California News Bytes

rainbow over a rocky desert

Top Stories from California’s Public Lands

BLM California Highlights Fuels Management Partnerships

At the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force meeting, Acting Associate State Director Elizabeth Meyer-Shields underscored the continued importance of fuels management. She also emphasized that strong partnerships remain key to advancing wildfire resilience across California. Learn more.

Acting Associate State Director Elizabeth Meyer-Shields. Photo by BLM.
Acting Associate State Director Elizabeth Meyer-Shields. Photo by the BLM.

Public Lands Career Rooted in Family Legacy

Arcata Field Manager Collin Ewing recently discovered he is a descendant of the first Secretary of the Department of the Interior, connecting his nearly 20-year career in public lands to a deeper family legacy. The discovery has inspired him to further explore his family history while continuing his work with BLM California. Learn more.

A man holds a bird in a cloth on the side of the road next to a car.
Collin Ewing, Field Manager for the Arcata Field Office in California. Photo by DOI.

Celebrating Two Iconic California Public Lands

From the cinematic landscapes of the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area to the rugged coastal beauty of the Point Arena–Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, these public lands continue to inspire visitors and mark important anniversaries. Explore their stories, scenery, and opportunities to experience California’s diverse landscapes.

two photos stacked on top of another. one is desert with red flowers and another is a dramatic ocean shore with rocks and splashing waves
Alabama Hills National Scenic Area and Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the CA Coastal National Monument. Photo by Jesse Pluim and David Ledig.

Fee Free Days Return in 2026

Fee Free Days are back for 2026, offering opportunities to visit BLM California public lands without entrance fees on select dates throughout the year. Mark your calendar and enjoy the diverse landscapes we manage, from deserts, coastlines, mountains, and more. Find your next adventure.

Two men on a beach at sunset
California Coastal National Monument. Photo by the BLM.

From the Field

Wildland Fire Personnel Join First Responders Night

U.S. Wildland Fire Service Personnel from BLM California’s Central District joined partners and local agencies for First Responders Night with the Bakersfield Condors earlier this month. The event gave families a chance to meet firefighters, explore equipment, and learn more about the work wildland fire personnel do to help protect communities and public lands. Read more on Facebook.

U.S Wildland Fire Personnel at a booth
U.S. Wildland Fire Personnel. Photo by the BLM.

Prescribed Fire Planned in ‘Inimim Forest

Starting March 16, U.S. Wildland Firefighters will conduct prescribed fire operations in the ‘Inimim Forest east of North Columbia to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk across 250 acres. Smoke may be visible in Nevada City, Camptonville, and surrounding areas, so the public should use caution and watch for firefighters and emergency vehicles on nearby roads. Stay informed and read the full press release for more details.

piles of wood burning with smoke lifting into the air
Prescribed pile burn. Photo by the 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.

Pronghorn frolicking through a field
Pronghorn on BLM-managed public lands. Photo by Jesse Pluim, DOI.

The Pronghorn is a symbol of the American West and is the fastest North American land mammal.  Which of the following is its closest relative?

   A) Antelope
   B) Gazelle
   C) Giraffe
   D) Buffalo

Scroll down for the answer!

Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer Camp Hosts Needed for 2026 Season

The BLM is seeking volunteer camp hosts for the 2026 recreation season at North Eagle Lake Campground near Susanville and Pit River Campground near Fall River Mills. Camp hosts live on site, welcome visitors, share local knowledge, and help keep these popular Northern California campgrounds running smoothly. Learn more.

trapezoid sign in the shrubs of a forest. sign says North Eagle Lake Campground.
North Eagle Lake Campground. Photo by Jesse Pluim, DOI.

OMSP Refresher Training Opens for EMS Professionals

BLM California is hosting an Operational Medical Support Program refresher training April 21–23, 2026, in El Dorado Hills, welcoming both returning providers and new EMS professionals. The training prepares EMRs and EMTs to deliver essential medical support to operational teams working in remote field environments across California. Learn more. 

group of people in yellow nomex act out an ems training in a green field.
Operational Medical Support Program refresher training April 21–23, 2026, in El Dorado Hills.

Current USAJOBS Postings for BLM CA:

Inside Interior

Explore the latest videos from the U.S. Department of the Interior, featuring stories from across public lands, American energy, conservation efforts, and the people who support them. 

Inside Interior text over an image of a lake shore.
Inside Interior, Photo by DOI.

Answer to Seymour's Question of the Week

C) Giraffe
Although it occupies a similar grassland habitat in North America and appears similar in appearance to its African antelope cousin, the Pronghorn is actually most closely related to giraffes and the Okapi.

Did you know? The sole surviving member in the family Antilocapridae, the Pronghorn gets its name from its horn sheaths that branch and have a forward-pointing tine. These keratinous horn sheaths are shed and regrown annually, an unusual trait for mammals that have horns. Pronghorns are probably best known for their speed as they are the fastest North American land mammal with sustained speeds up to 55 mph.