CRITICS: NATURAL RESOURCES VS. SPIRIT?

"HOUSE BILL SEEKS TO PROTECT SACRED INDIAN SITES" (Associated Press, in San Francisco Chronicle, 07/18/2002)
" House Democrats introduced legislation Thursday to strengthen federal protection of sacred American Indian sites on public land, saying federal land managers have been slow to protect the sites in the past." Bill would affect energy and mining uses, "would require federal agencies such as the BLM and the Forest Service to work closer with tribes on use of public lands important to the tribes."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2002/07/18/state1900EDT7270.DTL

"U.S. CRITICIZED ON DEVELOPMENT OF SACRED GROUNDS" (Associated Press, in Contra Costa Times, 07/18/2002)
Saying government allows mining companies to exploit sites sacred to American Indians, Sen. Barbara Boxer is helping California's Quechan Tribe fight Glamis Gold Ltd. efforts to develop a 1,600-acre open-pit gold mine on the banks of the Colorado River in Imperial County.
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/news/3685912.htm

"A POWER STRUGGLE - ELECTRIC vs. SPIRITUAL" (Los Angeles Times, 07/17/2002)
Some Native Americans say generating electricity from geothermal sources in California's Medicine Lake area will wound a place of spiritual value. Calpine Corp. says its plant will be clean and quiet, bring jobs to an area of high unemployment and will not be on tribal reservation. BLM California handles the geothermal permits.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-medicine17jul17.story

"INTERIOR HAS FEW ANSWERS AT SENATE HEARING" (Indianz.com, 07/18/2002)
American Indians and supporters say that Department of Interior representatives were unprepared and unable to answer questions at hearing on the Department's protection of sacred sites.
http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2002/07/18/sacred

PUBLIC LANDS SPENDING

"HOUSE CONSERVATIVES OBJECT TO PUBLIC LANDS SPENDING BILL, SAY IT WOULD BUST BUSH BUDGET" (Associated Press, in San Francisco Chronicle, 07/16/2002)
Defeated amendment would have cut $933 million BLM budget by $162 million and eliminated $700 million in emergency firefighting funds which administration says is not needed.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2002/07/16/national1840EDT0825.DTL

WEED OF THE WEEK - Medusahead
Extremely competitive, Medusahead crowds out many native and desirable plants, invading millions of acres throughout northeastern California. Infested rangelands have suffered up to 75% reductions in grazing capacity, and become more subject to fires.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/surprise/medusa.html

Related: "BLM DIRECTOR KATHLEEN CLARKE COMMENTS ON THE PROBLEM OF NOXIOUS WEEDS" (BLM California news release, 07/15/2002)
BLM Director testifies at a public field workshop in Idaho on the local and national problem of invasive plant species -- estimated to cost $20 billion each year -- and the plans and partnerships BLM has undertaken to help stem the problem.
http://www.blm.gov/nhp/news/legislative/pages/2002/te020713.htm

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA UPDATES

"WEAVING CONNECTIONS"
The annual Weaving Connections gathering drew Native American tribe members, staff from BLM and U.S. Forest Service, and members of the public -- to learn traditional weaving techniques from experts and work to improve areas for gathering weaving materials. http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/newsbytes/temp_issues/68_extra_weavingconnect.html

"DAY ON THE RIVER"
Children receiving treatment for cancer or other disorders -- and their families -- were treated to a float trip down the Trinity River, and a barbecue. BLM's Redding Field Office, along with partners from government agencies and the business community, hosted the fourth annual Day on the River Saturday, July 13. The float trip is made possible by thousands of dollars in contributions from Shasta and Trinity County businesses and the river guides who donate their rafts and personnel. In all, about 140 people participated.

NEW DESERT LAWSUITS

"LAWSUIT CHALLENGES OFF-ROAD VEHICLE BAN" (Fresno Bee, 07/13/2002)
Off-road vehicle supporters from 11 groups file federal suit to stop BLM from banning OHV's from a million acres of California desert. They seek judgment or injunction to stop temporary closure while BLM develops new plan for area -- say closure decision violated federal laws by not allowing public review and comment first. This is one of two recent lawsuits, #CIV F025844 filed 7/12/02 in Eastern District Court. Earlier case was #02 CV 1072R filed 6/3/02 in Southern District Court.
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/crime/story/3559744p-4586020c.html

CADIZ, INC. UNDERGROUND WATER STORAGE PLAN

"A COZY MOJAVE DEAL SPRINGS LEAKS" (Sacramento Bee, 07/14/2002)
Newspaper column looks at Cadiz, Inc., its key players and its plans to store Colorado River water under Mojave Desert, and pump it back out along with existing underground water, to supply Los Angeles' Metropolitan Water District. BLM is involved through environmental permits for the project.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/opinion/forum/story/3570799p-4600612c.html

