My Public Lands

Thank you for your interest in the stories of your public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management! To see our latest content, please continue to follow along with us at bureauoflandmanagement.medium.com and www.blm.gov/blog. Thank you and see you in the outdoors!

On December 16, the Bureau of Land Management held a virtual award ceremony honoring more than 89 employees from across the Bureau who were recipients of the Director’s Awards for their valuable contributions.

In opening remarks, William Perry Pendley, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs, honored the award recipients for their unfailing commitment to their jobs, leadership and hard work.

“You represent the best of the BLM, and too often, you do not receive the recognition you deserve for your hard work, innovation, and dedication. Each of you continue to strive for excellence and go above and beyond what is needed to perform your job every day, even throughout the Pandemic,” Perry said.  

Mike Nedd, BLM Deputy Director for Operations, also shared his sincere appreciation for the award winners: “On behalf of BLM’s leadership, I would like to express our appreciation to all of you. Thank you for being truly extraordinary. As principal stewards of 245 million acres of public lands, we have an incredibly broad and complex mission, with a diverse array of responsibilities unlike that of any other federal agency. We have been challenged to sustain the health, productivity and diversity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. This is no easy task, and it has been made harder by the pandemic. To carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of public land stewardship, we need people like you: who believe in our mission, who love our public lands, and who go the extra mile to provide public service. Needless to say, I have been consistently impressed by our workforce, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to thank you,” Nedd said.

During the ceremony, 23 employees received the Meritorious Service Award, the second highest honorary recognition granted to employees in the Department of the Interior. It is presented for an important contribution to science or management, a notable career, superior service in administration or in the execution of duties, or initiative in devising new and improved work methods, and procedures.

Pendley also acknowledged the 14 recipients of the Superior Service Award. This award is given to those that have made significant achievements to aid the mission of the Department of the Interior.

In addition, 52 employees were honored with the BLM Directors’ Awards for their exemplary service in the following five categories: Excellence Through Leadership; Excellence Through Stewardship; Team Accomplishments; Diversity and Inclusion, and Safety.

On November 17, the Bureau of Land Management held three virtual award ceremonies honoring more than 200 employees from across the Bureau who were recipients of the Department of the Interior’s Unsung Heroes Awards for their valuable behind-the-scenes contributions during the pandemic.  Despite the challenging times, these employees fought wildland fires, inspected oil and gas operations, kept recreation sites open and safe for visitors, performed field work, and provided critical administrative support, among other vital functions.

In opening remarks, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor honored the award recipients for their unfailing commitment to their jobs and their dedication to the American people during the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“The exceptional men and women we recognize today stepped up at a time of great national need,” said MacGregor.  “Many of you worked long hours to keep as many of our public facilities and lands open as possible under extremely difficult circumstances, while doing everything possible to keep visitors safe. You did all this while continuing to help your children with online learning, caring for loved ones, and volunteering in your local communities to help in myriad other ways, such as sewing masks and making deliveries to vulnerable people. In every way, these exceptional employees have lived up to Teddy Roosevelt’s maxim to “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.’”

Mike Nedd, BLM Deputy Director for Operations, emceed the events and shared his sincere appreciation for the award winners:  “You represent the best of BLM, and too often, you do not receive the recognition you deserve for your hard work and dedication,” Nedd said. “Each of you continues to go above and beyond what is needed to perform your job everyday throughout the pandemic. For that, we are extremely grateful.”

Perry Pendley, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs, also gave remarks. He noted that these unprecedented times have “not been easy for any of us, but especially for those of you on the front lines executing BLM’s mission. To carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of public land stewardship, we need people like you: who believe in our mission, who love our public lands, and who go the extra mile to provide public service.”

BLM State and Assistant Directors then acknowledged each awardee from their office and provided a few examples of what these Unsung Heroes have accomplished, despite the complexities caused by the pandemic.

Happy 20th anniversary to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument,  encompassing 176,000 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. This Monument is located in the Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, about 50 miles west of Durango, 10 miles west of Cortez and 12 miles west of Mesa Verde National Park. The Monument was designated on June 9, 2000 by Presidential Proclamation to protect cultural and natural resources on a landscape scale.

