Category Archives: National Forests

National Forests, National Parks

Sen. Flake Introduces Bill to Help Keep Public Lands Open During Federal Government Shutdowns

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

 

Press Release from Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ):

Washington, D.C. – United States Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), today introduced S. 1750, the Public Access to Public Lands Guarantee Act. The legislation would require the federal government to enter an agreement with any state or municipality willing to offer funding to keep public lands, such as national monuments, national recreation areas and national parks, open during a shutdown of the federal government. S. 1750 seeks to prevent the federal government from delaying – or denying – the negotiation of these agreements, as it did when Arizona offered local and state funds to keep the Grand Canyon National Park open during the recent shutdown.

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National Forests

How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

At last count, there were eight states that participate in the National Christmas Tree Program and sell permits that allow residents to cut their own tree.  In California, specifically, there are several national forests that issue Christmas Tree permits.

From the Men’s Journal:

Retailers will tell you that the holiday season begins on Thanksgiving, but for many Americans it begins on the day they get their Christmas tree. The tree is a houseguest destined to stay through December (and a bit of January if folks are feeling lazy) and be introduced to family and friends. As such, it’s best if you know where your tree comes from and feel comfortable talking about how you met. The best place to find a tree with a bit of personality? One of the country’s many National Forests, which open to tree-seekers every December. According to Jane Leche, Colorado’s Front Range Christmas Program Coordinator, the best part of finding your coniferous Christmas buddy on public land is that you’ll actually be doing a public service. Still, the process can be a bit complicated.

“People have been cutting down trees on public land since day one, but you can’t just wander out there and start cutting anymore,” says Leche, who estimates that 30,000 people participate in the program. “You have to have a permit and know the cutting area – get all the information – and be familiar with the process.”

You can read the entire article HERE.

You can find out more about California’s Christmas Tree Permit program HERE.

National Forests, National Parks

Take a hike with Street View through U.S. National Parks and Parks Canada

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

On Wednesday, Google launched a collection of images from more than 44 national parks and historic sites across the United States and Canada after travelling through the destinations earlier this year.

From Google Maps Product Manager, Evan Rapoport:

What do tents and hiking boots have in common? You don’t need either to start exploring or planning your next adventure to some of the best national parks and historical sites across North America.

Working with the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada, our Street View cars, trikes and Trekkermapped more than 44 locations with beautiful, 360 degree panoramas.

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National Forests, News, Wildlife

Rim Fire Hazard Trees Project Announced

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Stanislaus Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski today announced that a proposed action for the Rim Fire Hazard Tree (Rim HT) project is available for comment. The project proposes to improve public health and safety by removing standing hazard trees and other trees previously felled during fire suppression across 7,630 acres of National Forest lands within and adjacent to 148 miles of high use roads and other developed facilities.

Forest Supervisor Skalski stated: “I am requesting your specific written comments during this initial 30-day designated opportunity for public participation, from November 15 through December 15, 2013. It is important to the Forest Service and the NEPA process that you submit your comments at this early point to allow us the opportunity to incorporate your thoughts, concerns and issues into the analysis.”

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Conservation, National Forests

Inyo National Forest posts on “What to do if you Encounter a Marijuana Cultivation Site”

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Apparently I’ve been going to the wrong forests; I NEVER leave any of the places I hike in looking for Cheetos and pizza!  I guess I’d better head up to Inyo!

From the USFS website:

The Inyo National Forest and the Bishop Field Office of the BLM seek to provide a safe environment for the public, its employees, and natural resources.  So while only a fraction of our public lands are affected by illegal marijuana cultivation, the agencies believe that safety risks are real and visitors and employees should be informed about them.

“The safety of public land visitors and our employees is our top priority,” said Forest Supervisor Ed Armenta.  “Marijuana cultivation does occur on some public lands.  It’s important for people to understand that they need to be aware of their surroundings.”

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