Author Archives: Shawn E. Bell

State Parks

Incredible Camping Opportunities: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Recently, David Miller posted on the REI posted about seven U.S. state parks that offer up some great camping opportunities (see article: “7 U.S. STATE PARKS WITH INCREDIBLE CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES“). One of the parks mentioned was California’s own Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

David wrote that  “Camping in a redwood forest is mystical. Tucked within a massive canopy of redwood, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and grand and Douglas fir, and with a soft layer of duff covering the forest floor, there’s a sense of quiet and peace here. Sounds are dampened. Jedediah Smith is an entrancing place to camp: just imagine looking up through the huge branches and the understory of madrone and bigleaf maple, strolling through the giants in the Stout Grove, and wading in the crystal clear Smith River, the last major undammed river in California.”

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National Forests, National Parks

Welcome to National Public Lands Day!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Today is National Public Lands Day! Entry fees are waived in most of the national parks and national forests, so you won’t have to pay for day use areas – visitor centers, picnic areas, trailheads, etc.

You’ll still get o pay for concessions, camping, rentals, and other services. Check with your local national forest or park for specific information on the park you plan on visiting.

You can find out more about national parks, forests, wildernesses and other areas managed but the National Parks Service HERE.

Get outdoors and enjoy the day!

News

Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

From the BlueRibbon Coalition: Earlier this year, California Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-21), Sam Farr (CA-21), and Jeff Denham (CA-10) introduced H.R. 1838, the Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act, to direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reopen the 75,000 acre Clear Creek Management Area in San Benito and Fresno counties for recreational use, including access for off-road vehicles. Additionally, the legislation would protect approximately 21,000 acres of BLM land adjacent to Clear Creek as the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness.

Once considered a premier off-road vehicle recreation site, Clear Creek was temporarily closed in 2008 to the public after an Environmental Protection Agency analysis about the risk created by naturally occurring asbestos.

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News, Wildlife

BLM Plans Meetings on Cow Mountain Recreation Management Plan

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

From The BlueRibbon Coalition:

The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office will hold public scoping meetings in September to gather comments for a recreation management plan for North and South Cow Mountain.

BRC strongly supports the managed OHV recreation program at the Cow Mountain National Recreation Area (NRA). The NRA provides important OHV opportunities for both casual riders and competitors in motorized events.

BRC urges its members to attend the following meetings to show support for the current program and to offer comments on ways to enhance the OHV program. Here are just a couple of ideas: Continue reading →

National Forests, National Parks

Every Kid in a Park Program Launches

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The National Parks Service has launched the “Every Kid in a Park” program, which offers a free annual pass to all fourth grade students and their families to visit more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including America’s national parks.

Beginning today, any currently enrolled fourth grade student can visit www.everykidinapark.gov, finish an activity on the website and get a voucher. Parents and the student can redeem the voucher at any national park for an Every Kid in A Park pass. The pass is valid from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016.

“A primary focus of the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration is to connect young people with national parks and engage the next generation of stewards for America’s treasured places,” stated Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher. “We are excited about this opportunity for students and their families to come to Yosemite and experience their national park.”

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