The Monument contains the highest known archaeological site density in the United States, with rich, well-preserved evidence of native cultures. The archaeological record etched into this landscape is much more than isolated islands of architecture. This cultural landscape contains more than 6,355 recorded sites that reflect all the physical components of past human life: villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs and sweat lodges. Some areas have more than 100 sites per square mile. The number of sites is estimated to be up to 30,000.

The Monument has been used or inhabited by humans, including the Northern Ancestral Puebloan culture (or Anasazi), for 10,000 years, and continues to be a landscape used by humans today. Historic uses of the Monument include recreation, hunting, livestock grazing and energy development.

In addition to the Monument’s cultural resources, it is managed for multiple uses, including recreation, research, hunting, livestock grazing, and oil and gas development. The Monument is a fine example of BLM’s multiple use mission and the people of southwest Colorado have a special connection to this place.

Learn more and visit: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients.

Today kicks off #GreatOutdoorsMonth! The more than 245 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management offer a wide variety of diverse landscapes that feature unique and memorable experiences as vast as the land itself. This summer, we invite you to explore the outdoors with us, but please do so safely and responsibly.

Following guidance from the White House, CDC, and state and local public health authorities, we are increasing access and services to BLM-managed public lands, offices and facilities in a phased approach based on regional, state, and local conditions. Before visiting, please contact your local BLM office to check operating status and current conditions: www.blm.gov/contact.

If you go outdoors, please #RecreateResponsibly by being prepared, flexible and respectful of other users, as well as of the natural and cultural resources on public lands.

Tips to Recreate Safely and Responsibly:

Stay home if you don’t feel well or have recently been sick.

Follow guidance from local and state authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Avoid heavily used or crowded trails, parking areas, and sites and seek     dispersed recreation opportunities in your local area. Have a backup plan  to avoid crowded high-use areas. If you find an area to be crowded, turn around.

Check with local offices for current conditions, including closures and changes in service, before visiting popular areas and visit blm.gov for operating status updates.

Practice social distancing. Be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors by giving them as much space as possible in parking lots, at trailheads, and out on public lands.

Help prevent human-caused wildfires. Completely extinguish campfires by using the “drown, stir and feel” method. Don’t park on dry grass and ensure tow chains aren't dragging and tow straps are secured. Observe fire danger restrictions on BLM lands designated as high-risk early in this fire season. Follow fireworks restrictions and target shooting requirements at all times.

Avoid unnecessary risks while recreating to prevent overwhelming medical facilities.

Bring supplies for sanitation with you and pack out your trash. Facilities,     including bathrooms and visitor centers, may not be open or available for  in-person contact.

If you’re unable to visit #yourpubliclands, please continue following along with us on our social media for plenty of virtual trips through our ongoing #ArmchairAdventures.

Resources:

Visit your public lands: www.blm.gov/visit

Updates about the overall BLM response to COVID-19: https://www.blm.gov/alert/coronavirus-advisory

CDC Information on Protecting yourself: www.coronavirus.gov

Wildfire information: https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm

Leave No Trace ethics: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

Tread Lightly principles: https://www.treadlightly.org/learn/

Story and photos by Tyson Finnicum, BLM-Wyoming public affairs specialist

On March 7, 2020, dozens of families made use of a sunny, spring-like day snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and just playing in the snow at Winter Adventure Day on Casper Mountain. The BLM's Casper Field Office and National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) partnered with the Casper Mountain Biathlon Club to bring participants, particularly kids, hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to try out winter activities.

Nearly 150 people stopped by to join the fun over the course of the day, with more than 30 staff and/or volunteers there to assist. In addition to skiing and snowshoeing, participants had the chance to ride fat bikes, shoot electronic rifles, dig for treasures, and craft their own s’mores. The best part, the equipment and instruction provided was absolutely free.

“Winter Adventure Day allows families and individuals without the means, gear, or expertise to try these activities at no cost to them. It also highlights what Casper Mountain and the Biathlon Club have to offer,” says Stacey Moore, a visitor information assistant at the NHTIC. “A highlight for me was the number of families that said, ‘Wow! I never knew this was here’ and were excited to come back.”

