Conservation

Golden Eagles In Modjeska Canyon

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

According to the Orange County Register, the Golden Eagles have been spotted in Orange County again!

From the article:

“…They are among the largest birds of prey in North America, with wingspans up to 7 1/2 feet. When they spot a rabbit that whets their appetite, they can dive at speeds of 120 mph. They are also monogamous, often mating with the same partner for life.

Golden eagles have always called Orange County home. They’ve become increasingly tough to spot here, though, as development drives them farther into Cleveland National Forest – or keeps them away altogether.

“It’s extremely difficult for anybody to go out and find a golden eagle in Orange County,” said Peter Bloom, a raptor expert and founder of Bloom Biological Inc., a research and consulting firm based in Lake Forest. “They are rare, and they nest in remote parts of the county.”

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Conservation, National Forests, State Parks

Public Meetings for the Merced River and Tuolumne Meadows Plans Announced

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yosemite National Park has released two Wild and Scenic River Draft Comprehensive Management Plans and Environmental Impact Statements for the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers, respectively, for public review and comment.

The public comment period for the Tuolumne River Plan is open through March 18, 2013. A copy of the plan as well as a complete description of alternatives is available HERE.

The public comment period for the Merced River Plan is open through Thursday, April 18, 2013. A copy of the plan as well as a complete description of alternatives is available HERE.

From the press release:

“… A series of webinars and public meetings have been scheduled. Webinars are geared towards specific topics of each draft plan and are an opportunity for the public to prepare for public meetings. They will provide a brief overview of key topics, followed by an interactive question and answer session. To participate in one of the webinars, please visit http://yose.webex.com. Each webinar will be recorded and available for download from this same website afterward.

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Conservation, National Forests, State Parks

Tioga Road In Yosemite National Park To Be Rehabilitated

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yosemite National Park has signed off on the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Tioga Road.

The National Park Service had posted a public scoping for the Tioga Road Rehabilitation Plan in 2010. The Environmental Assessment was released for public view in August 2011, with comments accepted through September of 2011. The park received 12 public comment letters during that period.

The scope of the project was to rehabilitate, restore and resurface approximately 41 miles of Tioga Road. From the press release:

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