Category Archives: California

Truckee and the 22-Foot Snow: A Visit to the Donner Party Monument

Truckee feels like a town that learned to keep its winter boots close to a warm hearth. Born as Gray’s Station in 1863, around Joseph Gray’s roadhouse, then briefly known as Coburn’s Station for blacksmith Samuel Coburn, the place settled on the name Truckee when the Central Pacific christened its depot in 1867. The name itself was lifted from a Paiute chief—Tru-ki-zo—whose shouted “Tro-kay!” (“Everything is all right”) was misheard as a name by early travelers. 

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Gold, Grit and the Long Run of Auburn, California

Auburn sits where the western flank of the Sierra begins to steepen into real country — a Gold Rush town that never quite stopped being one. You still feel the geology of gold in the streets: the story of Claude Chana finding paydirt in the Auburn Ravine on May 16, 1848, is the spark that turned a cluster of camps called North Fork or Woods Dry Diggings into a named place by the fall of 1849, borrowed from miners who came from Auburn, New York. Placer claims were rich here; the Central Pacific Railroad reached town in 1865, and by 1851, Auburn was already the center stage, the county seat of Placer County.

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Fire Restrictions Lifted At Mojave National Preserve And Castle Mountains National Monument

After a period of heightened precautions, both units are reverting to their standard fire regulations because fire danger has decreased. For people heading into the preserve or monument, that means some activities tied to campfires are allowed again — but with clear, non-negotiable limits intended to keep public lands safe.
 
What’s Changed (And What Hasn’t)
The short version: fires are allowed again, but only in preexisting fire rings and approved containers. Officials are explicitly forbidding new fire rings. Collecting firewood or kindling inside the preserve remains prohibited — bring your own wood. When you leave camp, your fire must be cold to the touch. Do not leave any fire unattended.
 
Permitted fuel sources are limited. You may use charcoal briquettes or natural firewood — that is, fuels designed and commonly used for warmth or cooking. Lighting or maintaining fires with other materials is forbidden. That list includes, but is not limited to: flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, and other manufactured or synthetic materials.

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Exploring California’s Rich Bounty of National Parks

California boasts a remarkable distinction among the states of the U.S. It’s not just the golden beaches, towering redwoods, or sprawling deserts that make it a treasure trove of natural wonders. With nine national parks within its borders, California holds the crown for having the most national parks of any state in the nation:

Channel Islands National Park: Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago of five rugged islands renowned for their untouched natural beauty and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and clearer waters, making them ideal times to explore the park. Continue reading

Invitation to Participate: Review and Comment on the Coyote Flat OHV Draft Environmental Assessment from May 18 to June 17

The Inyo National Forest has announced the release of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Coyote Flat Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Enhancement Project.

A 30-day public comment period is open from May 18 to June 17, 2024. To access the EA, go HERE and navigate to the “Project Documents” Box folder widget. Follow the instructions to access the “EA Comment Period” folder to access the EA document.

The proposed action is a step towards addressing motorized trail management and safety concerns in the Coyote Flat area. It’s a chance to address sustainable recreation opportunities for various user groups and OHV green sticker vehicles. This aligns with the goals and objectives outlined in the Forest’s 2019 Land Management Plan, offering a hopeful future for the area.

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