Category Archives: National Forests

National Forests, National Parks, News

Peter T. Hoss: Yosemite draft plan won’t benefit Merced River

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Peter T. Hoss has penned an editorial for the Monterey Herald about the idiotic Draft Merced River Plan.  In it, he lays out issues with the plan which I wholeheartedly agree with.

From the editorial:

An ad hoc group of retired people from all aspects of Yosemite life, small in number but vast in experience, has protested the current Draft Merced River Plan and the accompanying environmental impact report, which led to my testimony before a congressional subcommittee on July 9.

This plan, which would dramatically reduce recreational use of parts of Yosemite National Park, is not a political issue. Followers of all political persuasions cherish visiting Yosemite.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, applied to the Merced River, was never intended by its draftsman, now-retired Congressman Tony Coelho, to apply to the 81 miles of the river within Yosemite. That portion made the final draft because of an administrative oversight when the House and Senate versions of the legislation were combined.

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Activities, National Forests, National Parks

Congressman McClintock Speaks on Yosemite National Park and Against the Mariposa

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

From his address to the U.S. House of Representatives, August 1, 2013:

Mr. Speaker: Yosemite Valley is a national treasure that was set aside in 1864 with the promise it would be preserved for the express purpose of “Public Use, Resort and Recreation.” Ever since, Americans have enjoyed a host of recreational opportunities and amenities as they have come to celebrate the splendor of the Valley. Now, the National Parks Service, at the urging of leftist environmental groups, is proposing eliminating many of those amenities, including bicycle and raft rentals, horseback riding rentals, gift shops, snack facilities, swimming pools, and iconic facilities including the Ice Skating Rink at Curry Village, the art center and historic stone bridges that date back to the 1920’s.

For generations, these facilities have enhanced the enjoyment of the park for millions of visitors, adding a rich variety of recreational activities amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Yosemite. But today, the very nature and purpose of Yosemite is being changed from its original promise of “Public Use, Resort, and Recreation,” to an exclusionary agenda that can best be described as, “Look, but don’t touch.”

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Activities, Adventures, National Forests, National Parks

Proposal to transfer Giant Sequoia Monument

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Suzy Johnson at the California Association of 4WD Clubs has posted an Access Alert related to the National Giant Sequoia Monument, and I’m forwarding the information on along to you guys.  If you’re at all concerned about access to California’s public lands, it’s important that you get involved.

From CA4WDC:

Proposed plan to transfer Giant Sequoia National Monument from the control of the US Forest Service to the National Park Service would result in loss of recreation opportunities

We need all of our members to urgently write a letter to the President, federal and local legislators opposing a proposal being floated to move the management and control of the Giant Sequoia National Monument from the USFS to the National Park Service.

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Conservation, National Forests, National Parks, News, State Parks

Our Forest Place

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

If you are interested in land management in California, I encourage you to visit (and join!) OurForestPlace.com.  From the website:

The idea for OurForestPlace came about when a group of Forest Service planners were brought together to create a regional assessment for California that embraces the intent of the Proposed 2011 Planning Rule and the groundswell of collaborative efforts throughout the region.  This group of planners realized early on that the traditional assessment product – a static document informed by public and stakeholder involvement only at limited, predefined points – restricts its very usefulness and success. We needed to shift the focus from the product to the process. Through consultation with federal, state, local government and non-government groups it became clear that a successful assessment is the by-product of a robust, collaborative process.

Get involved in YOUR California!

You can visit the OurForestPlace.com website HERE.

Activities, Adventures, National Forests, National Parks, Off Roading

Wilderness Collective Video: Sequoia to Yosemite, Off Road

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Wilderness Collective has posted a video from their recent motorcycle trip from Sequoia to Yosemite (WC-000).

They’re hosting another similar adventure October 12 through the 14th.  From the website:

This is your opportunity to ride the epic Sequoia to Yosemite route that you’ve seen in the WC-000 film. 3 days of off-road riding through the some of the best mountain riding in the US. We’ll cover over 300 miles as we trace our way through foot-hills, over 8000’+ summits and along rushing rivers. This is the ultimate trip in terms of remote riding, incredible landscape all within one weekend. As usual we will be bringing along a cook, camera man and everything you need to make this trip one you will never forget.

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