Northern California fire officials are reminding area residents and visitors to be careful with fire and fireworks when they celebrate Independence Day.
Public Invited to Provide Input for Tahoe Bikeway
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:20:15 PST
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends in Yosemite National Park. The park estimates that up to 50,000 visitors will visit and pass through Yosemite over the extended holiday weekend. The increase in visitors can lead to traffic congestion during midday. Visitors are encouraged to come into the park as early in the day to avoid any delays. All park campsites under the reservation system have been sold out. However, there are a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites available throughout the park. It is anticipated that these sites will be full by the beginning of the weekend.
El Dorado County Launches Sustainable Tourism Program
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:59:48 PST
The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (LTSSCC) was awarded a $90,000 grant by El Dorado County to pursue a Geotourism program. Geotourism is defined by National Geographic as "tourism that sustains or enhances the unique geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well being of its local residents." This effort is part of a sustainable tourism strategy proposed and endorsed by the Chamber in coordination with several other programs and entities in an effort to diversify and strengthen the local economy and enhance the sense of community. LTSSCC has also convened a green business cooperative comprised of local businesses that have implemented green practices and want to share resources and skills within their community.
Downed power lines cause "French" Fire
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:50:52 PST
The "French" fire, reported at approximately 2:00 pm today, July 2nd was quickly held to 1/2 acre as firefighters from the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land management and Kern County Fire Department joined forces to suppress it. California Highway Patrol Officers also assisted on scene management.
New Fires Discovered from Wednesday Lightning Event
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:48:58 PST
Lightning storms that hit Northern California mid-week causing seven fires on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest are suspected to be the cause of five new fires discovered Thursday for a total of 12 since Wednesday. An additional three possible fires were also reported at sundown Thursday.
Yosemite NP Reopens Public Scoping for New Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:21:35 PST
The Forest Service is interested in the public's comments on a proposal to institute a fee for the new rental of Sardine Lookout on the Sierraville Ranger District in the Tahoe National Forest. Sardine Lookout would be the second lookout available for the public to rent in the Forest, the first being Calpine Lookout, also on the Sierraville Ranger District. The proposed per night rental fee would be $45, matching the current rental fee at Calpine. Sardine Lookout will probably be available for rental beginning in the fall, 2009.
Fireworks are Illegal in Unincorporated Areas of Placer County
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:28:47 PST
Residents and visitors to Placer County are reminded that fireworks of any size and type are illegal in unincorporated areas of the county.
El Portal Market Reopens in Yosemite National Park
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:52:23 PST
Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga and Kirstie Kari participated in a community celebration commemorating the reopening of the El Portal Market. The El Portal Market, a fixture in the small community of El Portal on Highway 140, completely burned in a fire in March 2008.
Westbound I-80 Closed near Colfax
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:55:44 PST
Westbound 80 East Of Colfax Over Crossing Closed For Approx 4 Hours Due To Big Rig Truck Fire. All Big Rig Trucks Are Being Diverted Off On SR-20, Passenger Vehicles Are Being Diverted Off At Rollins Lake To SR-174 Back Onto Wb I-80
Parade, Fireworks, Entertainment all Featured at Nevada County Fourth of July Events
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:47:25 PST
The first event of Saturday's celebration of American independence begins in Grass Valley at 10 a.m. when the Nevada County Concert Band offers a Pre-Parade Concert in the parking lot of Wells Fargo Bank, located downtown at Mill and Neal streets. The concert is free and those attending may want to bring chairs for comfortable seating.
Recent Lightning Activity Sparks Fires Across Northern California
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:45:46 PST
Widespread storms produced at least 380 lightning strikes across Northern California beginning about 2 p.m. and lasting until late evening today. On the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, seven fires were detected, attacked and contained this afternoon.
Marijuana Eradication in El Dorado County
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:39:05 PST
One year after the El Dorado Irrigation District (district) Board of Directors declared an emergency to repair the outlet works at the Caples Lake main dam, the lake's water level is nearly full and an ambitious fish restocking program is well underway. Visitors will find the full array of outdoor recreation activities-hiking, camping, fishing, photography, wildlife viewing, and more-that they are used to at the lake and in the surrounding area.
BLM Accepting Public Comments on Bly Tunnel
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:18:33 PST
The Bureau of Land Management is accepting public comments on issues that should be considered when the agency analyzes options regarding a bypass pipe in the plug of the Bly Tunnel at the east shore of Eagle Lake.
Meadow Damage Destroys Habitat, Sets Back Study
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:01 PST
Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski announced today that scientists discovered serious damage to a high elevation meadow undergoing a five year study which included monitoring the habitat of the Yosemite Toad. Upon arriving at Groundhog Meadow near Herring Creek on June 24, Forest Service researchers saw a blue pickup truck being loaded with motorcycles and making a hasty retreat. The team entered the meadow on foot to find it terribly scarred with deep wheel ruts from spins and zigzags across the meadow.
Kern Plateau Lion Fire Sparked by Recent Thunderstorm Activity
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:29:16 PST
Recent thunderstorm activity over the past few days, ignited a new lightning caused fire on the Kern Plateau. The "Lion" fire was reported at approximately 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 30th, and is located north of Beach Meadow and northwest of the Blackrock Ranger Station.
Fourth of July Safety Tips for Your Pets
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:36:22 PST
The Fourth of July heralds the official start of summer and represents one of our favorite American holidays. For companion animals however, the holiday festivities can cause severe anxiety and for some, even death.
Butte County Fire Department Commences With Station Brown Outs
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:02:48 PST
Beginning July 1, 2009, the Butte County Fire Department will begin rotating brown-outs of ten of its twelve fire engines. These brown-outs, as well as the reduction of several staff positions, are required for the department to work within its 2009/2010 fiscal year budget. The term brown-out means that station closures are rotated spreading the overall risk across Butte County instead of the permanent closure of two stations within two selected communities.
Summer USFS amphitheater programs begin
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:18:08 PST
On Thursday, July 9, at 7:00 p.m., Wild Things, Inc. will present a live Wildlife Program at the Lake of the Sky Amphitheater at Taylor Creek. This free program (donations will be accepted) will include live animals that may include a black bear, bald eagle, barn owl, red-tail hawk, a beaver, and snakes. These animals are featured in this educational presentation so children and adults will gain a greater appreciation for the natural environment. Because of the live animals on stage, please do not bring your dogs to this program.
Stranded Chinook Salmon Successfully Rescued from Butte Creek
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:24:38 PST
State and federal fisheries experts have successfully captured and transported 26 spring run Chinook salmon stranded in Butte Creek near Chico. The fish, which are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, had stopped their migratory journey through the lower reach of the river because of rising water temperatures.
BLM Fire Restrictions Now in Place for Redding Field Office
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:07:07 PST
Seasonal fire restrictions are now in place for public lands managed by the U. S. Bureau of Land Management Redding Field Office in Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Trinity and Siskiyou counties.