Tag Archives: US Forest Service

Community News, Local News

US Forest Service Resuming Prescribed Fire Operations After Pause

PRESS RELEASE

The Pacific Southwest Region is moving forward with prescribed fire operations as conditions and resources permit. Previously, the region had postponed prescribed fires to reduce potential smoke impacts to communities while public health officials considered the interactions of smoke with COVID-19 effects; and to ensure our emergency response resources were putting into place proper procedures to mitigate COVID-19 risks. 

 

Regional Forester Randy Moore stated, “To date we have accomplished a lot of important fuels reduction projects this year with our partners to protect communities and reduce the risks of catastrophic wildland fires. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of communities and firefighters during this global and national emergency, and will also conduct prescribed fire where feasible as an important tool to protect communities and natural resources as we prepare for the upcoming peak fire season.”

 

Prescribed fire is an important tool in the protection of communities and forests from large scale wildfire. Continuing our service to you while doing our part to address the COVID-19 Pandemic is our priority.

 

 

 

Community News, Local News

US Forest Service Urging People to Recreate Close to Home

VALLEJO, Calif., April 1, 2020 . – Continuing our service to you while doing our part to address the COVID-19 Pandemic is very important. The USDA Forest Service in the Pacific Southwest is now advising all potential visitors that:

 

“Outdoor recreation can be beneficial for your health but must be practiced safely. We recommend exercising close to your home and complying with local and state guidance for not traveling for your recreation needs. If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Stay safe. For more on avoiding COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.gov.”

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.

The Forest Service manages 18 National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, which encompasses over 20 million acres across California, and assists State and Private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 50 percent of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/R5.

 

Community News, Local News

Death Valley Making Changes Due to COVID-19

PRESS RELEASE FROM DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK:

Death Valley, CA– Death Valley National Park, in response to Executive Order N-33-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California and the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

As of March 21, 2020, Death Valley National Park will offer very limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. At Death Valley National Park, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with the California order:

  • The park will no longer provide public restrooms at most trailheads and viewpoints.
  • Parking lots at Zabriskie Point, Badwater, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are closed.
  • The following campgrounds are closed: Furnace Creek, Mesquite Springs, Texas Springs, Emigrant, Sunset, Stovepipe Wells, Thorndike, and Mahogany Flat.
  • Visitor centers are closed
  • The Oasis at Death Valley has closed lodging, camping, stores, and restaurants.
  • Stovepipe Wells Resort has closed lodging, camping, and restaurants.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Death Valley National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website (nps.gov/deva) and social media channels.

Outdoor spaces at Death Valley National Park remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance, in addition to entry fees being waived for visitors.

  • Restrooms are available outside Furnace Creek Visitor Center and at Emigrant, and at the Stovepipe Wells store.
  • Fuel is available at The Oasis at Death Valley (pay-at-pump only), Stovepipe Wells (pay-at-pump only, and only during calm winds), and Panamint Springs.
  • Stovepipe Wells General Store is open.
  • Panamint Springs Resort is open for camping and take-out dining.
  • Regulations for backcountry camping or dispersed road-side camping are online at: www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backcamp.htm.

The NPS encourages people who choose to visit Death Valley National Park during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.

Updates about nationwide NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Death Valley National Park’s current conditions can be found at: www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

 

Local News

U.S. FOREST SERVICE NEEDS LOCAL HELP

Local vendors and residents sought for call-when-needed for fire jobs.

According to Deb Schweizer at Inyo National Forest, the Inyo National Forest is conducting outreach to Eastern Sierra vendors, residents, and businesses who are interested in being available for incident response.  Those who are interested will sign up and compete for emergency incident agreements that are open for solicitation in 2017.

Currently, when wildfires or other incidents occur in the Eastern Sierra, vendors who provide support resources are often located up to 5 hours away.  “having local vendors would not only benefit the Inyo National Forest and the timely support of its fire personnel on the line,” said Forest Supervisor Ed Armenta, “but it also has great potential to provide local residents with more business opportunities.”

During fire response, support personnel and equipment play an integral role in a successful outcome.  A locally signed call-when-needed, 4WD pickup with driver to deliver supplies to incident crews can make a big difference in how efficiently an incident can be managed.

“We have engines, crews and aircraft,” said Interagency Fire Management Officer Taro Pusina.  “What we need are the support resources open for solicitation now that can be provided by local vendors on a call-when-needed basis.  This includes vehicles with drivers (passenger vehicles and trucks), fuel tenders, heavy equipment (dozers, excavators, tractor plows and transports), mechanics with service trucks, fallers, and vendors that can supply and set up large tents and canopies.”

Solicitations for these services are only open to vendors for competition every 3 years.  Forest’s ability to use vendors who have not signed up for an agreement is limited.  Duration of assignment varies. Vendors have the option of accepting or declining assignments based on their availability.  Anyone interested in learning more about the opportunities available, is encouraged to contact Andrew Kong at 760 873 2565.

Local News

Mono County Controlled burn Today

Mono County burn today

March 1, 2016
submitted by the Inyo National Forest

Fire crews took advantage of excellent smoke dispersal yesterday to complete 120 acres of piles near Wilson Butte. A few acres remain, but crews wanted more snow to complete those.

Today, they hope to take advantage of the continued favorable dispersal forecast and they will shift operations to the Dry Creek Unit. This is west of Crestview Rest Area and along Deadman Road. There are 69 acres of piles remaining in the unit that they hope to complete them today. Expect to see smoke along Hwy. 395 and possibly from Mammoth Mountain.

