Volunteers are needed to help count bald eagles for the 35th season in the annual winter bald eagle counts in and near the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains on Saturday December 21st, January 11th, February 8th, and March 8th.
Concurrent Bald Eagle counts are held at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, Lake Perris, and Lake Hemet. Volunteers are stationed at vantage points around the lakes, where they watch for bald eagles during a 1-hour period on the count mornings. Volunteers record their observations on maps and data sheets. This is a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of our breath-taking national symbol. Brief orientations are conducted prior to the count so volunteers know where to go and what to do.
Press release from the U.S.D.A.:
A deer hunter — not pot growers, as some politicians with an agenda publicly stated — started the Rim Fire that burned through over 237,341 acres of land in the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park before firefighters finally got the upper hand. The 402 square mile fire blazed through more than $127 million of taxpayer money just fighting it. It began in the steep hills of the remote Jawbone Ridge area to the east of Groveland on August 17, 2013 and quickly spread out of control. Losses are estimated to be in excess of $50 million.
As the holidays get close, and the air cools off a bit (yep, I’ve already dug out my flannel-lined jeans!) don’t forget our California State Parks. CalParks Park Champions program operates year round to help restore the natural ecosystems in state parks or assist with much needed general maintenance projects.
Mary Forgione, the Los Angeles Times’ Daily Deal and Travel Blogger has written an article about winter vacation deals in Utah and California. It turns out that there are some great weekday deals in and around our national parks. In California, for example, Sequoia & Kings Canyon national parks have fewer visitors, snow, and low prices!