YOSEMITE – Bear activity this week has increased park-wide, and visitors are reminded to store food properly and be bear-aware. In wilderness areas this week, several hikers have had packs destroyed after failing to store food in a food storage container when leaving their packs unattended. Several backpackers have also had bear cans rolled away from their campsite in the ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park is restoring the federally endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog to alpine lakes within the park. The yellow-legged frog was once the most common frog in mountain lakes throughout the Sierra Nevada, but introduced predators and diseases caused their population to decline by over 95 percent. Park experts are encouraged by the results of initial restoration ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – Whether you’re new to the mountain area, or have lived here for generations, the historic drought and extreme fire conditions warrant a close look at how you’ve prepared for the fire season. Karen Guillemin-Kanawyer, Cal Fire’s MMU Fire Prevention Specialist, says the potential for dangerous, destructive wildfires is very real. “It is up to everyone to be ...

AHWAHNEE – Alli Patterson is many things to many people. She’s a loving daughter, a protective sister, and a good friend. Alli is a student, a photographer, a writer, and an activist. If there’s one thing Alli knows how to do — and actually, there are lots — it’s express herself. “I express myself through everything I do: music, photography, ...

The following letter states my support of the State Center Community College District (District) constructing a new College campus in the Oakhurst area. I am responding to the poorly thought out “Blueprint for Our Community Colleges” as authored by Miguel Arias and John Leal. Mr. Arias and M. Leal are two of many of the SCCCD Trustees. Their article denouncing ...

BASS LAKE – Independence Day was celebrated last weekend it all its glorious forms, from time-honored events like pancake breakfasts and small-town parades, to family picnics, barbecue dinners, patriotic displays and even a laser light show over the lake. “We offered a safe alternative to fireworks, at no charge,” says Michelle Miller of Miller’s Landing, who is secretary of the ...

Yosemite National Park Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ...

YOSEMITE – Thunderstorms came through Yosemite National Park starting on July 1, sparking six new lightning-caused fires. Lightning-caused fires can take days or weeks to detect because vegetation has to dry out enough to create smoke or visible flames after the storm passes over. Additional fires may be discovered as that process takes place. Most of these recent fires are ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – Fireworks are illegal in Mariposa County, and those who violate the fireworks laws are subject to a maximum of $1,000 fine and up to one year in county jail. However, if you possess large quantities of dangerous fireworks, prosecutors could charge you with a felony, punishable by up to three years in California state prison and fines up ...

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 to arrive at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...