YOSEMITE — Public scoping for Yosemite National Park’s planning and environmental impact analysis for the Yosemite Wilderness Stewardship Plan is open, and comments will be accepted through Jan. 29, 2016. Yosemite’s Wilderness is currently managed under the 1989 Wilderness Management Plan. The park needs to update this plan to incorporate current information about visitor use patterns, methods of managing visitor ...

CALIFORNIA — Head outdoors and enjoy some of the country’s most magical places — America’s national wildlife refuges offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the great outdoors and see a rich diversity of wildlife in beautiful natural settings. If that wasn’t enticement enough, refuges that normally charge entrance fees will offer an additional incentive—free admission on these days in 2016: January ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park opened public scoping for planning and environmental impact analysis for the Yosemite Wilderness Stewardship Plan. Public scoping comments will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 29, 2016. Yosemite’s Wilderness is currently managed under the 1989 Wilderness Management Plan. The park needs to update this plan to incorporate current information about visitor use patterns, methods of managing ...

SACRAMENTO — Have you ever dreamed of working for one of the largest firefighting agencies in the world? Now is the time to apply. Cal Fire is currently accepting applications for seasonal firefighter and defensible space inspector (forestry aide) positions throughout the state for 2016. “Working for Cal Fire can open the door to many exciting opportunities for someone interested ...

COARSEGOLD – Though not every El Niño brings torrential rain and the resulting disasters, analysts believe with 95 percent certainty that this winter’s event will do just that, says John Kirk of the California Department of Water Resources. Kirk addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the Clubhouse in Yosemite Lakes Park on Saturday, introducing them to new terms and concepts, such ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Effective Monday, Nov. 23, at 8 a.m., the burn permit suspension in Madera Mariposa Merced Unit (MMU) of Cal Fire will be lifted, which will affect State Responsibility Areas within Mariposa, Madera and Merced Counties. Cal Fire MMU Unit Chief, Nancy Koerperich, is formally cancelling the burn permit suspension, with no elevation restrictions, and advises that those ...

SACRAMENTO – While recent rains and cooler temperatures have lowered the threat of wildfires in some areas of the State, Cal Fire continues to have extra firefighter staffing statewide and remains at peak fire season in Central and Southern California. Last week alone Cal Fire crews responded to nearly 50 new wildfires. Even as Cal fire transitions out of peak ...

KERNVILLE — The destruction of petroglyphs on a Native American archaeological site has a man facing serious consequences in federal court. Christopher James Harp, 58, was indicted by a grand jury in Fresno on Oct. 22 for a felony charge of depredation of public resources with damage exceeding $1,000. Harp was arrested on Oct. 8 as a result of an ...

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be stepping up its efforts to prevent speed-related collisions and curb aggressive driving. Driving too fast for conditions or driving aggressively can be costly and life changing, says the CHP. Failing to yield the right of way, making frequent lane changes, and tailgating are signs of aggressive driving. To help prevent these ...

SACRAMENTO – Traffic collisions are the number one killer of teenagers in the United States, ending more young lives every day than cancer, homicide, and suicide combined. To bring awareness of the dangers facing young people when they drive, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is participating in National Teen Safe Driver Week, Oct. 18-24. “Among all drivers, teenagers are at ...