Category Archives: Conservation

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 →

Conservation, National Forests, National Parks

CDFW Creates First Bighorn Sheep Herd in 25 Years

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and volunteers from around the state, have established a brand new herd of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

During the last week in March ten 10 female and four male bighorn sheep were captured from two of the largest existing herds in the Sierra Nevada and released together at Olancha Peak near the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range in Inyo County.  The Convict Creek and Mount Gibbs herds were augmented by adding six females to those small herds.

From the press release:

“This is the first reintroduction effort of a new herd of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep since 1988,” said Tom Stephenson, CDFW bighorn recovery program leader.

Historically, Sierra bighorn were abundant throughout the Sierra Nevada; however, by the 1970s, only two herds remained. Disease spread by domestic sheep and unregulated commercial hunting are believed to have caused their demise.

“Many endangered species remain on the brink of extinction with poor prospects for recovery after they receive federal protection,” said Stephenson. “Through our conservation efforts, we have a unique opportunity to reach recovery goals for an alpine specialist that is native only to California.”

You can read the full press release HERE.

Conservation, National Forests, National Parks

Public Comments Period for the Merced River and Tuolumne Meadows Plans Extended

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yosemite National Park has announced an extension of the public comment period for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Draft Comprehensive Management and Environmental Impact Statement (MRP) through Tuesday, April 30, 2013. (the public comment period was scheduled to close on Thursday, April 18, 2013).

From the press release:

“The MRP is an expansive document which guides park management actions for many years. We want to make sure the public has a thorough opportunity to review the draft plan and submit comments,” stated Kathleen Morse, Yosemite National Park’s Chief of Planning. 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 →

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 →