BLM Advises the Public to “Know Before You Go” this July Fourth
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With July Fourth holiday festivities around the corner, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) would like to remind Californians to "know before you go" recreating on public lands.
The BLM oversees 15 million acres of public lands in California that support the agency’s multi-use mission. Summertime means an influx of visitors traveling to public lands to enjoy countless types of recreational opportunities, including camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, boating, white water rafting, hang gliding, off-highway vehicle riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, climbing and photography.
“Fourth of July weekend is the deadliest holiday period of the year due to alcohol-related incidents, recreational boating incidents, swimming fatalities and firework accidents,” said Sal Nieblas, BLM California State Chief Ranger. “The BLM encourages everyone to exercise extreme caution when traveling and visiting public lands. Please get plenty of sleep before traveling, stay hydrated, stay away from the wildlife, and never drink and drive.”
As such, the BLM would like to remind the public to plan ahead and be cautious and courteous of one another when visiting public lands. This can be done by practicing “Leave no Trace” and “Tread Lightly” principles, which encourage respect for nature and wildlife. Visit the BLM’s ‘Know Before You Go’ webpage for more information at https://www.blm.gov/programs/know-before-you-go.
Wildland Fire
The BLM is committed to keeping the public safe and public landscapes healthy and productive. According to CAL FIRE, approximately 95 percent of wildfires in California are caused by human activity. Other factors include weather and wind conditions and bark beetle infestation, which has caused massive amounts of tree mortality.
As such, some BLM-managed public lands in California are now under fire restrictions and some areas have recreational shooting restrictions. Fireworks are also prohibited in developed recreation areas and where fire restrictions are in place. For more information on BLM fire restrictions, please call the local BLM field office, or visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions. The public can also find information about wildfire prevention, defensible space and tree mortality on CAL FIRE’s website at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/One-Less-Spark-Campaign/.
River Safety
Rapid snowmelt is leading to rising water levels in rivers all over the West. As such, the state is experiencing more water emergencies than normal. The BLM advises the public to follow any and all signage posted on public lands that warn the public of potentially deadly river conditions. It is also advised to check out the U.S. Geological Society’s website for Current Water Data for California at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/rt, before swimming or recreating on the water.
Children and Pet Safety
Before visiting public lands with family pets, please check with the local BLM office to find out information about public land off-leash hiking policies. The BLM would also like to remind the public to be especially mindful of children and pet safety. Please keep children and pets well hydrated and never leave a child or pet in a hot car for any amount of time.
The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities it serves. Help the BLM keep public visitors happy and safe during these “dog days of summer.”
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.