"MERGER PLAN FAILS FOR CADIZ, KADCO" (Los Angeles Times, 07/11/2002)
Cadiz Inc., which is proposing to build a $150-million water storage facility in the Mojave Desert in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, said Wednesday that its plan to merge its agricultural operations with those of a wealthy Saudi prince had fallen through.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cadizsked11jul11.story

"CADIZ GROUNDWATER STORAGE AND DRY-YEAR SUPPLY PROGRAM" (BLM California Issue Update, 7/18/02)
https://doi1.ios.doi.gov/newsbytes.nsf/siteurl/77119708?OpenDocument

BOOKSTORE FEATURE - Scenic Driving in California
Discover the Magic and Beauty of California Byways. This book is perfect for planning day trips or weekend outings. It leads you to 24 of the Golden State's most eye-pleasing rides while detailing a spectacular assortment of natural wonders, scenic attractions, historic points of interest, and recreational opportunities. http://store.ca.blm.gov/webc/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=287

WILDFIRES STILL HOT NEWS

"BLM CALIFORNIA FIRE CREW AT LOST CABIN BLAZE" (Associated Press, in Yahoo! News, 07/17/2002)
NEWS PHOTO: BLM California Ridgecrest Field Office firefighters tend hot spots at Lost Canyon blaze in Nevada.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/020717/168/1vcgi.html

"BIRCH FIRE UPDATE: FIRE CONTAINED, WORK FAR FROM OVER" (Mammoth Times, 07/18/2002)
Recent fire was just the beginning of a long and dangerous season, says BLM-Forest Service Interagency fire manager for Bishop area.
http://www.mammothtimes.com/archive2002/07-18/BirchFireUpdate07-18.html

"CREWS BATTLE BLAZE IN NORTH REDDING" (Redding Record-Searchlight, 07/17/2002)
"Southern winds help fuel afternoon fire; BLM issues burn restrictions in 5 counties"
http://www.redding.com/news/past/20020717lo042.shtml

Related: "FIRE RESTRICTIONS SET FOR BLM LANDS; SHASTA, BUTTE, TEHAMA, TRINITY, SISKIYOU COUNTIES INCLUDED" (BLM California news release, 07/15/2002)
Recent hot weather in northern Sacramento Valley is pushing fire dangers higher, prompting BLM officials to order fire restrictions on public lands.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/07/nr/NCnews74_redding_fire_restrictions.html

"SPECIAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR BLM'S FOLSOM FIELD OFFICE AREA" (BLM California news release, 07/10/2002)
Extremely high fire danger leads to fire restrictions on all public lands managed by the BLM's Folsom Field Office.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/07/nr/CCnews57_folsom_fire_restrictions.html

"BLM CHOPPER STAYED IDLE DURING FIRE" (Bakersfield Californian, 07/10/2002)
When fire erupted in the sun-dried hills behind local country club, helicopter stationed at the Rio Bravo Helibase was the closest. But lack of an agreement between BLM and the city of Bakersfield held back the helicopter customized for fighting land fires, officials said.
http://www.bakersfield.com/top/story/1397788p-1516293c.html

"PUBLIC CLAMORS FOR FIREFIGHTERS' MAPS" (Contra Costa Times, 07/14/2002)
From New York Times: Forest fire-fighters are longtime users of Geographic Information Systems programs combining database information with digital maps. Two years ago, several agencies with responsibilities related to forest fires -- including BLM -- got together to consolidate their GIS data and make it available to each other.
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/business/3660513.htm

THREE STAGES IN A RECENT FIRE:

"RUSH FIRE GROWS TO 4,000 ACRES" (BLM California news release, 07/15/2002)
A lightning-caused wildfire eight miles southeast of Ravendale in eastern Lassen County grew to 4,000 acres, as fire crews work to build fire lines in rugged, nearly inaccessible terrain.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/07/nr/SIFCnews04_rushfire.html

"CREWS MAKING PROGRESS CONTAINING RUSH FIRE" (BLM California news release, 07/16/2002)
Fire crews made progress yesterday toward containing the Rush Fire, a lightning-sparked blaze burning eight miles southeast of Ravendale in eastern Lassen County.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/07/nr/SIFCnews05_rushfire_july16.html

"RUSH FIRE NEARING CONTAINMENT" (BLM California news release, 07/17/2002)
Firefighters have been diligently working to contain the 5,015-acre Rush fire eight miles southeast of Ravendale in Lassen County.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/07/nr/SIFCnews06_rushfire_17july.html