Thinning and pile burning helps restore a healthy forest more typical of the Sierra Nevada. The forest used to be far more open and sunny with less trees per acre than is seen today. Thinning removes the ladder fuels for greater fire safety and reduces competition for water, sunlight, and nutrients among trees and plants.

cover photo, USFS File Photo

us forest service, mono county controlled burn, deadman road mono county, mono county california
Local News

Fire Crews Targeting 30 Acres Today

30 Acres Targeted near Smokey Bear Flat

submitted by the Inyo National Forest

Fire crews plan to continue with pile burning today (Monday, January 11th) with a target of 30 acres. The piles are south of Smokey Bear Flat and immediately adjacent to the east side of Highway 395. Smoke will be visible to motorists along the highway in the area. Crews are taking advantage of the recent snow to tackle fuel reduction projects that they haven’t been able to safely burn during the previous drought years.

Pile 5
Photo courtesy of Darick Rogers
US Forest Service, Inyo National Forest, prescribed fire operations, smokey bear flat, highway 395, eastern sierra
Local News

Inyo Expands Fire Restrictions

Inyo National Forest Announces Further Fire Restriction

The Inyo National Forest is extending fire restrictions to include all Wilderness Areas of the Inyo National Forest.  Previously, campfires were allowed in the  Hoover, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Boundary Peak, White Mountains, Golden Trout, and South Sierra Wilderness Areas of the Inyo National Forest. These areas are no longer exempt from fire restrictions.

“Ongoing drought conditions and well below average rain and snowfall this past winter have led to very dry conditions for this time of year,” said Inyo National Forest Supervisor, Ed Armenta. “These conditions can and have created an active fire season here in the Eastern Sierra and throughout California.”

Beginning September 11, 2015 and until further notice, the following restrictions will be in effect:

NO CAMPFIRES, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. A list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at local Ranger Stations and Visitor Centers, and on the Inyo National Forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/inyo.

Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at any Ranger Station or Visitor Center) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.

NO FIREWORKS. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks.

NO SMOKING, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

NO WELDING or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.

NO USE OF EXPLOSIVES, except by permit.

Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service  may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit. Special use permit holders should contact their permit administrator to make sure they are on the list of exempt sites, or check the information for special use permit exemptions on the Inyo National Forest Website, www.fs.usda.gov/inyo.

us forest service, inyo national forest, drought 2015, campfire restrictions
Local News

Walker Fire Update

Thursday Walker Fire Update

Significant progress continues with containment lines on Walker Fire burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining the Walker Fire remains at 3,715 acres. This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.

Crews will continue to improve containment lines as well as mop up, which includes extinguishing hot spots to ensure that the fire does not re-ignite. Mitigation efforts also continue on the 65-acre spot fire.

Tioga Pass (Highway120) is open without an escort. However, there will be no stopping along the eastern four miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.

The fire is burning in mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining areas and along Highway 395.

For the safety of our firefighters, effective air operations and continued containment efforts, please keep drones away from the Walker Fire and near heliports.

Closures and Evacuations:
⦁ Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
⦁ A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.
⦁ Campgrounds in the Lower Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
⦁ The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.

Approximately 477 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.  For more information on the Walker Fire you can go to the following sites: Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4515/

Date Started: 8/14/2015
Cause: Human Total Personnel: 477
Injuries/Illnesses to Date: 0
Size: 3,715 acres Structures Threatened: 235
Percent Contained: 45%
Resources: 3 Helicopters, 0 Seats, 0 Air Tankers
34, Engines Crews, 6 Water Tenders, 2 Dozers Structures Lost: 0
Estimated Containment: 8/23/2015

walker fire, drought 2015, cal fire, us forest service, mono county
Local News

Delays on Convict Lake road Delayed

4 hour delays postponed

Update to the Convict Lake Road Project:

 The scheduled four-hour closure (for September 1 and September 2-3 (if needed) along the Convict Lake Road has been postponed. Production and shipment of the concrete slabs for the pedestrian bridge has been delayed.

The normal 30-minute delays from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, excluding weekends and holidays, will remain in place.

The Forest Service will update you when the new scheduled four-hour closures soon. It will likely be in late September.

convict lake road, convict lake, mono county california, us forest service
Local News

Walker Fire, Tuesday Morning Update

Walker Fire 20% contained

Quick Facts
size: 3,613 acres.
containment: 20%.
estimated full contianment: Sunday, 8/23/15.
cause: Human…under investigation.
location: 2 miles southwest of Lee Vining.

total personnel: 471.  From the US Forest Service:

Lee Vining, CA: The Walker Fire is currently burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining. This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.
Crews held the fire last night and continue to improve containment lines.Crews will continue to maintain and strengthen the fire line today as well as mopping up the 65-acre hot spot.
Due to more accurate mapping, the fire size is now at 3,613 acres.
Tioga Pass (Highway120) is open without an escort. However, there will no stopping along the eastern six miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.
The fire is burning in mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining areas and along Highway 395.

Closures and Evacuations:
⦁    Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
⦁    A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.
⦁    Campgrounds in the Lower Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
⦁    The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.

Approximately 471 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.  For more information on the Walker Fire you can got to the following sites: Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4515/

walker fire, eastern sierra news, drought 2015, us forest service, mono county news
Local News

Friday, August 14 Fire Map

Current California Fire Map

Smoke filled the Owens Valley Thursday evening as the Rough Fire continues to grow on the Sierra National Forest north of Hume Lake.  The lightning caused Rough Fire started back on July 31st and has grown substantially in recent days.

The Bridgeport area Eagle 2 fire is now over 150 acres in size.  Officials now list lightning as the cause of the Eagle 2 fire.  The fire burning in the buckeye Canyon west of Bridgeport took off on Wednesday, August 12th after lighting from earlier in the week sparked the blaze.

Statewide_Fires_20150814_0800

eagle 2 fire, rough fire, drought 2015, california fire map, us forest service