News.bytes
A publication of
Bureau of Land Management in California
Issue date: 6/20/02
This week in News.bytes:
- WILD HORSES and BURROS: Southern California this weekend
- BLM CALIFORNIA 2001 ANNUAL REPORT
- WILDFIRE UPDATES
- RECREATION ON PUBLIC LANDS
- No fees
- Fees
- Permits
- OHV GRANT APPLICATIONS
- ENERGY-RELATED ISSUES
- WEED OF THE WEEK - LEAFY SPURGE
- WILDERNESS BILL
- HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS, including:
- Cosumnes water weeds beaten back again
- Zzyzx: home of "miracle cures
- Land Swaps
- Missing dynamite
- SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS
WILD HORSES and BURROS
"WILD
HORSES A CHALLENGE FOR ADOPTIVE OWNERS" (Los Angeles Times, 06/20/2002)
Adoption event this weekend in Woodland Hills, southern California.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000043209jun20.story
"ADOPT-A-HORSE PROGRAM TO
VISIT WOODLAND HILLS" (BLM California news release, 05/28/2002)
"They're young, timid and just a tad shy . . . all the qualities you would
expect in potential adoptees, and on June 22-23 the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) will offer approximately 100 wild horses and burros to qualified adopters
through the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program at Pierce College in Woodland
Hills."
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/05/nr/CDDnews55_woodlandhills_adoption1.html
BLM
CALIFORNIA 2001 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Report looks back at the
program accomplishments and statistics for Fiscal Year 2001 (Oct. 2000 - Sept.
2001)
The following pages includes link to PDF file, about 3 megabytes:
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/reports_docs/annualreport_2001/
WILDFIRE UPDATES
"CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES AT
A GLANCE" (San Francisco Chronicle, 06/20/2002)
Wildfires burning in California as of this afternoon. Many agencies including
BLM are involved in firefighting at various locations.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2002/06/20/state0325EDT0008.DTL
"PROGRESS AGAINST CANNON
FIRE: Crews have some luck fighting huge Mono County blaze" (San Francisco
Chronicle, 6/20/02)
Update this afternoon on Mono County fire that claimed lives of three airborne
firefighters. Accompanied by photos of several wildfires around the country.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/06/20/MN180283.DTL
"WILDLAND FIRE UPDATE"
(National Interagency Fire Center)
Up-to-date information on wildfires on federally-managed lands throughout the
West.
http://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html
"FIREFIGHTERS SAY THEY ARE
TAKING EXTRA PRECAUTIONS THIS YEAR" (San Francisco Chronicle, 06/20/2002)
Enforced rest breaks, better briefings on local conditions -- fire bosses more
careful to follow regulations this year. Firefighter deaths last year one reason.
Extreme conditions, also: drought and erratic winds. Also, more houses deep
in the woods complicate tactics. Still three firefighters died this week in
plane crash....
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2002/06/20/national1337EDT0679.DTL
"CANNON FIRE CONTINUES TO
BURN" (Mammoth Times, 06/20/2002)
BLM is one of many agencies joining fight to contain blaze in Eastern Sierra.
Three firefighters died when their plane crashed during a fire retardant drop.
http://www.mammothtimes.com/archive2002/06-20/CannonFire06-20.html
"LOWDEN FIRE VICTIMS VENT
EXASPERATION" (Trinity Journal, 06/19/2002)
People who lost property in the July 1999 Lowden Fire in Lewiston, and have
not yet settled claims with BLM or the Dept. of Justice, expressed frustration
with the process. Of 398 claims filed, spokesman said, 248 have been processed
but 150 are unresolved. Issues include higher claims by one group, less time
to devote to claims by attorney in Dep...
