Category Archives: State Parks

National Forests, State Parks

Interview With Jim Harmer on ForestForward.com

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

As an outdoor photographer, I suck. While some of it may have to do with my lack of a photographer’s eye, not one lesson in photography or image composition, or even my innate dearth of artistic ability … I’m going to place the blame on my equipment instead; My camera kit consists of a Virgin Mobile Kyocera, with scratches on the cover where the lens is.

Honestly, I can probably take better pictures with my Jeep by putting it in reverse and waiting until the backup camera comes on.

I would love to be good at taking pictures of the places I go, so that I could share them without the embarrassment of having to say “yeah, that’s my thumb” or “the mother and her cubs are juuuuuuust over that rise, behind the tree” or “my cell phone doesn’t have a flash.” I do take photos. They’re just not of anything even close to what I’d call ‘quality.’

I’m a big fan of guys like G. Dan Mitchell and Cat Connor who take amazing pictures, and I’m impressed by photographers like Larry Griffin and Jaime Harris as well. Continue reading →

Conservation, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

Merced River Plan – Bad Idea. REALLY Bad Idea

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Mercury News published an article by Paul Rogers, titled “Yosemite National Park may ban horse, bike and raft rentals, and remove ice rink and pools.”  You can read it HERE.

It’s a good article, and Paul is a good writer, and he lays everything out really well.

Personally, I have issues with the plan; I don’t believe we should be destroying ice rinks or banning bicyclists.  I believe that we should, however, draw a line in the sand; take a snapshot of how Yosemite Valley is right now, and look at preserving what we have, and managing it for future generations.  Which makes it sound like I’m against the Merced River Plan as drafted by the National Park Service.  I kinda am, but I’m also kinda not.  I like the idea behind the plan, I just think that – after the years and years of lawsuits, the fake sequestration cuts, and the political posturing by both sides – the plan is too convoluted and open to interpretation to be workable.

What I DO take exception to, however, are the so-called ‘environmentalists’ who seem to think they know better than those that would seek to conserve the land.  More often than not, environmentalists are people who never visit the places they seek to ban humans from, never see the damage done to the environment by the invasive alien species of plant and animal life they seek to “protect,” and very rarely stray far from their parent’s basements – unless it’s to use the hybrid car (made with batteries that have destroyed more environment than every Hummer ever made and that will continue to degrade the planet for decades to come) to drive to the mall to pick up cosmetics or sundries tested on innocent animals so they can live a more comfortable, air-conditioned life that is far removed from the true outside world. Continue reading →

State Parks

Volunteer Opportunity at the Chino Hills and Palomar Mountain State Parks

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

On March 16th from 9:00m to 1:00pm the California State Parks Foundation will be teaming up with volunteers at Chino Hills State Park, as they continue to make trail improvements. If you’re 14 or older, come on down and volunteer. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Park Champions will be at Palomar Mountain State Park on Saturday, March 23rd from 8:0am to 1:00pm to help the Friends of Palomar Mountain with their annual Trail Improvement Day. Volunteers will help with a variety of project, including brush clearance, invasive plant remove and more! If you’re 16 or older, come on down! There will be FREE CAMPING on Friday and Saturday for pre-registered volunteers. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

To sign up for these events go HERE.

From the press release:

Through our Park Champions program, we hold multiple volunteer workdays at underfunded parks across the state. Our volunteer projects are selected to help with parks’ unmet needs. Volunteering at a Park Champions workday is a fun way to meet other like-minded park supporters and to make tangible improvements to your favorite parks. Continue reading →

Hiking - General, National Forests, State Parks

Hiking the Beautiful USA

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

REI has posted an infographic displaying a US National Scenic Trails Map, Packing Tips and Trivia

Yes, I know that REI is a retailer, and this is (obviously) a bit of free advertising from them that they’re encouraging visitors to share (the “Add this infographic to your website by copying the code below” bit on the REI website was kinda a give away), but getting outside is a GOOD thing!

REI – Recreational Equipment Inc. – was founded by Lloyd and Mary Anderson back in 1938 when they couldn’t find any good quality climbing gear for reasonable prices locally. It all started with an Akadem Pickel ice axe that was imported from Austria. From there, it’s become one of the largest private sporting goods and outdoor gear retailer in the U.S., opening 6 stores a year and boasting sales that exceed 1.8 billion a year.

From the REI website:

Plan a fun and safe hiking trip with a little help from this REI infographic. Our illustrated map gives you a bird’s-eye view of the United States’ 11 National Scenic Trails which measure more than 18,753 miles combined. You’ll also find tips on what to bring and trail trivia. Outfit yourself with hiking gear from REI before you hit the trail.

You can get the full-size infographic HERE.

You can visit REI HERE.

Conservation, State Parks

Really Short Notice: Volunteers Needed for Bighorn Sheep Survey March 9 and 10

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Well, I won’t be counting Bald Eagles today, but it looks like there’s still something to go out and count: sheep!

According to the website HERE, sign-ups are now closed for this year’s count, but there are a few spaces that ‘might be’ available if you contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  From the CDFW press release:

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Society for Conservation of Bighorn Sheep (SCBS) are seeking volunteers to assist biologists on March 9 and 10 (Saturday evening and all day Sunday).

No survey experience is necessary to participate but volunteers must attend an orientation on Saturday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Angeles National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Arcadia. Continue reading →