Moore spearheaded the event in partnership with the biathlon club in 2018 as project for the ee360 Fellowship Program which she was a part of. Her project for community engagement and local environmental education evolved into what we now celebrate as Winter Adventure Day.

“The whole purpose is to get families out, together, to recreate and learn about our local environment in winter conditions,” Moore says.

What seems as pure play to a child is injected with educational components. Burying self-made jello frogs and tunneling through snowbanks, kids learned about how animals survive in winter. Human survival skills like building a shelter or starting a fire using the traditional stick method were also demonstrated.

The Medicine Bow Conservation District, the nonprofit organization Hike it Baby, and local ski patrol assisted as well to provide education and oversight at the event.

“This year was a success,” concludes Moore, “but only because we had such great people helping pull it all together!”

Looking for the best place for social distancing? The more than 245 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management can provide that distance, but please do it safely and responsibly! Avoid high-risk outdoor activities, stick to small groups of people, stay in your local area and don’t forget to leave no trace. If you do head out, please follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases: maintain social distancing, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and stay home if you feel sick. Learn more here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov. 

As the Covid19 situation continues to evolve, please remember to review state and community guidance before heading out. Contact your local BLM office for the latest information on public lands near you: www.blm.gov/office/national-office or monitor news on their social media channels here: www.blm.gov/media/social-media.

If you’re home with your kids, check out BLM’s Junior Ranger books to help your kids connect with the natural world and cultural resources: https://on.doi.gov/3ahHT1m. Books cover a wide variety of topics including: native plants, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, geology, etc.

Local partnership increases healthy desert bighorn sheep populations across southeastern Arizona

Desert bighorn sheep populations across southeastern Arizona have greatly increased thanks to an ongoing partnership between the BLM, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), and the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society (ADBSS). Through the partnership, sheep from large herd areas on BLM-managed public land are relocated to lesser populated areas with similar land features.

A Fall 2018 relocation from the Silver Bell bighorn sheep population in the Ironwood Forest National Monument is an example of a successful project made possible by this partnership. This herd, which was one of the few remaining historical populations of bighorn sheep in southeastern Arizona, was reduced in number by disease in 2003. Cooperative efforts by the BLM, AGFD, ADBSS, and private landowners ensured the population survived.

In October 2003, 4,800 domestic goats wandered onto state trust land near the Ironwood Forest National Monument with 400 to 500 escaping and trespassing into the Monument. “Those escapees (goats) carried two diseases that infected and dramatically reduced the native desert bighorn sheep population in the monument from about 80 to 50 in a matter of months,” said AGFD Wildlife Science Coordinator Jim Heffelfinger. Because of quick action by ADBSS and other partners coordinated by the AGFD and BLM’s Tucson Field Office, the goats were removed and the remaining sheep were treated with medications.

Over subsequent years, the BLM and the AGFD worked together to construct a new wildlife water catchment and rebuild a number of other wildlife water catchments in the monument. “Because of these efforts, the bighorn sheep population in the monument soared to more than 200 animals by 2017, and provides an abundant source of desert bighorns for relocation to other historic habitat in southern Arizona,” said retired BLM Natural Resource Specialist Darrell Tersey.

In November 2018, the AGFD spearheaded an effort to capture 30 bighorns and transport them to the Picacho Mountains on BLM-managed public land. The land was a historic range for the sheep until the 1930s when their population declined due to over hunting prior to the creation of state hunting regulations. The release area was only 17 miles away as the crow flies, but impossible for the sheep to reach because of man-made barriers including an interstate highway, railroad tracks, and a large canal fenced on both sides with 10-foot tall chain link fencing.   The capture crew was efficient, one time bringing as many as five sheep at once to the volunteers to be checked by veterinarians and ear tagged. AGFD staff placed radio collars on ten of the desert bighorn sheep. 

“The capture was planned to take two days, but everyone stepped up and made the target of 30 sheep ready for transport by the end of the first day,” said AGFD Region 5 Terrestrial Wildlife Specialist Rana Tucker. The bighorn sheep, including those with radio collars, were transported to the new location and released.  The radio collars will provide information on sheep movement within the habitat.

