Yosemite National Park: Glacier Point and Tioga Road Closed for the Season

It never sounds like it, but it is good news! Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are now closed for the winter. These roads typically close late fall and remain close through the winter. The longer they stay closed, the better it is for the snow pack – in my (non-science guy opinion). Weather and a review of the road conditions in the spring will dictate when the roads re-open.

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California State Parks Provides Tips on New Reservation System

ReserveCalifornia Goes Live August 1!

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks is offering the public tips on how to access the Golden State’s new reservation system – ReserveCalifornia™. Starting next Tuesday, August 1, visitors to California’s state parks will have a new platform for booking camping and lodging sites, and tours. Using the new system will be easy to plan adventures within state parks, since it is similar to booking hotels, airline tickets and other comparable services.

Supporting state park field operations and enhancing the experience of visitors with a modern platform was key for transitioning to a new reservation system. The outdoor public spaces and recreational programs supported by California State Parks are a gateway to connecting with families, friends and communities. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, on and off-road cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 state park units organized into 22 field districts.

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Nicole Kozicki Recognized Nationally as Wildlife Officer of the Year

Pogue-Elms Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is proud to announce that Wildlife Officer Nicole Kozicki has been selected as the Pogue-Elms Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The award, which was formally presented to her at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) annual conference on July 10, is considered their highest honor. Kozicki is also the first female recipient of the award.

CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division selected Kozicki as the 2017 Wildlife Officer of the Year, which led to her nomination for the WAFWA award. Kozicki has honorably represented CDFW in the San Francisco Bay Area and its communities for 27 years.

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CDFW Confirms Presence of Wolf Pack in Lassen County, Collars Adult Wolf

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologists have captured and fitted a tracking collar to a female gray wolf in Lassen County, and confirmed that the wolf and her mate have produced at least three pups this year.

During summer and fall 2016, remote trail cameras captured images of two wolves traveling together in Lassen County. There was no evidence they had produced pups at that time. While the female’s origins remain unknown, genetic samples obtained from scat indicated the male wolf originated from Oregon’s Rogue Pack. The famous wolf OR7 is the Rogue Pack’s breeding male.

In early May 2017, partner biologists from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) found evidence of recent wolf presence in the Lassen National Forest.

You can read more about our new wolf pack HERE.

Park Ranger Sharon Miyako Receives Prestigious Award at Yosemite National Park

The Barry Hance Memorial Award is Park’s Highest Honor

Yosemite National Park is proud to announce that Park Ranger Sharon Miyako is the recipient of the 2016 Barry Hance Memorial Award. This ceremony was attended by approximately 300 people, including several past Barry Hance Award recipients.

The Barry Hance Memorial Award is a peer-nominated award that is named in honor of Barry Hance, a long-time employee of Yosemite National Park who died in an avalanche while plowing the Tioga Road in 1995. Recipients of this prestigious award are employees who exemplify the qualities and attributes of Barry Hance. These include team work, a positive attitude, concern for the public and fellow employees, public service, and a deep love for Yosemite National Park.

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