Category Archives: News

News

Happy 125th Birthday, Orange County!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Congratulations on your quasi … quenti … quadralater … err, Happy Quasquicentennial!

Yep, the county I was born in and grew up in is now way old.  Way, way old.  Here’s a bit of a look back at Orange County, California:

On this date back in 1889 Orange County was officially formed

In celebration of this event, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved “OC125” – the official name for the observance.

The territory known as the California Republic officially became the State of California, the 31st state in the United States of America, on September 9, 1850.

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National Parks, News

Happy 150th Anniversary, Yosemite!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Under a towering canopy of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy and public officials today celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, the legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln to preserve Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove, by breaking ground on a landmark project to protect the ancient sequoia trees and the extraordinary experience they make possible.

“On the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, we stand in awe among these giant trees that are thousands of years old and are reminded about the importance of protecting our natural resources so that future generations can experience what John Muir called ‘nature’s forest masterpiece,’” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis at public ceremonies attended by thousands.

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National Parks, News

Rockfall Closes Trail to Rancheria Falls in Yosemite National Park

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

A rockfall in the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite National Park has closed the trail to Rancheria Falls east of Wapama Falls.

According to the National Park Service, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 31, a large rockfall occurred from the cliff just east of Wapama Falls above the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The trail was closed just east of the Wapama Creek footbridges for safety purposes.  Boulders are preventing access beyond Wapama Falls to park visitors.  No visitors were injured in the rockfall.

Roughly 16,000 tons of rock fell from approximately 500 feet above the base of the cliff. Rock debris hit the slope below the cliff, breaking into numerous boulders, crushing trees, and creating a small dust cloud. Fresh boulders completely covered the slope, and many boulders tumbled into the reservoir. Roughly 400 feet of the Rancheria Falls Trail was destroyed in the main impact area.

Hikers can still access Wapama Falls starting from O’Shaughnessy Dam. The trail to Rancheria Falls just after Wapama Falls will be closed until further notice.

News

The Owens Valley Committee

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Owens Valley Committee is a non-profit citizen action group dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of Owens Valley natural resources, especially water. The Committee monitors compliance with and implementation of water management agreements, educates the public, encourages participation in local government, and advocates an inclusive and open decision-making process.

Owens Valley Committee WEBSITE

Owens Valley Committee FACEBOOK

This is a great video that introduces the Owens Valley Committee and the issues facing the Owens Valley.

 

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News

Happy Birthday Ansel Adams!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Shamelessly borrowed from Wikipedia:

Ansel Easton Adams (February 20, 1902 – April 22, 1984) was an American photographer and conservationist. His black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West, especially Yosemite National Park, have been widely reproduced on calendars, posters, and in books.

“Once destroyed, nature’s beauty cannot be repurchased at any price.” – Ansel Adams

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