The AGFD’s Tucson office regularly collects the collar data and shares it with the BLM and other partners to document the status of the native wild bighorn sheep moved to the historic use areas on public lands. Six months later, the data from the relocation to BLM lands indicates that none of the collared bighorn sheep have died or moved elsewhere.

Typically, second and third translocations are necessary to get the bighorn sheep close to a self-sustaining level with good genetic diversity. In this case, because they are doing so well, the AGFD may not have to do a third translocation to this area.

Partnerships like this one ensure that desert bighorn sheep will continue to thrive in southeastern Arizona and provide a wealth of hunting opportunities and wildlife viewing opportunities now and into the future.

The fifty-year strong partnership supports the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Secretarial Order 3356 that directs bureaus to coordinate with states, tribes and territories in planning and decision-making that impacts hunting, fishing and recreational shooting access. It also supports Secretarial Order 3362 that directs DOI bureaus to evaluate how their lands can contribute to State or other efforts to improve the quality and condition of priority big game winter and migration corridor habitat and improve hunting and fishing access, opportunities, and game species habitat and population management directives.

Story by Darrell Tersey, retired BLM Tucson Field Office Natural Resource Specialist; June Lowery, BLM Gila District Public Affairs Specialist; Rana Tucker, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 5 Game Specialist.

Who will win the #BatBeautyContest?

Is there any better way to celebrate #BatWeek than by talking about how cute our winged friends are? Luckily we have a #BatBeautyContest just for you!

Voting begins today on our Facebook page as these cuties go head-to-head for the title of “Cutest Bat of 2019″!

First up, we have Buddy vs. Spike. Click here to vote!

Buddy (pictured above on the left) is a pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), which is the only bat that snatches the majority of its prey from the ground, and it is one of two known bats immune to scorpion venom.

Representing the spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) is Spike! The spotted bat is the largest bat of North America. Their wingspan stretches up to 14 inches, and take a look at the size of those ears!

This Sunday, vote on a new bracket of cute bats: Ace vs. Cocoa.

Ace is a California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californicus)—the only bat in North America known to catch caterpillars and is among the very few insect-eating bats that supplement their diets with cactus fruit.

Cocoa is a Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)—whose colonies are the largest congregations of mammals in the world. The largest colony found near San Antonio has nearly 20 million bats!

Then, vote on who you think is the “Cutest Bat of 2019″. We’ll announce the winner on Halloween- to celebrate the finale of #BatWeek.

The award-winning BLM General Land Office

Congrats to Daniel Fleming, Branch Chief of the General Land Office for winning the “Geospatial Integration Award” at this year’s 2019 Geospatial Integration Contest. Daniel submitted the "General Land Office Record of the Week: A General Land Office Story Map" for consideration, which is a weekly map  that features unique records from the General Land Office, such as stories about Voyageurs National Park, the Middle Island Lighthouse, the Lewis and Clark Caverns  and many more weekly stories. 

In addition, Daniel's efforts were also recognized by Jack Dangermond, ESRI President, at the 2019 annual ESRI User Conference.

Most recently, the GLO team represented the BLM at the 37th annual Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society Conference in Chicago, October 11-12, where they engaged with teachers, archivists, historians, geologists and other interested members of the public. 

Since the establishment of the GLO in 1812, the office has provided consistent and accurate information about our nation’s history by maintaining priceless documents that aid in researching genealogy, resource ownership, use rights, and inform the historical context of BLM-managed lands. Within its collection of over 12 million records, GLO tells the story of the westward expansion of America and the citizens that made that journey over 200+ years. 

BLM, Peregrine Fund and partners release four captive bred California Condors into Arizona skies

On Saturday, September 28, 2019 over 600 people traveled to a remote site on the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument to watch four captive-bred California condors fly free for the first time.

The event was the culmination of a 23-year-long effort to help the endangered species to recover and become the wild, free flying creatures they once were. Making its way back from a population of only 22 worldwide in 1982, today California condors are a population of 500 strong worldwide with 96 flying free over Arizona skies.

The four condors released Saturday included, a female and male hatched in the spring of 2018 (number 928 and 929) and two males hatched in the summer of 2018 (number 947 and 948). All four juveniles were hatched at the Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.

