Category Archives: California

National Forests, National Parks

Happy Birthday National Park Service!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

“…Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there is hereby created in the Department of the Interior a service to be called the National Park Service, which shall be under the charge of a director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary and who shall receive a salary of $4,500 per annum. There shall also be appointed by the Secretary the following assistants and other employees at the salaries designated: One assistant director, at $2,500 per annum; one chief clerk, at $2,000 per annum; one draftsman, at $1,800 per annum; one messenger, at $600 per annum; and, in addition thereto, such other employees as the Secretary of the Interior shall deem necessary: Provided, That not more than $8,100 annually shall be expended for salaries of experts, assistants, and employees within the District of Columbia not herein specifically enumerated unless previously authorized by law. The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations…”

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National Parks

FREE National Park Admission August 25!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Celebrate The 99th Birthday Of The National Park Service with a FREE visit to your national park on August 25th.

Yeah, it’s a tuesday. That means you’ll probably have a lot more room to stretch out your arms and see nature without having to sit in as much traffic as you would if you went to a national park on a weekend!

From the National Park Foundation:

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service, which preserves and protects 408 sites throughout the country. Each one, whether it’s a national park, a historic site or a national seashore, was established by a president or Congress to protect, preserve and share its national significance for future generations. Some parks commemorate notable people and achievements; others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders; and all provide a place to have fun and learn.

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Big Bear Lake, National Forests, Wildfire, Wildlife

Summit Fire burning south of Big Bear Lake

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

A fire now named the Summit Fire is burning in the San Bernardino National Forest near Forest Service Road 2N08 (to the south of the city of Big Bear Lake and west of the Snow Summit ski resort).

The fire appears to have started near Pine Knot Avenue and Knickerbocker Road around 12:30 p.m. Within an hour, the fire had grown to more than 10 acres, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. At last report, it had grown again to between 20 and 25 acres.  It has a moderate rate of spread, and is being fueled by moderate to heavy forest growth.

There are mandatory evacuations for the area from Knickerbocker Road east to Georgia Road and south of Pennsylvania Road to the forest boundary.

08/24/15 Update (from InciWeb):

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Interesting Places

Secret Cabin Found in Arcata Community Forest Park

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Arcata Community Forest Environmental Services Director Mark Andre has discovered a hidden cabin deep in a remote section of the forest. Not just some tear-down thing thrown together with locally-sourced refuse and detritus, but a real cabin made with a frame built on a concrete block foundation with a real roof and even a porch with a wooden awning.  Windows, a locked entry, and a tidy interior – complete with bed, kitchen and even a library make up the 8 x 12 building.  It’s covered outside with tarps, black lasting sheeting, and “concealing forest duff” do make the cabin difficult to see if you’re more than a few feet away from it.

All of the materials and furniture had to be carried to the site.  It’s a work made to last for awhile.

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Big Bear Lake, Wildlife

Mill 2 fire update

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

InciWeb is reporting that the Mill 2 fire is burning off the 38 near Bryant street off Highway 38.  They’re also reporting that a drone was flying in the area, which caused the tankers to abort their mission(s). Keep your damned drones away from the fires, idiots!

From Inciweb:

The Mill 2 Fire started in Mill Creek Canyon near State Highway 38 and Bryant Street at about 2:30 pm, east of Mentone, and north of Yucaipa.

It is reported to be approximately 35 acres in size. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Four homes are evacuated on the lower or west end of Yucaipa Ridge.

State Highway 38 is closed between Bryant Street and Lake Williams.
The fire is being managed in unified command US Forest Service and CALFIRE.

Resources responding include: 17 engines, 7 crews, 2 dozers, 5 helicopters, 2 fixed wing air tankers, air attack, DC-10 (VLAT) on order.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) temporarily halted tanker operations, but operations soon resumed.

You can get the latest information on the fire HERE.