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/newsbytes/temp_issues/lowden_061902.pdf
"FIRE RESTRICTIONS SET FOR
BLM LANDS Mendocino, Yolo, Colusa, Napa, Sonoma, Glenn, Solano, Lake counties
included" (BLM California news release, 06/14/2002)
The onset of summer heat is pushing push wildland fire dangers higher, and the
Bureau of Land Management has announced restrictions on campfires and other
use of fire in the wildlands. The restrictions affect lands administered by
the BLM Ukiah Field Office in Lake, Mendocino, Yolo, Colusa, Napa, Sonoma, Glenn
and Solano counties.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/NCnews64_ukiah_fire_restrictions.html
"BLAZE NEAR CONTAINMENT"
(Bakersfield Californian, 06/16/2002)
Several agencies including BLM firefighters tackled weekend blaze that destroyed
six homes near Lake Isabella in southern California. But the fire was so severe
it "should have" destroyed many more buildings. Many homes survived
only because their owners had cleared brush and debris to be "fire safe."
http://www.bakersfield.com/top/story/1269405p-1386504c.html
"HUMAN ELEMENT, DROUGHT CONDITIONS
LED TO RAGING BLAZE" (Reno Gazette-Journal, 06/15/2002)
Look back at the Martis Fire that started one year ago, after two camping teens
thought they put out flames that escaped their campfire into nearby vegetation.
Resulting blaze swept east and threatened populated areas including Reno.
http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/06/15/16952.php
RECREATION ON PUBLIC LANDS
"BLM DIRECTOR OFFERS PUBLIC
LANDS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENT BUSH'S INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE IMPROVED HEALTH THROUGH
VISITING PUBLIC LANDS" (BLM California news release, 06/18/2002)
BLM Director Kathleen Clarke announces free entrance to BLM sites that charge
entrance fees, for the weekend of June 22-23, 2002.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/WOnews_fee_publiclands.html
"PERMITS NEEDED TO CROSS
SHASTA DAM" (Eureka Times-Standard, 06/15/2002)
Shasta Dam provides access to BLM-managed Shasta-Chappie Recreation area. Permits
can be obtained at several locations, including BLM Redding Field Office.
http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127%257E2896%257E676533,00.html#
Related:
"SHASTA DAM REOPENS ROAD" (Redding Record-Searchlight, 06/15/2002)
http://www.redding.com/news/past/20020615toplo016.shtml
Related: "GENE CHAPPIE-SHASTA
OHV AREA" (BLM California Web pages)
http://www.ca.blm.gov/redding/chappie_ohv.html
"BLM SCHEDULES WORKSHOP FOR
THE IMPERIAL SAND DUNES RECREATION AREA" (BLM California news release,
06/14/2002)
The BLM El Centro Field Office has scheduled a workshop to help the public understand
visitor use at the Imperial Sand Dunes as it relates to the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS) and Draft Recreation Area Management Plan (DRAMP).
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/CDDnews62_El_Centro_Dunes_workshop.html
"BEAR PROOF CANISTERS NOW
REQUIRED FOR BACKCOUNTRY USE IN THE KING RANGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA"
(BLM California news release, 06/13/2002)
Overnight backpackers and stock users visiting the King Range National Conservation
Area are now required to carry and use hard-sided bear-proof food storage canisters.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/NCnews62_king_range_bearcanisters.html
"PARK FEES ONLY SUPPORT COMMERCIAL
TAKEOVER OF PUBLIC FORESTS" (San Bernardino County Sun, 06/16/2002)
Newspaper Guest Editorial: writer discusses protests to end Fee Demonstration
Program, which requires public to buy passes to some public lands formerly accessed
for free. Fees are intended to help manage those areas; writer says half goes
to concessionaires and fee administration, and could lead to more development
on public lands.
