. A map of current restrictions and active fire prevention orders are available online. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service. For specific questions, please contact the appropriate field office or you may email Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov.

UKIAH, Calif. — With cooler temperatures and measurable precipitation, the Bureau of Land Management has eased fire restrictions effective today for public lands managed by the Ukiah Field Office in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. Fire restrictions were originally initiated on June 28 to curb the risk of wildfire. The rescinded fire order is available on the website.

Public land visitors can again use campfires outside of developed campgrounds and posted recreation sites. Recreational target shooting may also resume in designated areas. Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions for Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to avoid shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions.

“Due to cooler fall weather conditions and declining wildfire danger, we are lifting seasonal fire restrictions,” said Ukiah Field Manager Nicholas Lavrov. “While weather conditions are no longer causing high wildfire danger, we still urge everyone to Recreate Responsibly to help minimize wildfire potential when visiting public lands.”

The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildfire. 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 BLM, U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices. The statewide Fire Prevention Order remains in place for BLM-managed public lands in California

Recreational target shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks. 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.

For more information on preventing wildfires and additional tips for keeping campfires and target shooting safe, visit ReadyForWildfire.org or call the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000. The field office can also provide additional information on public lands available for target shooting.