FRESNO — Vance Franklin Myers, 35, of Oakhurst, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Ana de Alba to 3 years probation and a $10,000 fine for unauthorized excavation and removal of archeological resources from public lands, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Additionally, Myers was ordered to pay $10,023.48 in restitution, perform 100 hours of community service, ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY–With the lightning that rolled through the area this morning, Sierra National Forest and CalFire fire crews are responding to and chasing lightning fires and smoke reports by ground and air today. We are monitoring these incidents but will not be posting articles for each individual fire unless an incident is growing and/or threatening life or property. Be prepared ...

Charles Victor Sikora November 27, 1931 – August 2, 2023 Charles is survived by Marilyn, his wife of seventy years; his three sons, Eric, Peter, and Victor, and their families. At the time of his passing, Chuck had seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Charles was an only child, born and raised in Stockton, California. ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The Sierra National Forest (SNF) will enact temporary fire restrictions, effective August 11, 2023, prohibiting campfires, welding, or smoking on all public lands managed by the Forest in non-developed campsites, with the exception of those shown in Exhibits A & B of the current Forest Order. Campfires will only be allowed in wilderness, developed campgrounds, or ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Air and ground firefighting resources are in the Miami Creek Off Highway Vehicle Trails area responding to a vegetation fire. The fire is currently approximately 2 acres. The Incident Commander reports that the fire has a hose lay around 50% and they are making good progress.  This is the Bridge Fire. Cal Fire and Sierra National Forest ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Will you be celebrating our nation’s independence over the 4th of July holiday weekend with a visit to the Sierra National Forest (SNF)? Activities such as camping, backpacking, fishing, picnicking and so many more in the great outdoors, are available for you in the SNF! Due to tremendous efforts by Forest Service, contractor, and volunteer personnel and ...

BASS LAKE — The race itself may be sold out, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t come out to Bass Lake to cheer on your favorite athletes as they compete in the 8th Annual Yosemite Half Marathon. And let’s not forget about the awesome after-party at South Gate Brewing Company, where the chefs will be cooking up some delicious ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES – The Sierra National Forest resumed selling Personal Use Wood Cutting Permits for the April 17th through November 30th period. The North Fork and Prather Forest Service offices began selling permits on Monday April 17th. All permits will be valid only for the Sierra National Forest lands and do not include private property. The forest will be offering ...

MADERA COUNTY—The Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is currently cooperating with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting incident. On Monday, March 27, 2023, Madera County Sheriff’s Investigators were conducting a follow-up investigation into the recent homicide in North Fork when they located 28-year-old Brandunn Wilson leaving a residence in the town of Friant. Wilson was identified as ...

SONORA–The Stanislaus and Sierra National Forest will host two virtual open house events in support of the recreation technician hiring event currently underway. “We understand the USAJobs platform isn’t always the easiest to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with the government hiring process,” explained Stanislaus National Forest Administrative Officer Shandy Bearden. “And we are doing everything in our power to ...