Ah, summer has arrived in the Golden State and it’s getting hot outside, which means more people will be visiting public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management for recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, camping, rockhounding, backpacking, hiking, boating and off-highway vehicle use. 

In California, the BLM oversees 15 million acres of public lands that support the agency’s multiple use mission, which includes 28,000 miles of off-highway vehicle routes, 1,735 miles of nationally designated trails, and 356 miles of rivers for recreation. 

Visiting these public lands are a great way to experience the outdoors and the natural environment. However, visiting public lands can be a risk for someone who ventures out to them unprepared. As such, the BLM would like to offer some summer safety tips for recreating on rivers and public lands during these 101 critical hot days of summer. 

Trails and Rivers
This year, the BLM is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers and the National Trails System Acts and encourages the public to get outdoors and explore public lands and waters. 

Before trekking on BLM-managed trails, it is best to research the area and plan the visit. Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize impacts to public lands and wildlife, and consider a hike’s level of difficulty and the hiker’s physical condition. Underestimating the difficulty of a trail can lead to disastrous consequences, especially for a beginner hiker.  

Water-related rescues are common occurrences during summer as public lands visitation and recreation rises. When out recreating near or on rivers, be mindful of fast-moving currents, water temperature fluctuations and other potential water hazards. Also, keep in mind that although the air temperature may be hot, the water temperature below a river’s surface can be much colder and can cause hypothermia pretty quickly. It is advised to learn how to identify the signs of hypothermia, and follow any and all signage posted on public lands that warn of dangerous river conditions or fast-moving water currents. 

When boating, swimming, whitewater rafting or kayaking it is advised to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device and to follow California boating laws and regulations. Additional protective items can include wearing a helmet to protect the head from impact injuries and wearing water shoes to protect the feet from floating debris, sharp rocks, or slipping hazards. 

Check with online resources, such as blm.gov/visit and www.recreation.gov, to find more information about a trail’s level of difficulty, closures and hazards, water safety tips, and recreation and shooting restrictions. Visit www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/about/rivers-trails-50, for information about Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Scenic and Historic Trails. 

Camping and Backpacking
When camping on BLM-managed public lands, never leave a campfire unattended; carry a shovel and water at all times; and check weather forecasts and possible fire danger restrictions before leaving home. Nearly 90 percent of wildfires that occur in the United States are human caused. To obtain training on campfire safety or to obtain a California campfire permit, visit www.preventwildfireca.org/campfire-Permit.

While exploring the California desert or any other hot region, be mindful of extreme temperature changes; it is not uncommon to see more injuries and fatalities in the summer due to heat stroke or dehydration, since temperatures often soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to bring more water than you think you’d need – and remember to sip often. To find out information about any known safety hazards or public lands closures, contact the local BLM field office, or stop by a visitor center before departure. And, no matter what, never leave children or pets alone in a hot car for any amount of time.  

Always dress appropriately for the weather, wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Check with local weather reports on the day of a hike and continue to check weather reports regularly when backpacking, especially in a slot canyon. Many public land resources, including social media pages, provide flash-flood warnings and adverse weather updates. And finally, keep in mind that campsites or backpacking with food can attract wildlife. As such, secure food and other odorous items such as garbage in a "bear box," or in an approved bear-resistant food canister to attract less interest. 

Hunting and Recreational Shooting
Before heading out to hunt on BLM-managed public lands, take a hunter safety training course and follow required safety measures for hunting and recreational shooting. Also, check weather conditions and red flag warnings; avoid shooting in hot, dry, and windy weather; and follow local guidance relating to shooting and fire restrictions. Hunting and fishing is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  

The BLM California website offers information on public lands fire and shooting restrictions at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions. It is recommended to obtain a current map and directions to open hunting or target shooting areas. 

Upon arrival, be aware of dry vegetation, dead trees, and avoid driving or parking vehicles in tall grass. Park and camp away from dead trees and branches that can blow down and fall, and use appropriate trailer pins and hitches to keep the chains from dragging and creating sparks. Remember, one less spark means one less wildfire. Finally, be mindful to avoid shooting on or across roads, waterways, or trails.

Off-Highway Vehicle
Public lands provide great opportunities for all-terrain and utility-task vehicles, including dirt bikes, side-by-sides and four-wheelers. Vehicle safety should always be everyone’s top priority. As such, pre-planning should include leaving a trip itinerary behind with a friend or family member. The itinerary should include the trip location and time expected to be back.

Also, be sure off-road vehicles are registered and in good operating condition. Make sure tires are in good shape and suitable for the terrain being encountered. If riding a motorcycle, ATV or UTV, wear a helmet and protective clothing, stay on designated routes and trails, and make sure the spark arrester (if required for the type of vehicle) is in good working order.

Use a map or GPS unit when possible as they can be a helpful tool to keep from getting lost, and a few basic tools can help someone stay out of breakdown trouble. 

Finally, looking to visit BLM-managed public lands this summer, but not sure where to go? Check out this Interior blog that recommends best public lands for family fun: doi.gov/blog/hear-it-our-staff-best-public-lands-family-fun. For more information on how to obtain an “America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” for access to federal lands and waters across the country, visit www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/passes. Have an enjoyable summer!