Author Archives: Shawn E. Bell

Conservation

Big Meadows Base Camp – High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Family-friendly camping with multiple projects for people of all ages.

Event Date: 07/09/2015 – 07/12/2015
Event Type: Vital Trail Maintenance (VTM)
Trip Type: Car Camping Base
Cost: FREE

You are encouraged to stay over Thursday night to acclimate. Food will be provided Thursday night through Sunday lunch. Volunteers can work Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you do not have to be at the event for all three days. This event is family friendly, we will have volunteer work available for all ages. There are many attractions in the Sequoia National Park and Forest that you can easily visit before or after the event. Experienced crew leaders will train volunteers in general trail maintenance techniques and safe usage of hand tools. We will be removing brush and trees, repairing water bars, and installing water diversion structures on the Deer Meadow and Kanawyer Trails, along with The Rowell Meadow, Weaver Lake and Jennie Lake Trails within the Jennie Lakes Wilderness. A primitive solar shower setup will be provided. There is no charge for this event, base camp operations usually cost at least $3,000 with 30-50 people participating that equals $60 to $100 per person. Although we receive grant money for these trips it is often not enough to cover operating costs. Please consider making a tax deductible donation online or bringing a donation to the event. More detailed information will be sent to you after you sign up.
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Conservation, National Forests, National Parks

Sportsmen-Legislators, Conservation Groups Discuss Federal Forest Policy

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Today, members of the sportsmen’s conservation community gathered with Members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) at a Breakfast Briefing, titled, “The Resilient Federal Forests Act: Wildlife Habitat and Forest Diversity,” hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF).

Speakers addressed issues from funding, increasing litigation, and complicated regulations to wildlife habitat management and public access for outdoor recreation on federal lands, many of which are addressed in H.R. 2647.

CSF President Jeff Crane, CSC Co-Chair Congressman Rob Wittman (VA), and CSC Vice-Chair Congressman Gene Green (TX) introduced H.R. 2647 and its importance, not only to sportsmen and women, but to all users of public lands.

CSC Member and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Congressman Rob Bishop (UT) addressed the audience. “[Forest management] needs more money to be effective, but that alone is not going to solve the problem. There has to be some substantial changes. The Resilient Federal Forests Act is the first step forward.”

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National Parks

Aramark subsidiary Yosemite Hospitality, LLC replaces DNC as primary concessionaire for Yosemite National National Park

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

DNC has been replaced! In a fairly closed bidding process, the National Park Service has selected Aramark for the new 15 year primary concession contract. This contract is the largest single contract offered by the National Park Service.

From the NPS:

Fifteen-Year Contract includes providing overnight accommodations, food and beverage, retail, and other related services to park visitors

The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Yosemite Hospitality, LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark, to receive the new primary concession contract for providing visitor services in Yosemite National Park. The 15-year contract – the largest single concession contract in the NPS – is expected to begin on March 1, 2016, and will include overnight accommodations, food and beverage operations, retail sales, fuel sales, bike and raft rentals, and a variety of other recreational activities throughout the park.

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Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Chili Cookoff – July 11!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Big Bear Chili Cookoff

Saturday, July 11th
10:00am – 5:00pm

Bartlett Street Parking Lot

  • Outhouse Races
  • Kid’s Area
  • Giant Beer Garden
  • Gunslingers
  • Live Music
  • Miss Clementine
  • 40 Chili Cooks

Chili Tasting Kits: $5.00

This is an official International Chili Society sanctioned event. If you can get here, GET HERE!

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State Parks

Chino Hills State Park to reopen Bane Canyon Road Entrance

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

After a lengthy closure, the Bane Canyon Road entrance to Chino Hills State Park will be reopening today.  Drivers, bicyclists, and hikers will be able to access the park through the entrance starting a 8:00am.

The road is located just south of Sequel Canyon Road off Elinvar Drive, which turns into Sapphire Road.  The address for the gate is 4721 Sapphire Road, although the entrance will continue to be called Bane Canyon Road.

There will be a short opening ceremony with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00am. with festivities including speakers and a first look at the new facilities including the visitor services kiosk and maintenance buildings.

Chino Hills State Park is located in Chino Hills, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is part of the Chino/Puente Hills wildlife corridor, and is a botanical habitat reserve for both resident and migrating wildlife.

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