Category Archives: California

How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

At last count, there were eight states that participate in the National Christmas Tree Program and sell permits that allow residents to cut their own tree.  In California, specifically, there are several national forests that issue Christmas Tree permits.

From the Men’s Journal:

Retailers will tell you that the holiday season begins on Thanksgiving, but for many Americans it begins on the day they get their Christmas tree. The tree is a houseguest destined to stay through December (and a bit of January if folks are feeling lazy) and be introduced to family and friends. As such, it’s best if you know where your tree comes from and feel comfortable talking about how you met. The best place to find a tree with a bit of personality? One of the country’s many National Forests, which open to tree-seekers every December. According to Jane Leche, Colorado’s Front Range Christmas Program Coordinator, the best part of finding your coniferous Christmas buddy on public land is that you’ll actually be doing a public service. Still, the process can be a bit complicated.

“People have been cutting down trees on public land since day one, but you can’t just wander out there and start cutting anymore,” says Leche, who estimates that 30,000 people participate in the program. “You have to have a permit and know the cutting area – get all the information – and be familiar with the process.”

You can read the entire article HERE.

You can find out more about California’s Christmas Tree Permit program HERE.

Inland Empire: Donation made to outfit pets with microchips

BeagleDogSan Bernardino County’s Devore and Big Bear animal shelters will provide 5,000 animals with microchips at no cost to families. The michrochips are part of a $36,079 donation from the Animals aRe First Fund, ARFF, a nonprofit organization that supports the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Animal Care and Control (ACC) Program. Microchips offer a safe method to identify an animal’s owner by using a unique identification number assigned to the implanted microchip. Through this service, the ACC Program can assist in the reunification of lost pets that may otherwise be impounded at animal shelters. The Big Bear Animal Shelter will use their share of the funding to provide thousands of animals with microchips at no cost to pets passing through the shelter. To support a homeless animal this holiday season, please visit ARFF’s website HERE.

Take a hike with Street View through U.S. National Parks and Parks Canada

On Wednesday, Google launched a collection of images from more than 44 national parks and historic sites across the United States and Canada after travelling through the destinations earlier this year.

From Google Maps Product Manager, Evan Rapoport:

What do tents and hiking boots have in common? You don’t need either to start exploring or planning your next adventure to some of the best national parks and historical sites across North America.

Working with the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada, our Street View cars, trikes and Trekkermapped more than 44 locations with beautiful, 360 degree panoramas.

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Rim Fire Hazard Trees Project Announced

Stanislaus Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski today announced that a proposed action for the Rim Fire Hazard Tree (Rim HT) project is available for comment. The project proposes to improve public health and safety by removing standing hazard trees and other trees previously felled during fire suppression across 7,630 acres of National Forest lands within and adjacent to 148 miles of high use roads and other developed facilities.

Forest Supervisor Skalski stated: “I am requesting your specific written comments during this initial 30-day designated opportunity for public participation, from November 15 through December 15, 2013. It is important to the Forest Service and the NEPA process that you submit your comments at this early point to allow us the opportunity to incorporate your thoughts, concerns and issues into the analysis.”

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