California boasts a remarkable distinction among the states of the U.S. It’s not just the golden beaches, towering redwoods, or sprawling deserts that make it a treasure trove of natural wonders. With nine national parks within its borders, California holds the crown for having the most national parks of any state in the nation:
Channel Islands National Park: Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago of five rugged islands renowned for their untouched natural beauty and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and clearer waters, making them ideal times to explore the park. Continue reading
The Forest Service is getting nearly $500 million to help fight the wildfire crisis. Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the investment this week, aimed at expanding the agency’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy before catastrophic fires reach communities bordering national forest land.
More than 60 million Americans turn on the tap and get water that started as snowmelt on national forest land.
On June 21, 2008 a lightning strike ignited the Basin Complex Fire, a wildfire that swept through 162,818 acres near Big Sur, forcing evacuations, and burning most of the Ventana Wilderness area. The fire destroyed much of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park located the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, and severely damaged the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, an easy 1.5 mile out-and-back trail with views of redwoods and Pfeiffer Falls.