Test NewsBytes December

orange sunsetting on dark mountains near the ocean — King Range Lost Coast, photo by Clayton Schmidt, BLM

Headlines and Highlights

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with BLM California

Join us in giving back to your public lands this National Public Lands Day! Volunteer opportunities are happening across California, from habitat restoration to clean-up projects. See the full list of events and find one near you.

Three volunteers use hand tools to build and maintain a trail on a steep, forested hillside. — Volunteers help maintain trail at King Range, Photo by Kacie Hallahan, BLM

What’s New at the Imperial Sand Dunes

From updated recreation permit fees to seasonal overnight camping closures at Osborne Overlook, here’s what you need to know before heading out to the dunes. Plan ahead, ride safe, and keep the fun going!

Permit Information.

Closure Details.

side by side in the dunes throwing up sand — Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Photo by Eric Coulter, BLM

Prescribed Burns Begin in Northeast California

tarting October 1, BLM fire crews will conduct prescribed burns near the Burney Basin to reduce hazardous fuels and improve firefighter safety. Smoke may be visible along State Routes 299 and 89. Learn more.

winding river below a settp hill of trees — Prescribed burn in northern CA, Photo by BLM.

Volunteer and Job Opportunities

Join the BLM Fire Team for 2026

Ready for a challenge? Applications are now open for Bureau of Land Management fire positions for the 2026 fire year. Start your wildland fire career today. Learn more.

two firefighters look at burning forest in the green thick brush — Fire Jobs, Photo by BLM

Camp Host Openings in Southern California Deserts

BLM California is seeking camp hosts for the Imperial Sand Dunes and Long-Term Visitor Areas. Help care for public lands while enjoying stunning desert scenery—apply now to spend your season outdoors!

pink and orange skies over a jeep and tent in the desert — Public Lands in the California Desert. Photo by Kyle Sullivan, BLM.

King Range Firewood Permits Available

The Arcata Field Office announces that firewood permits are now available for numerous scattered logs throughout the King Range NCA off King Peak Road and Paradise Ridge Road. Look for the yellow firewood collecting area signs. Please do not disturb the piles that will be burned this winter. These piles are the result of recent fuels reduction projects designed to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk.

The scattered logs are from a variety of species and are accessible via existing roads and trails. Permit holders will be able to collect seasoned and green wood for personal use.

Permit Information:

Permits must be obtained before collecting any firewood
Permits may be obtained online (https://ow.ly/yyN250WVON0)
Standard BLM firewood regulations apply (https://ow.ly/24KC50WVOQe)
Maps showing collection locations will be provided with permits (https://ow.ly/nLeU50WVOJI)

Scattered logs in the King Range NCA. Photo by Paul Sever, BLM.

Seymour’s Question of the Week

BLM’s mascot, Seymour the Antelope, challenges you to learn more about the life and ecology of your public lands. Check out this week’s question and see if you know the answer.

seal pops head out of the blue water — Seal in the ocean, Photo by Jesse Pluim, DOI.

Who am I? You might spot me resting on California’s beaches or rocky shores, blending in with my speckled coat. Unlike my bigger, trunk-nosed cousin, I don’t have external ear flaps and I wiggle on land instead of walking.

A) Elephant Seal
B) Harbor Seal
C) Sea Lion

Scroll down for the answer!

BLM Spotlight

Inside Interior

Answer to Seymour's Question of the Week

B) Harbor Seal ✅

Fun fact for the reveal:
Harbor seals are smaller than elephant seals, lack external ear flaps (unlike sea lions), and move on land by wriggling on their bellies instead of “walking” with flippers.