Category Archives: State Parks

State Parks

Donner Memorial State Park Main Entrance Closed During Repaving

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The paving project at he Donner Memorial State Park appears to be moving forward on schedule. Unfortunately, they’re repaving the main entrance to the park starting on May 1st and continuing through May 15th. The GOOD news is that the park hasn’t opened for the season yet – that happens on May 24th – so camping won’t be affected. The bad news is that the main entrance and museum are closed. If you’re a pedestrian or a bicyclist, you can still use the alternative entrances to get into the park.

From the press release:

As part of the ongoing construction of the new Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center, improvements to the park entrance are scheduled, which will cause interruptions in service and closures. The main entrance to the park on Donner Pass Road is scheduled to be closed between May 1st and May 15th for a paving project. Continue reading →

Conservation, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

U.S. Forest Service Keeping Its Logo!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

When the United States Department of Agriculture released its Visual Standards Guide back in January, it contained the ominous phrase ‘agency logos are being phased out and replaced with a standardized signature model to be adopted by all USDA agencies.’

This reminded me of the Borg’s ‘you will be assimilated’ phrase from Star Trek the Next Generation.  And, given that the USDA is the same department that oversees things like the homogenization of milk, it makes absolute sense that they’d want to make sure that their employees, vehicles, websites, uniforms, etc. would all be … ‘assimilated.’

But here’s the thing.  The U.S. FOREST Service is all about forests and forestry.  The USDA’s logo is described – by the USDA themselves – as “a graphic representation of the land — the foundation of all agriculture — and the Department’s initials. The symbol’s colors — dark green and dark blue — represent the essential elements of earth, air, and water. Together these elements comprise the symbol.”

Falling back on my Southern California roots and lingo: “Dude.  Really?“

Continue reading →

Conservation, Offroading - General, State Parks

Rep. Paul Cook Offers Alternative Plan to Twentynine Palms Base Expansion

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

This just in!  Representative Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) has issued a statement regarding the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center’s planned expansion in Twentynine Palms, California:

“The training of the U.S. Marine Corps is vital to the safety of the American people, and the exercises taking place on the Twentynine Palms base enable our Marine forces to defend our nation and its allies throughout the world. However, I can’t support the expansion plan offered by the Marine Corps, which would hand them ownership of Johnson Valley. Marine Corps ownership would prevent many public-space activities, including big public off-highway events like King of the Hammers, from taking place. Offroaders and other users of Johnson Valley make huge contributions to the economic well-being of the Morongo Valley, and losing that revenue during slow economic times would be devastating.

“Protecting the Marine Corps’ budget is extremely important to me, and I believe the funds set aside for purchasing this land for the Marine Corps could be put to better use.

Continue reading →

Geocaching, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

Wilderness Land Navigation Clinic Offered By CDFW

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

A two-day land navigation clinic is being offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on May 4th & May 5th.

From the CDFW press release:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be holding a two-day land navigation clinic as part of its Advanced Hunter Education Program. The overnight workshop will be held at the Camp Whitsett, east of Bakersfield in the Sequoia National Forest, on May 4 and 5.

This two-day clinic is designed to help students learn and practice basic navigation skills using a map, compass and GPS. There will be class work and lab exercises that develop the skills learned. The clinic will cover magnetic declination, the workings of a baseplate compass, map reading, how to stay oriented naturally, and taking bearings. Other topics covered include the use of magnetic bearings, map coordinate systems and GPS. All course materials and equipment will be provided.

Continue reading →

Conservation, Kayaking, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

TROUTFEST 2013! Catch ’em, Clean ’em, Cook ’em and Eat ’em!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

California Department of Fish and Wildlife in central California is gearing up for TroutFest 2013.

TroutFest is an annual event that is offered free to introduce families to the sport of trout fishing.

From the press release:

“Beginner, novice and experienced anglers alike will find that this activity-filled day features something for everyone,” said CDFW Education and Outreach Director Kirsten Macintyre. “If you are looking to build your fishing skill set or find an enjoyable activity for the whole family, Trout Fest is a great place to start.”

TroutFest will be held at the following locations: Continue reading →