PDF file, 53 kilobytes:
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/newsbytes/temp_issues/parkfees_061602.pdf
OFF-HIGHWAY GRANT APPLICATIONS
"BLM RIVERSIDE OFFICE SCHEDULES
OPEN HOUSE TO SOLICIT PUBLIC COMMENT ON OHV GRANT APPLICATIONS" (BLM
California news release, 06/14/2002)
The BLM has scheduled an open house to obtain public comments on the Off-Highway
Vehicle (OHV) grants being submitted to the California Department of Parks and
Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/CDDnews63_CDD_ohv_grant_openhouse.html
"BLM EAGLE LAKE OFFICE TO
HOST MEETING ON OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE GRANT REQUEST" (BLM California
news release, 06/14/2002)
The BLM will seek public comments on its requests for off-highway vehicle management
grant funds, in a public meeting Wednesday, June 26, in Susanville.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/NCnews63_eagle_lake_ohv_grant_meeting.html
ENERGY-RELATED ISSUES
"ENVIRONMENTAL, INDIAN GROUPS
SUE TO STOP CALPINE PROJECT" (Sacramento Bee, 06/17/2002)
(Associated Press) Groups sue to stop Calpine Corp. from building Fourmile Hille
project -- a 49-megawatt geothermal power plant in northeast California -- saying
the area is environmentally sensitive and used in Indian ceremonies. BLM had
rejected the other of two proposed geothermal plants in the Medicine Lake area,
to protect Indian cultural values and recreation.
http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/3245544p-4274150c.html
Related:
"INDIANS, ACTIVISTS TARGET PROPOSED POWER PROJECT" (Redding Record-Searchlight,
06/18/2002)
http://www.redding.com/news/past/20020618lo026.shtml
"FOURMILE HILL OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE MEETS JULY 2 IN YREKA" (BLM California news release, 06/17/2002)
Citizen oversight committee for Fourmile Hill Project near Medicine Lake will
hold its first meeting. Panel is to monitor compliance with environmental protection
provisions of federal decision approving the project.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/06/nr/NCnews65_fourmilecommittee.html
"MURIETTA OKs JOINING FIGHT
AGAINST LINES" (Riverside Press-Enterprise, 06/19/2002)
City of Murrieta OKs up to $75,000 to fight "Valley Rainbow" high-voltage
power line through southwestern Riverside County. One route proposed by San
Diego Gas & Electric would cross public lands, requiring BLM California
right-of-way permit.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/southwest/stories/PE_NEWS_nslines19.5840f.html
WEED OF THE WEEK - LEAFY SPURGE
A glabrous perennial, up to 3 feet. Leaves narrow, alternate, 1 to 4 inches
long. Numerous clusters of small, yellow-green flowers subtended by paired,
heart-shaped, yellow-green bracts. Entire plant contains a milky juice. Reproduces
by seed and vigorous creeping root system.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/alturas/altweed/plants/leafspur.html
WILDERNESS BILL
"THOMPSON BILL WOULD PROTECT
840,000 ACRES AS WILDERNESS" (Eureka Times-Standard, 06/19/2002)
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson's House companion bill to Sen. Barbara Boxer's California
wilderness bill and Rep. Hilda Solis' southern California wilderness bill....
http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127%257E2896%257E683140,00.html
"BOARD OPPOSES ISHI WILDERNESS
BILL" (Red Bluff Daily News, 06/20/2002)
Tehama County Supervisors approve letter to Sen. Diane Feinstein, opposing provision
in Sen. Barbara Boxer's California Wild Heritage Act of 2002. Cite concerns
for economic loss and firefighting problems.
http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/display/inn_news/news1.txt
HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS
COSUMNES
WATER WEEDS BEATEN BACK -- AGAIN (BLM California Web page)
A work party from the BLM California State Office in Sacramento joined manager
of the Cosumnes River Preserve for a recurring "search and destroy"
battle against water weeds. Water hyacinth grows quickly as the weather gets
warm, and water primrose causes problems with water pumps. http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/newsbytes/temp_issues/64_newsbytesextra_cosumnes.htm
"ZZYZX: AN UNLIKELY HOME
OF HUCKSTERISM AND MIRACLE CURES" (Los Angeles Times, 06/16/2002)
Short history of a town in the Mojave Desert built by one-time "King of
Quacks," whose products included a "cure for baldness". People
who donated large sums could build houses on lots he marked in the desert --
except he didn't own them, he just staked mining claims. Followers evicted after
he was found guilty of squatting on public land. Related...
