CALIFORNIA – As drought conditions continue to significantly elevate California’s fire danger, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has declared May 3-9, 2015 as “Wildfire Awareness Week”. During Wildfire Awareness Week, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians of the role they play in preparing for and preventing wildfires. “With a record dry and warm winter Californian’s fire activity has been nearly ...

EARTH – The March full moon, known to some as the Worm Moon, reached its peak at 10:05 a.m. on Thursday, Mar. 5, and will again be seen shining brightly in the sky tonight, maybe disturbing sleep or perchance illuminating dreams. Why is it called the Worm Moon?

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Forest Service announced recently the availability of final planning directives, which are a key set of agency guidance documents that directs land managers’ implementation of the 2012 planning rule. A product of significant public input, this new framework guides development of land management plans that ensure sustainable ecosystems and promote vibrant communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has released the final policy for managing snowmobile and other “over-snow” vehicle use on national forests and grasslands. As directed by court order, the policy requires that roads, trails and areas where over-snow vehicle use can occur be specifically designated by local Forest Service mangers.

SIERRA NEVADA – The absence of precipitation in January, normally California’s wettest month, has combined with warmer-than-average temperatures to produce a dismally meager snowpack for a drought-stricken state, says the Department of Water Resources (DWR). Today’s second manual snow survey of the season found a snow water equivalent of just 2.3 inches in the scant snowpack near Echo summit approximately ...

CLOVIS – In the process of achieving what he once called a dream, Fresno State graduate Antonio Cabrera was recently selected as the new Forest Engineer for the Sierra National Forest. Antonio is a civil engineer who has been with the Sierra National Forest since 2009. Originally from Mexico, Antonio worked as a farm laborer in Reedley from 1990 to ...

EARTH – While this weekend marks the peak of a notable meteor shower and skies are exceptionally clear, firey streaks in the heavens may be almost impossible to see due to the bright light of another glorious natural event, this month’s full moon. The Wolf Moon will peak at 05:53 a.m. on Monday, January 5, though its strength and beauty ...

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest and Central California Consortium (CCC) are currently hosting an information booth at the Hmong International New Year at the Fresno Fairgrounds through January 1st. The CCC is an environmental education, minority outreach and recruitment program and serves as a bridge between the USDA Forest Service, underserved areas, and community partners. The mission of the ...

CALIFORNIA – During last year’s New Year Maximum Enforcement Period, 14 people were killed in collisions statewide, and more than 450 people were arrested by CHP for driving under the influence. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to start the New Year on the right path by celebrating responsibly. If the nights events include alcohol, make the smart ...

CALIFORNIA – A new bill passed by the California State Legislature makes important changes to the Rural Fire Fee imposed on certain property owners across California in 2011. AB 2048, which was approved and filed on Sept. 30, 2014, makes substantive changes to the law, including allowing Cal Fire to consider any appeal/protest to the fee that was submitted after ...