SACRAMENTO – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) released a draft economic analysis of its proposal to designate 1,831,820 acres of critical habitat in California for the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, the northern distinct population segment of the mountain yellow-legged frog, and the Yosemite toad. The draft economic analysis estimates the costs associated with the designation of critical habitat ...

SAN FRANCISCO – With California facing water shortfalls in the driest year in recorded state history, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today proclaimed a State of Emergency and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for these drought conditions. “We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s ...

Submitted by Brittany Dyer AHWAHNEE – Residents of Eastern Madera County have been anxiously awaiting the opening of what is sure to be a favorite destination for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and families looking for the perfect place to picnic and recreate. Now, the opening of the Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park is just around the corner. Just how much time, ...

MADERA COUNTY – After 30 years of service to the California Highway Patrol, Sergeant Ed Greene is retiring to do, as he puts it, “anything I feel like.” Dec. 30 will be the last day on duty for the 52-year-old veteran officer in the Oakhurst division, where he has served since transferring from Mariposa in 2009.

COARSEGOLD – A day of fishing and drinking came to an abrupt end when said fisherman headed for home and smashed his pickup into a rock outcropping on Highway 41, snarling traffic during the evening commute. Leonard Cox, 75, of Clovis, had spent the day snagging trout and catfish in one of the private ponds near Indian Lakes.

YOSEMITE – The Ansel Adams Gallery In Yosemite National Park was packed with students, parents and teachers on Saturday, Nov. 16, as awards were presented to the winners of the 3rd annual Gateway Expressions Art and Poetry Contest. Two walls in the gallery were lined with the artwork, poetry and photography of students from the gateway communities of Yosemite, and ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest, is preparing to implement the fall/winter burning program. Projects will consist of three activities: pile burning, broadcast, and underburning. “The objective of underburning is to reintroduce low intensity fire to the ecosystem on a rotational basis,” says District Ranger Dave Martin. “Prior to European settlement, lightning and Native ...

COARSEGOLD – A collision on Highway 41 last night ended badly for both the bear and vehicle. A Mariposa woman was northbound in a 2008 Kia just south of Serpa Canyon Road at about 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 10, when a bear ran out in front of her, according to CHP.

NORTH FORK – The first rain in months and a little too much speed was a bad combination on Road 200 this afternoon. Brandon Kluth, 20, of North Fork, was westbound on Road 200 just after 2:30 p.m., crossing the narrow bridge at Fine Gold Creek. The corner is marked at a suggested 25 mph, but according to CHP, he ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office will file a criminal complaint against Richard James Sesulka, 49, of Garden Grove, CA., according to Erica Stuart, Public Information Officer. Sesulka is the tour coach driver for Screamline Investment Corp accused of emptying the waste tank of his tour bus in a parking lot outside the U.S. Post Office in Oakhurst ...