California Recreation Strategy

The purpose of the Instruction Bulletin is to transmit the California Recreation Strategy (Strategy). This strategy was developed by BLM-California in 2022 based on findings of a statewide Recreation Program Review, and using the framework from the Connecting with Communities Headquarters Strategy. Final distribution of the Strategy was held until HQ completed the Blueprint 21st Century Recreation Strategy.

The BLM-California Recreation Program used the Draft Strategy to drive goals for FY23. Accomplishments aligned with those goals include:
Goal 1: Provide enhances skills, accurate data reporting and 1220 budget.

• •Staff attended our recreation in-person workshop in May 2023. We had 35 recreation staff attend with every field office represented. Staff have attended various recreation trainings provided by the NTC.
• Provided guidance on reporting of visitation, provide funding for offices to purchase traffic counters, and met the HQ requirement for two offices to conduct visitor surveys.
• Prepared for the implementation of the use of the Recreation and Permit Tracking Online Reporting (RAPTOR) system for the issuance of all new SRPs. CA has had three offices complete the required training and 11 are scheduled to complete the training throughoutFY24 and one office in FY25.
• 1220 budget allocation model (BAM) was updated to reflect current drivers of the recreation workload and implemented for FY23. It will be updated annually.

Goal 2: Partnerships

• We received six applications through the recreation Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) and are planned to have financial agreements in FY24.

Goal 3: Communication and Outreach Efforts

• CASO communication staff have provided training and improved story/photo submittal process which has resulted in improved recreation communication and messaging.
• Six offices have submitted sign orders through the National Sign Shop to update signage in recreation areas. We hope to have eight offices to submit orders in FY24.

Goal 4: Establish Secure and Reliable Funding Sources

• •Four offices have updated business plans, two have been approved and signed. Two plans are waiting NorCal RAC meeting.

The California State Office will continue to use the Strategy to prioritize workload in the Recreation program. The Recreation program will report on accomplishments under the Strategy annually. This Strategy is intended to be a living document and will be evaluated periodically to update it based on accomplishments and ensure that its goals align with current BLM priorities.

On August 31, 2023, the BLM issued the Bureau of Land Management’s Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation. The Blueprint’s vision is “To provide exceptional and one-of-a kind recreational experiences that invite all to share in the enjoyment and stewardship of their public lands.” Through the Blueprint, the BLM will achieve the vision by focusing on four strategic pillars:

1. Growth and Diversify Resources for BLM Recreation
2. Prioritize and Embrace Partnerships
3. Expand Outreach and Establish a Culture of Inclusion
4. Meet the Demand, Protect Resources, and Improve Access.

CA Recreation Strategy and the Blueprint Strategy share the same vision with the enhancement of partnerships, meeting demand with increased visitation, messaging, and communications. As noted above, the California Strategy is intended to be a living document, and throughout the next Fiscal Year, will work to identify opportunities and priorities that align both with the California Strategy and BLM Blueprint.

Coordination: The Division of Resources will continue to implement it and provide an annual accomplishment report. The report will track staff training, partnerships, improved messaging, and updated/new Business Plans.

Contact: If you have questions or concerns regarding this IB, contact Andrew Burrows California Lead Outdoor Recreation Planner at (916) 200-9543.

Signed by:
Karen Mouritsen
State Director

Authenticated by:
James Barnes
GIS & Applications Mgmt. Branch (CA-946)