With just a couple weeks of winter left many of us on the northcoast are looking forward to a sunny spring season. Since last October, we have recorded just over 129 inches of rain at the King Range office in Whitethorn, California. Evidence of wetting rains and strong winds can be see all over the Lost Coast. Landslides, flooded waterways and downed trees are impacting roads and trails at many public land locations across California. Check with local land managers before setting out over the next several weeks. As we dry up here on the coast and wait for the local flowers to blossom take advantage of the wildflower super bloom that is about to erupt in the coast range, Sierra foothills and Mojave Desert regions of California. Wishing the best as you track your own wildflower blooms.Ā
--Justin Robbins,Ā Outdoor Recreation Planner,Ā King Range National Conservation Area
Learn how to help us #TracktheBloom and share your #superbloom photos.Ā
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Weekend inspiration from favorite California destinations
Situated along the rugged Mendocino County coastline just north of the town of Point Arena, the Point Arena-Stornetta public lands are a unique and spectacular area that includes coastal bluffs, the estuary of the Garcia River, sandy beaches and dunes. Photo of Point Arena Lighthouse by Bob Wick, BLM.
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Weāve got your weekend inspiration! #DiscoverTheCoast with us in California
The California Coastal National Monument preserves important habitat for coastal plants and animals, and protects cultural sites that provide insight into the people who lived along the California coast thousands of years ago. Many of the new units of the monument are also culturally and spiritually important to local tribes.
Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Santa CruzĀ County extends from the steep slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains to marine terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This portion of the California Coastal National Monument encompasses ancient archaeological sites, riparian and wetland habitats, coastal prairie grasslands, and woodlands that include stands of coast redwood.Ā Photo by Jim Pickering, BLM.Ā
A respite from the modern world, complete with historic architecture and abundant natural life, awaits visitors to the California coast at Piedras Blancas.
Only 40 miles north of San Luis Obispo, California, the large white coastal rocks for which Piedras Blancas was named have served as a landmark for centuries to explorers and traders along the central coast of California.
Built in 1875 as a safety aid to mariners, the light station once cast a flashing, oil-flame light 25 miles out to sea, warning ship captains to steer clear of the white rocks that would mean certain doom for a vessel.
Today, the light station, its first order lens and light structure long ago removed, casts a beacon to travelers on scenic California Highway 1. It continues to provide a navigational aid to ship traffic, as well. Photo by David Ledig, BLM.
Lost Coast Headlands is along the coastal bluffs south of the mouth of the Eel River and approximately 260 miles north of San Francisco, California and 25 miles south of Eureka, California.
The coastal bluffs consist mostly of grasslands with scattered patches of forest. The beach along the base of the bluffs is narrow and typically not passable except during very low tides, as well as several locations along the bluffs are actively eroding into the ocean. Photo used with permission and Copyright 2013 Kenneth and Gabrielle Adelman. All rights reserved.
Perched on the edge of Table Bluff, 12 miles south of Eureka, California, Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch has spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Eel River Delta, and the south spit of Humboldt Bay. In addition to outstanding scenery, visitors to Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch can view migratory raptors and songbirds. Photo by Leisyka Parrott, BLM.
TheĀ Orange County Rocks and Islands area consists of a series of offshore rocks, pinnacles, exposed reefs, and small islands off the Orange County coastline, where visitors onshore are treated to dramatic crashing waves, unique geology, and an abundance of marine-dependent wildlife. These rocks and islands lie within the current monument boundary but were not previously reserved as part of the monument. These offshore rocks, many in pocket coves, contribute to the rugged beauty of the Orange County coastline and themselves include objects of scientific and historic interest. The features also provide important connectivity from south to north for shore birds and sea birds, as well as for California sea lions and harbor seals. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
A dramatic backdrop of rocks and islands and a community committed to conserving and sharing its natural and cultural heritage are hallmarks of the California Coastal National Monument at Trinidad Head.
About 30 miles north of Eureka, California lies the majestic and culturally important promontory that encompasses several prominent historic sites along with the rocky ledges that provide their setting, such as the Trinidad Head Light Station, which first operated in 1871 and is still active today.
Accompanied by a small wooden bell house, it sits atop sheer cliffs overlooking crashing waves and rugged sea stacks.
Outdoor adventurers can choose a hike around Trinidad Head for great views of the coastal rocks and islands, stroll along the beaches or view the more than 75,000 birds, including cormorants, common murres, and occasionally tufted puffins that call Trinidad Head home.Ā Photo by Leisyka Parrott, BLM.
Winter in Northern California looks and feels more like June. The King RangeĀ experienced a January with plenty of sunshine and not much in the way of precipitation. Recently, it's been raining. And I mean raining.Ā
An old ranger buddy called me to backpack the Lost Coast Trail last weekend. Check out the photos from the trip - the sunshine after the rain is inspiring.Ā
Photos byĀ Justin R. Robbins, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM-California King Range National Conservation Area
Happy Friday from theĀ California Coastal National Monument - Great Place to Play Tag Football for the Super Bowl!
A spectacular interplay between land and sea... The California Coastal National Monument comprises more than 20,000 rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles along the 1,100 miles of California's coast. The scenic beauty and important wildlife habitat within the Monument are protected by the Bureau of Land Management as National Conservation Lands. Millions of people view the California Coastal National Monument from roads, beaches, bluffs, watercraft, or through one of the Monument Gateway Communities.
Photos and GIFs by BLMers Bob Wick,Ā James Pickering andĀ Rochelle Francisco
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Did you know that sea otters in California are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act? They range from San Mateo to Santa Barbara County in rocky marine habitats like those off the BLM's Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area.Ā
Did you also know that BLM's California Coastal National Monument comprises more than 20,000 rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles along the 1,100 miles of California's coast?Ā
BLM photo of a southern sea otter off of the Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area.Ā
With the height of Spring upon us there is still time to get out and enjoy the wildflower season. The King Range provides several different types of habitat for wildflowers including beaches and dunes, cliffs and grasslands, and coastal forests. King Range trails provide access to help you and your friends get prime views of wildflowers.
I recommend the Spanish Ridge Trail for flowers that like cliffs and grasslands and the Horse Mountain Creek Trail to see coastal forest flowers.
As you follow trails or hike along the beach please remember to "Leave the Flowers." By practicing Leave No Trace you''ll help to maintain wildflower viewing for others who come after you.Ā
I have seen so many great flowers this year and I'd like to share some with you. Enjoy and get outside!
