Author Archives: Shawn E. Bell

Forest Service Opens Public Comment on National Old Growth Protections

Old growth forests took centuries to become what they are. The rules for protecting them are getting rewritten over the next 90 days, and the public gets a say.
 
The USDA Forest Service published a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed national old-growth forest plan amendment, advancing its commitment to conserve old growth across the National Forest System. The draft calls for consistent stewardship standards nationwide, with an emphasis on proactive management to reduce wildfire risk and adapt to climate-driven threats – drawing on both current science and Indigenous Knowledge.

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Burke Creek Gets Its Natural Course Back

Forest Service restoration work begins on Burke Creek and Rabe Meadow near South Lake Tahoe

 
The Forest Service has started restoration work on Burke Creek and Rabe Meadow near South Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, working with the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, finalized the decision back in April – the project restores the creek’s natural function and improves water quality, meadow vegetation, and habitat for the wildlife that depends on it.

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Williamson Rock Area and Pacific Crest Trail Segment Closed on Angeles National Forest

If you’re a hiker or equestrian who travels the Pacific Crest Trail through the Angeles National Forest, here’s something you need to know before you lace up your boots. A section of the PCT and the Williamson Rock area are under a temporary closure order.

The Forest Service has closed the Williamson Rock area and a stretch of the PCT running from its intersection with Angeles Crest Highway (State Highway 2) down to its intersection with the Burkhart Trail. The closure runs through December 31, 2026, and it’s all about protecting one of California’s most imperiled amphibians: the mountain yellow-legged frog. Continue reading

Keeping Tahoe Blue Starts With the People Standing In It

Beach managers and volunteers gear up for another summer of protecting the lake

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is teaming up with the Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, local nonprofits, and beach operators again this summer to keep the lake’s water clear for the crowds headed up for the season.
 

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Exploring California’s Rich Bounty of National Parks

California boasts a remarkable distinction among the states of the U.S. It’s not just the golden beaches, towering redwoods, or sprawling deserts that make it a treasure trove of natural wonders. With nine national parks within its borders, California holds the crown for having the most national parks of any state in the nation:

Channel Islands National Park: Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago of five rugged islands renowned for their untouched natural beauty and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and clearer waters, making them ideal times to explore the park. Continue reading