Category Archives: National Forests

National Forests

Fall prescribed burns planned on Plumas National Forest

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Plumas National Forest is planning to conduct a number of prescribed burns this fall to reduce hazardous fuels, and improve ecosystem health. Planned projects include burning piled materials, low to moderate intensity understory burns of vegetation on the forest floor, and moderate to high intensity broadcast burning of brush. The goals of these projects are to reduce the severity of future wildfires and provide added protection for communities in the wildland urban interface, to promote more diverse and resilient ecosystems, and improve habitat for wildlife.

The burns will take place on the Beckwourth, Mount Hough, and Feather River Ranger Districts between now and March 2014. The actual dates of ignition will depend on local weather and fuel conditions.

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National Forests, Wildfire

Sierra National Forest lifts campfire restrictions

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Based on changing weather trends, increases in relative humidity and a decrease in average temperatures, the Sierra National Forest is lifting the fire restrictions that were put in effect July 2.

Forest Visitors will still need to obtain a campfire permit when camping outside of designated campgrounds and follow all guidelines when having an open flame fire.

The following guidelines for forest campfires remain in effect:

  • Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire;
  • Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires;
  • Have a responsible person in attendance at all times;
  • Extinguish campfire with water, using the ‘drown, stir, and feel’ method; and
  • In the wilderness, no campfires above 10,000 ft. (this varies by area, and will be posted on individual wilderness permits).

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National Forests

Mendocino National Forest Christmas Tree Permits on Sale Today

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Beginning today, Christmas tree permits will be available from the Mendocino National Forest for the 2013 holiday season.

Permits are available for purchase in person or by mail from Mendocino National Forest offices, as well as at area vendors. Vendors are listed below with contact information for the Forest Service.

Permits are $10 per tree at Forest Service offices. Customers are advised to call vendors to verify permit price and availability. The permits will be sold at Forest Service offices through Monday, December 23. Trees may be cut and removed any day of the week in authorized areas of the Mendocino National Forest. Please check current Forest fire closure areas in case your annual tree cutting spot is within the closure.

There is a limit of one permit per household, with each permit using a valid name and address. Up to four additional permits may be purchased for additional households, using separate names and addresses. Individuals must be 18 or older to purchase a permit. All Christmas tree permit sales are final, with no refunds. Permittees will receive a tree tag and Forest map.

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National Forests

Prescribed Burning Season Begins on Mendocino National Forest

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Mendocino National Forest is once again entering prescribed burning season.

The public may notice smoke in various parts of the forest during the next few months as part of the continued commitment to protect communities and natural resources from wildfires.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations to maintain personal safety.  Areas where prescribed burning operations are taking place will be well signed and there will be increased fire personnel in the area.  If visitors are uncertain, they are encouraged to contact the Forest at 530-934-3316 before their visit to see where prescribed burns are planned for the day.

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National Forests, National Parks

Isn’t it MORE expensive to add more armed goons to close down our National Parks?

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

FINALLY!  It seems that some have figured out that this is a question that needs to be addressed!  According to The Blaze:

The Obama administration is considering allowing some national parks to be maintained by states during the partial government shutdown, but is still withholding information from Congress and the public about the cost of closing so many open-air monuments and parks.

“It would appear logically that the cost of barriers and security could cost more than simply leaving open,” House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) told TheBlaze. “We’ve asked the National Park Service and unfortunately we haven’t gotten answers.”

The Natural Resources Committee and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a joint investigative hearing Wednesday on why 401 national parks and monuments were closed across the country during the shutdown.

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