BASS LAKE — With winter weather approaching, bringing the potential for high winds and heavy snows, the dangers posed by dead trees along mountain roadways has become very real. Cal Fire, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and County Roads, is getting out ahead of this dangerous situation by removing hazard trees that threaten ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA – The Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are announcing today the 100 percent containment of the Rough Fire. For nearly three months the Rough Fire has burned in some of the most rugged terrain in North America. Started by a lightning strike on July 31, ...

CLOVIS – The Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest, is preparing to implement the fall/winter burning program, says Acting District Ranger Denise Tolmie. Projects will consist of two activities: pile burning and broadcast burning. “The objective of burning is to reintroduce low intensity fire to the ecosystem,” said Tolmie. “Prior to European settlement, lightning and Native Americans provided ignition ...

CLOVIS – The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at some of its day-use recreation sites on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day. The fee waiver program is in cooperation with other federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Fees are waived generally for day-use areas, such as picnic grounds, developed trailheads and destination ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The Bass Lake Ranger District welcomes Denise Tolmie, Forest Fuels Officer /Fire Planner as their new acting District Ranger. Tolmie has worked for the US Forest Service since 1985 and has worked on the Sierra National Forest since 2001. Her qualifications include an Associate of Science Degree in Forestry, Technical Fire Management, and upper division Natural ...

CLOVIS  – John Glenn was a dedicated and valued part of the US Forest Service family until an unfortunate accident on Aug. 5, which lead to his death the next day. Every year USFS Chief Tom Tidwell honors individuals who were lost in the line of duty. The Forest Service is elated to announce that due to his hard work ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Due to favorable weather conditions the Sierra National Forest has terminated Forest Order No 05-15-06, dated June 30, 2015 which eliminated campfires. Visitors are now permitted to have campfires using wood and charcoal in all campgrounds in the Sierra National Forest. They will be permitted to have a campfire outside of designated campgrounds when they are ...

CLOVIS – The Fresno County and Madera County Resource Advisory Committees (RAC) are seeking applications from interested citizens who would like to join a committee to provide guidance for federal dollars to be used in each of the two counties. President Clinton signed into law the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000. This Act was designed ...

FRESNO, Calif. — Jonathan Cornelius Bourne, 59, of Mammoth Lakes, was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe after a federal grand jury returned a 21-count indictment against him, charging him with violations of the Archeological Resources Protection Act, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. According to counts one through eight of the indictment, in 2010 ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Firelines are holding on the Rough Fire as interior fuels continue to burn out, crews are demobilized, and rehabilitation and repair becomes the order of the day. The Rough Fire is now estimated at 151,493 acres with 85 percent containment. There are currently 651 personnel assigned to the incident, including 9 crews, 26 engines, 4 helicopters, ...