Category Archives: Conservation

Conservation, National Forests, National Parks, News

Comments needed on Antiquities Act review

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

From John Stewart, Cal4Wheel Natural Resources Consultant:

The Department of Interior is taking public comments concerning its review of the Antiquities Act of 1906 and National Monuments created under this Act. BlueRibbon Coalition has made it very easy to submit comments. Go HERE

A review of National Monuments and the process to create them is long overdue. The Trump Administration has made it a reality. We must take advantage of the opportunity to affect the changes we want. Everyone who has an issue with National Monuments needs to weigh in on this. This action requires no money and no special expertise – just a couple of minutes of your time.

If this process comes back with nothing but opposition from environmental and preservationist interests, then we basically lose. This is put up or shut up time. Go out there and get everyone that you know to comment.

Continue reading →

Conservation, News, State Parks

California State Parks Seeks Public Input on a Road and Trail Management Plan for Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Weott, Calif. — California State Parks will hold an open house meeting to solicit comments on a draft road and trail management plan (RTMP) for Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The RTMP describes the existing roads and trails of the state park and provides specific direction for management and operations in the future. The goal of the plan is to enhance recreational trail opportunities, while protecting the park’s cultural and natural resources.
The open house meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the River Lodge Conference Center located at 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. The draft plan can be viewed online at www.parks.ca.gov/HRSP-RTMP or be reviewed in person at the following locations:

  • North Coast Redwoods District Headquarters, 3431 Fort Ave, Eureka
  • Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott
  • California State Parks Facility Management Division, 704 O Street, Sacramento
  • Humboldt County Library Branches:

Eureka Main Library, 1313 3rd Street, Eureka

Arcata Library, 500 7th Street, Arcata

Fortuna Library, 753 14th Street, Fortuna

Garberville Library, 715 Cedar Street, Garberville

Continue reading →

Conservation, National Parks, Wildlife

Yosemite Conservancy launches KeepBearsWild.org

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

In partnership with the National Park Service and Wharton Media, the Yosemite Conservancy has launched KeepBearsWild.org, a website designed to help educate Yosemite National Park visitors about the black bears that live in the park.

The website has an online bear tracker, information to educate the public on what to do when they encounter bears, how to view bears in the wild, how to properly store food, photography and videos on the parks iconic black bears.

“KeepBearsWild.org is an important way to raise awareness, appreciation and respect for Yosemite’s beloved black bears,” said Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Our message is simple: everyone can keep bears wild by driving slowly, storing food properly and staying at a safe distance when you see them.”

Continue reading →

Conservation

Be Gentle to the Lands After a Rain

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The “el Niño” weather pattern is being talked about more and more on the news. In Southern California, we’ve had a few days of not particularly heavy rains. This can lead to closure of our national, state, and local parks and recreation areas for a few days after a rain to allow the lands to dry out and become accessible to the public. This isn’t a bad thing; walking on muddy trails can cause damage that can last well for weeks or months afterwards.

Generally, public lands will open up after three days to hikers. Mountain bikers and equestrian trails may stay closed longer. Check at your local park entrance to see what is closed and what is open. From the Irvine Ranch Conservancy page:

“…The expected rain is a welcome change for flora and fauna, but California’s recent drought has left many trail surfaces so dry that even those constructed to direct runoff into surrounding habitat could be overwhelmed by an abundance of rain. Landowners and managers are prepared to evaluate potential storm damage and reduce long-term effects, but you too can minimize rain damage by understanding wet trail conditions and abiding by closures to the trail system.

Continue reading →

Activities, Adventures, Conservation

Courtright Base Camp – High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Family-friendly camping with multiple projects for people of all ages.

Event Date: 08/13/2015 – 08/16/2015
Cost: FREE

You are encouraged to stay over Thursday night to acclimate. Food will be provided Thursday night through Sunday lunch. Volunteers can work Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you do not have to be at the event for all three days. This event is family friendly, we will have volunteer work available for all ages. There are many attractions in the Sierra National Forest that you can easily visit before or after the event. Experienced crew leaders will train volunteers in general trail maintenance techniques and safe usage of hand tools. We will be removing brush and trees, repairing water bars, and installing water diversion structures on the trails in the Courtright Reservoir area within the John Muir Wilderness. A primitive solar shower setup will be provided. There is no charge for this event, base camp operations usually cost at least $3,000 with 30-50 people participating that equals $60 to $100 per person. Although we receive grant money for these trips it is often not enough to cover operating costs. Please consider making a tax deductible donation online or bringing a donation to the event. More detailed information will be sent to you after you sign up.
Continue reading →