Yuma Field Office saves the day for nearby helicopter-aided conservation effort

IMPERIAL DAM, Calif. — A nearby mission to better understand desert bighorn sheep populations unexpectedly found an ally with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona.   

Recently, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) ran into a challenge that turned into an effective partnership with BLM Arizona, highlighting how well the two agencies can work together to achieve a common goal.  

Danielle Glass, an environmental scientist with CDFW, faced a major issue when her team’s helicopter couldn’t land at their planned site due to military operations at the nearby Yuma Proving Ground.   

“I cold called the Yuma BLM office for permission [to land on BLM public lands]. I spoke with Ray Castro, the field manager, and Eddie Mayes, the assistant field manager. They understood the urgency right away and approved our use of the Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area campground,” Danielle said.   

Thanks to their quick response, her team was able to continue their mission to capture desert bighorn sheep in the nearby Chocolate Mountains, which is essential for estimating the population of these animals.  

Eddie Mayes played a key role in setting up a suitable landing site.   

“Danielle called me, and we needed to find a place for the helicopter quickly,” Eddie recalled.   

He worked with Ben Florey, a park ranger at the BLM Yuma Field Office, to pinpoint the safest location.   

“From Eddie’s call to the helicopter landing, we had everything ready in under an hour,” Ben noted. Their teamwork showed how effectively they could respond to unexpected situations.  

“I found a spot with only one way in to keep things safe for everyone. When the helicopter arrived, I took a moment to observe the operation, which was interesting,” Ben shared.  

To keep the area organized, Ben blocked off access to minimize disruption.   

“I wanted to ensure campers and visitors stayed safe and that the landing went smoothly,” he explained. His actions helped transform a complicated scenario into a successful operation.  

The capture operation successfully secured five rams and three ewes, aiding efforts to understand desert bighorn sheep populations, according to CDFW. “This experience was critical to understand the health and size of the desert bighorn sheep population in the Chocolate Mountains. We couldn’t have done it without the BLM’s help,” Danielle remarked.  

Ben reinforced this idea, stating, “It felt good to be part of a quick decision that supported wildlife management. We were able to provide immediate assistance that helped everyone involved.”  

The swift, diligent coordination between BLM and CDFW underscores their combined commitment to protecting natural resources while ensuring public safety. It serves as a reminder of how teamwork and clear communication can lead to successful outcomes.