Hey all!

I have read just about everything there is to read on off airport landings on BLM land in California.

I am not talking about landing at established strips, such as the chicken strip, bacon strip, etc. I am talking about completely off airport.

From everything that I have read BLM land is good to land on provided that you steer clear of wilderness areas and or any other land that is owned by anyone else.

Am I missing anything?

For federal land at least it’s

“
Landing on national public land
CFR 36 Sec. 261.14 (a)
CFR TITLE 36 Sec. 261.13 Motor vehicle use.
After National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails,
and areas on National Forest System lands have been designated pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51 on an
administrative unit or a Ranger District of the National Forest System, and these designations have
been identified on a motor vehicle use map, it is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on
National Forest System lands in that administrative unit or Ranger District other than in accordance
with those designations, provided that the following vehicles and uses are exempted from this
prohibition:
(a) Aircraft;
(b) Watercraft;
(c) Over-snow vehicles;
(d) Limited administrative use by the Forest Service;
(e) Use of any fire, military, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle
for emergency purposes;
(f) Authorized use of any combat or combat support vehicle for
national defense purposes;
(g) Law enforcement response to violations of law, including
pursuit;
(h) Motor vehicle use that is specifically authorized under a
written authorization issued under Federal law or regulations; and
(i) Use of a road or trail that is authorized by a legally
documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority
“

Per grock
“
BLM Regulations (Title 43 CFR) and Aircraft Landings
The BLM’s equivalent regulations are found in 43 CFR Part 8340 (Off-Road Vehicles) and 43 CFR Part 2920 (Land Use Permits), among others, but there’s no single, direct regulation in Title 43 that mirrors 36 CFR § 261.13 or § 261.14 for aircraft landings across all BLM lands. Instead, BLM rules are more decentralized and tied to local management plans. However, I can connect your question to relevant BLM prohibitions and permitting processes:
1 Prohibitions Similar to 36 CFR § 261.13 (Motor Vehicle Use):
◦ For BLM lands, 43 CFR § 8341.2 governs off-road vehicle use and prohibits operating vehicles (including potentially motorized aircraft like powered paragliders) in a manner that damages land, vegetation, or wildlife, or outside designated areas. Aircraft landings aren’t explicitly covered here, but if a landing damages the surface or occurs in a closed area, it could be cited under this or similar authority (e.g., 43 CFR § 8365.1-6, “Supplementary Rules,” which local BLM offices can enact).
2 Prohibitions Similar to 36 CFR § 261.14(a) (Damage to Resources):
◦ The BLM equivalent is 43 CFR § 8365.1-5, which prohibits damaging natural features, cultural resources, or federal property on public lands. Landing an aircraft in a way that harms vegetation, archaeological sites, or wildlife habitats could violate this rule, subjecting the pilot to fines or penalties unless authorized.
3 Aircraft-Specific Rules:
◦ As noted earlier, 43 CFR § 6302.20 bans aircraft landings in BLM wilderness areas (akin to USFS wilderness rules). Outside wilderness, landings aren’t broadly prohibited but often require a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) under 43 CFR § 2932 or a land use authorization under 43 CFR § 2920, depending on the activity’s scope (e.g., commercial filming, repeated use, or group events).
How This Works with BLM Land in California
• Permitting: If you want to land an aircraft on BLM land, the local field office would evaluate the request against the area’s Resource Management Plan (RMP) and applicable CFR rules. For example, if the landing risks damage (per 43 CFR § 8365.1-5) or occurs in a restricted zone, it’d be denied or cited if unauthorized.
• Local Variation: Some California BLM areas (e.g., Imperial Sand Dunes) have specific supplementary rules that could restrict landings, while others (e.g., remote desert tracts) might allow it with minimal oversight if no damage occurs.
• Enforcement: Violations like unauthorized landings causing damage could lead to fines (typically $100-$1,000, per 43 CFR § 8360.0-7) or restoration orders, similar to USFS penalties under 36 CFR.
Reconciling Your References
the closest analogs (43 CFR §§ 8365, 2920, 6302) suggest landings are case-by-case: allowed with permits where compatible with land use, prohibited where they damage resources or violate designations. USFS land, 36 CFR § 261 doesn’t directly ban landings outside wilderness but could penalize damage from them.
To get a definitive answer for a specific BLM parcel in California, contact the local field office with your coordinates or site details. They’ll clarify if landings are permitted, restricted, or require authorization based on their RMP and CFR authority.
.”

^^x2^^
Also, permit requirements might include State of CA stickers. For example, from https://www.blm.gov/visit/jawbone-canyon-ohv-area-
<snip>
REGULATION INFORMATION: Either "Green or Red Sticker" OHV registration is mandatory for ALL vehicles that are not "street legal." Visitors from outside the state of California must have a valid permit/registration from an off-highway vehicle program in your home state. If you do not have a valid permit/registration from your home state, you will have to purchase a "Non-Resident OHV Permit" for California. This sticker can be purchased at the Jawbone OHV Station.
<snip>

I land BLM land when and where no one/few are around. It’s key to no hassle.