Janette Benziger of Apache Junction, Arizona brought her 14 year old grandson, Orion, from Mesa, Arizona to watch the release. Anxiously waiting to watch the young condors take flight, Janette and Orion sat on lawn chairs at the condor release site near the base of the Vermilion Cliffs with binoculars trained on the mesa top.

“It’s just so moving to be able to see them soaring in these skies,” Janette said. As a grandmother, she values passing along her love for the outdoors and nature to the next generation. She wanted her grandson to “experience what the parks and recs and all the foundations and non-profits can do in Arizona to help maintain our condor species in the wild—not always in zoos, not in help centers—but to be able to fly free like they are meant to,” said Janette. For Orion, watching the birds soar above reminded him of our role and place in relation to nature and the ecosystem. “It makes me feel small,” Orion said, “to see them fly is really cool—it lets you know you’re not the biggest thing around in nature.”

Arden and Victoria Redshirt, Oliver Williams and Shoshauna Yazzie brought their families with small children to the event because they wanted to be a part of something bigger. The kids enjoyed coloring and making buttons to remember the condors and the event by and smiled from ear to ear when showing others their hand-made badges.

Field crews from the Peregrine Fund work hard to prepare the condors for their release. But for Peregrine Fund staff like Chris Parish, Director of Global Conservation, the most exciting part of the event is interacting with the people who travel from as far away as Vermont to support the recovery effort. “What I get more excited about is seeing the enthusiasm and excitement from everyone who come to see the condors fly free for the first time,” said Parish. “For the crew who are on the ground working with the condors every day to be able to see at this event that their work does resonate for people—it makes it all worthwhile, to know that people care and are listening.”

Wrapping up #MyPublicLandsSummer in Nevada

Summer’s not over yet! Visit your public lands in Nevada for some #BLMAdventures. Your public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada range from cliff-dominated river channels to sweeping panoramas of high-elevation pinyon-juniper mountains. They include stark and expansive white playas, geologic wonders, and wide-open spaces.

This diverse and beautiful land holds dozens of fishing areas, hundreds of trails, picnic sites and developed and primitive camping opportunities for you to explore and enjoy.

Your week of #BLMAdventures in the Land of Enchantment

For this week of the #MyPublicLandsSummer, head on over to public lands managed by BLM New Mexico to enjoy the outdoors this summer! BLM New Mexico’s outdoor recreation activities are as diverse as the landscape and cultures of the state. Almost all of this land is open for recreational use, such as hiking, cycling, hunting, fishing, camping (including dispersed camping), and much more.

BLM at the World Scout Jamboree 2019

The Bureau of Land Management was proud to engage with about 40,000 Scouts and visitors from more than 169 countries participating in the 24th World Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Full of energy from July 22nd until August 2nd, the Scouts and volunteers maintained a smile whether they were in the sunshine or the rain. The cultural exchange, diversity and acceptance of others among the scout troops was awe-inspiring.

The summit reached almost 10,600 acres that consisted of trails, mountain biking, skateboarding, climbing, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and many other outdoor activities. Getting to the multiple recreational areas and activities required a challenging hike, yet along the way the groups of people trading badges, pins and even backpacks made distance seem irrelevant. Along the trail, multiple tents contained many interactive activities for kids to learn about other cultures. 

This year’s slogan empowered Scouts to “Unlock a New World” - and that they did. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) exhibition tent was located in the North American Dream area that included Canada, Mexico and the United States. 

The BLM shared the space and worked alongside the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service and the Office of Surface Mining. Scouts and visitors from all around the world would enter and receive general information about the different Bureaus’ programs on public lands in the United States. Scouts worked together through different activities in the tent and got awarded with a DOI Scout badge for their efforts. 

The BLM had three main interactive activities for the Scouts: Paleontology, Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology, and Land Surveying. Each day, more than 10,000 Scouts experienced the multiple activities, questions & answers and presentations. For most of the Scouts, it was the first time ever seeing prehistoric fossils. When engaging in conversation about archaeology and map surveying, Scouts would light up with joy and enthusiasm and mention their future aspirations to be a geologist, archaeologist or law examiners.

Find your #BLMAdventures with BLM-Eastern States!