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000042278jun16.story
Related:
"DOES THE GOVERNMENT REALLY HAVE FREE LAND FOR HOMESTEADING?"
and "MINING CLAIMS" (BLM California Frequently Asked Questions)
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/iac/faq.html
Related:
"HISTORY OF THE DESERT STUDIES CONSORTIUM" (California State
University, Fullerton Web site)
What is in Zzyzx now.
http://biology.fullerton.edu/facilities/dsc/History.html
"PARK MAY ADD 1,800 ACRES"
(San Luis Obispo Tribune, 06/18/2002)
San Luis Obispo County proposes taking over 1,800 acres it has leased from BLM
California -- including 1,300 acres it would receive for free under federal
Recreation and Public Purposes Act. The Act requires developing the land for
recreation. County plans open space, trails and a campsite, wants to protect
the land from future housing or farm developments.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/3493005.htm
"DYNAMITE REWARD UNCLAIMED"
(Redding Record-Searchlight, 06/13/2002)
Investigators ask public's help in finding 700 pounds of dynamite, plus detonators,
reported stolen a month ago from a Siskiyou County mine. BLM spokesperson reminds
people to stay out of mineshafts -- dynamite may be one danger, but so are toxic
air and tunnel collapses.
http://www.redding.com/news/past/20020613lo031.shtml
"HEARING ON GROUNDWATER PUMPING
PERMIT CONTINUED" (Imperial Valley Press, 06/19/2002)
Brothers want to pump more water to farm their land; state and federal agencies
say they need environmental review. BLM office says review is needed to find
out if water they will pump comes from adjacent BLM-managed land.
http://ivpressonline.com/archives/index.inn?loc=detail&doc=/2002/June/19-1781-news08.txt
"IN LAND EXCHANGE WITH THE
U.S., A DEVELOPER SHARES ITS EMPLOYEE" (New York Times, 6/17/02)
Article says representatives of development company -- working in BLM offices
and paid as volunteers by BLM -- skew land appraisals to benefit developers.
"In one land trade in Nevada several years ago, a developer acquired 70
acres of government land that the bureau had valued at $763,000, then sold it
the next day for $4.6 million." (Note: New York Times requires free registration
to view articles.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/17/national/17LAND.html
Same
article, shortened and reprinted: "WORKING BOTH SIDES OF FEDERAL
LAND SWAPS: AUDITORS SAY GOVERNMENT GETS TAKEN FOR MILLIONS" (San Francisco
Chronicle, 06/17/2002)
(Reprinted from New York Times)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/06/17/MN163255.DTL
"FEDERAL AGENCY TO TAKE SECOND
LOOK AT LAND DEAL" (Reno Gazette-Journal, 06/17/2002)
(Associated Press article) "The federal Bureau of Land Management is reviewing
a pending Nevada land swap that has drawn criticism because data justifying
the deal came from the developer -- via its employee who set up shop in a local
BLM office."
http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/06/17/17046.php
UPCOMING EVENTS
06/22/2002 - Wild Horse and Burro
Adoption
Woodland Hills
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/40209202?OpenDocument
06/24/2002 - Imperial Sand Dunes
Recreation Area workshop
Southwest High School Multipurpose Room, Build L
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/74156100?OpenDocument
06/25/2002 - Riverside OHV Grant
meeting
California Desert District Office
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/5604487?OpenDocument
06/26/2002 - Eagle Lake OHV Grant
meeting
Eagle Lake Field Office
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/80064088?OpenDocument
06/27/2002 - Ridgecrest Steering
Committee
Ridgecrest
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/45503319?OpenDocument
06/28/2002 - California Desert
District Advisory Council meeting
Barstow College
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/14634013?OpenDocument
06/29/2002 - Mammoth Lakes area
geothermal field trip
"chain up area"
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/25071184?OpenDocument
07/11/2002 - Northeast California
Advisory Council meeting
BLM Surprise Field Office
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/blmEvents.nsf/siteurl/83836576?OpenDocument
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News.bytes published by
Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
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Sacramento, Ca 95825
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