"CURRENT WILDLAND FIRE INFORMATION" (National Interagency Fire Center)
http://www.nifc.gov/information.html

HEADLINES AND HIGHLIGHTS

"CARRIZO PLANNING MEETINGS A SUCCESS" (BLM California news release, 07/17/2002)
Three public meetings have been held about the effort to write a new management plan for the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Several questions and ideas were raised by the 15 to 20 people who attended each of the meetings held in Bakersfield, California Valley and San Luis Obispo -- and they wanted to know how they could stay involved.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/2002/07/nr/CCnews58_carrizo_planning_mtg_results.html

"DELONEGHA SITE OPENS TO PUBLIC" (Kern Valley Sun, 07/16/2002)
BLM joins other groups at ribbon cutting for boat launch and river access project they pursued for six years. BLM is also working on other public access to the Kern River.
http://www.kvsun.com/archives/index.inn?loc=detail&doc=/2002/July/16-1881-launch1.txt

"SOUTH SPIT PLAN BOGGED DOWN" (Eureka Times Standard, 07/16/2002)
Parcel near Eureka is "a land in limbo" until BLM and Fish and Wildlife Service finish plan for how it can be used. BLM "is charged with running the South Spit, but is presently powerless to arrest or cite anyone tearing up the dunes with a four-wheel drive or vandalizing the gate."
http://www.times-standard.com:80/Stories/0,1413,127%257E2896%257E734408,00.html

"CAMPGROUND KILLING" (Grass Valley Union, 07/15/2002)
Suspects allegedly attacked victim at BLM's South Yuba campground, then drove him in victim's vehicle to a dirt road approximately a mile away, struck the man again and left him half-buried under a pile of branches. BLM is working with Sheriff's Department on the investigation.
http://tu.us.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Site=TU&Date=20020715&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=107150031&Ref=AR

"LIVING EASY IN 'zie-zix' " (Riverside Press-Enterprise, 07/15/2002)
"ZZYZX - The name sounds more like a sneeze than a town." Now a research center, this was once a mineral springs resort run by a "self-ordained radio minister and health-food entrepreneur" who sold "Mo-Hair baldness cure" among other inventions. BLM said his mining claim was false because he did not really mine the area, and voided it in 1974. (Note: this is not the same story featured in News.bytes issue 64 of 6/20/02)
http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_NEWS_nzzyxz15.a1278.html

"YOLO TREASURES: CACHE CREEK PARK OFFERS QUICK GETAWAY" (Woodland Democrat, 07/13/2002)
Story urges readers to visit nearby lands managed by their county and BLM California, since "most of northern California has already discovered this hidden treasure."
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/archives/index.inn?loc=detail&doc=/2002/July/13-397-news2_treasures.txt

Related: "Cache Creek Management Area" (BLM California Web site)
http://www.ca.blm.gov/ukiah/cachecreek.html

"MINING RESIDUE POSES HEALTH HAZARD TO OFF-ROADERS" (Redding Record-Searchlight, 07/13/2002)
Off-roaders must obtain permit 72 hours in advance to cross Shasta Dam, so many use alternate route past abandoned mine site to BLM's Gene Chappie-Shasta OHV area. Officials plan to fence off and post notices at the toxic Superfund site -- with arsenic- and lead-laced dust -- before opening other nearby routes to OHVs.
http://www.redding.com/news/past/20020713toplo060.shtml

"OLD MT. AKUM BRIDGE MAY BECOME PRIVATE" (Mountain Democrat, 07/10/2002)
El Dorado County Department of Transportation wants to abandon section of old road, including a bridge over the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River. They and nearby land owners have objected to public access to the river because of trash on their properties, and some people trespassing on private property. One of the nearby landowners is BLM California.
http://www.mtdemocrat.com/archives/index.inn?loc=detail&doc=/2002/July/10-2883-1N_01.txt

"CITY TO APPEAL FEDS' CEMEX RULING" (The Signal, 07/11/2002)
Santa Clarita City Council votes to appeal federal judge's order blocking the city from getting involved in a court battle over the proposed Transit Mixed sand and gravel project in Soledad Canyon. Judge had ruled city should have no role in the mining dispute because the area is outside city limits. BLM granted company's gravel mining bid.
http://www.the-signal.com:80/News/ViewStory.asp?storyID=355

"MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE HAS A PLAN" (Barstow Desert Dispatch, 07/09/2002)
BLM California Desert Advisory Council member Dennis Casebier -- who was a member of earlier committee to guide National Park Service's management of the Preserve -- says plan contradicts legislation that created it. Cattle grazing, mining and hunting were part of that legislation.
http://www.desertdispatch.com/cgi-bin/newspro/viewnews.cgi?newsid1026233413,75289,