BLM California News.bytes 
News.bytes Extra, issue 518

BLM's two northern California Resource Advisory Councils jointly tour partnership projects 

Members of the BLM's two northern California Resource Advisory Councils gathered in Redding Feb. 8-10, for combined and individual meetings and a tour of Redding partnership projects. The meetings provided opportunities for members of the Northeast and Northwest California RACs to get to know one another and discuss issues in common regarding public lands and natural resource management.

BLM California State Director Jim Kenna attended part of the meeting and thanked the RAC members for their contributions to public service. He expressed strong support for BLM's advisory councils, recognizing the groups as "part of the DNA" of the BLM.

During a field tour, RAC members met numerous BLM partners whose collaboration with BLM and one another have resulted in a rapidly expanding recreational trail network, and important conservation and habitat restoration successes.

people walk on a trail past a descriptive sign
RAC members and BLM staffers hike along the Heartrate Hill development on the Sacramento River Rail Trail. The overlook was designed and installed by Redding's Rotary Club and features information on heart rate monitoring for trail users who visit the area as part of their fitness routines.

a man speaks to a group standing in a clearing among trees
Gary Diordoni, a wildlife biologist with the BLM's Redding Field Office, addresses the assembled RAC group at the Salmon Viewing Plaza on the Clear Creek Greenway. At the stop, the RAC members learned about a partnership to restore the creek that had suffered from past heavy gold and gravel mining. Work of the partnership has resulted in a tenfold increase in spawning salmon, improved conditions for birds and other wildlife and development of a day use area and recreational trails.

a man hands a plaque to a woman
Francis Berg, associate field manager for the Redding Field Office, presents an appreciation award to Mary Mitchell, the retiring executive director of the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District. The award commended Mitchell for her years leading the coalition that has been so successful at Clear Creek.

- Jeff Fontana, BLM Northern California District public affairs officer (February 14, 2012)

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 518 -- To subscribe to News.bytes, send an e-mail to: mailto:Join-Newsbytes@List.ca.blm.gov OR visit our News.bytes subscription page.