NORTH FORK — Amid the sounds of native drums and prayers offered up for a safe journey and the experience of unity, a North Fork family played host to those on a spiritual journey this week, celebrating with runners on their way from Alaska to Panama as part of the Peace & Dignity Journey 2016. “Peace and Dignity Journeys” is ...

CALIFORNIA — While the Broken Fire in Coarsegold is 100 percent contained, there are over 3,600 firefighters battling 10 major wildfires across California. Mild temperatures have given firefighters the opportunity to gain the upper hand on containing five large fires over the past couple of days. Temperatures will continue to remain below normal, but high winds and low humidity is ...

FRESNO — One defendant was sentenced and one pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to cultivate marijuana in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County with the intent to distribute, announced Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. Francisco Javier Gomez-Rodriguez, 38, of Pihuamo, Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to three years ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend and visitors are urged to arrive at the park very early to avoid potential traffic congestion and difficulties with parking. Visitors should plan on arriving at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...

CALIFORNIA – With the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, everyone needs to be aware that fireworks are banned in all State Responsibility Areas (SRA) throughout California. SRA is the area of the state where the State of California (Cal Fire) is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires. SRA does not include lands within city boundaries or ...

CALIFORNIA — Over 5,200 firefighters are battling 9 large wildfires in California. Yesterday’s high temperatures combined with the low humidity led to an increase in wildfire conditions. Several large wildfires broke out burning hundreds of acres. Temperatures in many parts of California are expected to be 5-15 degrees above normal, and humidity will likely drop into the single digits in ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Anyone wishing to participate in the planning process is reminded that we are well into the 90-day public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Forest Plans for the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. During this time, the USFS is holding public meetings, tribal forums and a webinar to engage with ...

CALIFORNIA — Engines from the Madera-Mariposa-Merced (MMU) Cal Fire Unit are being sent to other regions across the state, joining over 4,900 firefighters battling 7 large wildfires burning in California. No mountain area stations are being left unmanned, as resources from surrounding areas are moving in to cover those stations, and Paid Call Firefighters are stepping up for additional staffing. ...

CALIFORNIA — Over 5,000 firefighters are battling four large wildfires in California, while firefighters around the rest of the state battled dozens of new fires yesterday. Despite the higher temperatures and dry conditions, all the new fires yesterday were contained in their initial stages. Cal Fire crews were also able to contain the 210-acre Camanche Fire in Amador County that ...

SACRAMENTO — As wildfires burn across California, new estimates on the number of dead trees in California were announced, prompting continued concern for California’s forest health and wildfire danger. Today, the US Forest Service released the outcome of its latest aerial surveys over California forestland, finding that over 66 million trees have now died due to drought and bark beetles ...