Sequoia
National Forest & Giant Sequoia
National Monument
Learn About the Successful Big Meadows Restoration Project -
Giant Sequoia National Monument
The public
is invited to visit Big Meadows and view the results of a
restoration project with Forest Service Wildlife Biologist
Jeff Cordes.
This program will occur between 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. on July 5,
2008, starting at the Big Meadows Trailhead parking area in
the Hume Lake Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National
Monument.
A project
in the fall of 2007 restored the natural flow of water to
one of the largest meadow systems in the area. As a result,
the plant and animal life in the meadow is rebounding. We
will explore the meadow, learn about the techniques used to
restore it, and examine plants and animals that depend on
the area. It is recommended that you wear boots that can get
wet and binoculars will be helpful.
The Big
Meadows Trailhead parking area is located on Big Meadows
Road and can be accessed via Generals Highway, (a 1 1/2 hour
drive east of Fresno). This special event is free; though
the entrance fee will be charged at park entrance stations.
For more information, contact Jeff Cordes, 559-338-2251
extension 380, or by email:
jcordes@fs.fed.us
Come Celebrate our Centennial at the Western Divide Ranger
District – Sequoia National Forest
The Tule
River and Hot Springs Ranger Districts were administratively
combined in June of 1996 and now are proud to announce they
have a new name; Western Divide Ranger District. “The Great
Western Divide is a geographic feature that spans both
districts, is well known by name, and conveys a sense of
place, which is why this name was chosen,” said Priscilla
Summers, District Ranger. “In addition, the district was
called Western Divide in the 1940’s so the name has historic
significance.” Visitor information, including maps, will be
changed over time to reflect the new name.
The
Sequoia National Forest Centennial is this year and provides
us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our new name as a
part of the Forest’s centennial celebration. “We are
planning an open house on July 3rd for the centennial, and
we will incorporate a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new
name as well,” stated Summers.
Please
join us in our celebration 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday July
3rd at the Springville office, located at 32588
HWY 190 just below the town of Springville. Smokey Bear
will make an appearance along with a Forest fire engine. We
will conduct a ribbon cutting at noon with refreshments
served in our conference room. Stop in for a visit, and
take a look at historical pictures we’ll have on display.
Bring stories and photo’s you’re willing to share with us
about our history; we would love to share this celebration
with all who are interested.
July 4th and Centennial Celebration at Buck Rock Lookout –
Sequoia National Forest
The Buck
Rock Foundation is proudly hosting its eighth annual July
4th Celebration and Open House at Buck Rock Lookout in the
Sequoia National Forest. The event, which will take place
on Saturday, July 5th from 10:00 to 4:00, will be held at
the base of the lookout.
The
barbecue will be fired up with hamburgers and hotdogs and
all the fixings, along with drinks and other goodies
(available for a small donation). We will be commemorating
the 100 year anniversary of the Sequoia National Forest with
a birthday cake and centennial ceremony at 1:00 p.m. with
special guests wearing historic outfits representing the
history of the forest.
Booths
featuring local art and photography, children’s activities,
merchandise, and lookout memorabilia will be on display.
Living history and Native American basket weaving will take
center stage with Smokey Bear making appearances throughout
the day. Fire watchers will be on hand to explain the
workings of the active and historic fire lookout which will
be open for tours during the event. Forest Service Wildlife
Biologist, Jeff Cordes will be giving a talk about the Big
Meadows Restoration Project at 4 p.m. at the Big Meadows
trailhead.
Located in
the Big Meadows area of the Sequoia National Forest in the
cooler elevation of 8,500 feet, Buck Rock Lookout is a
popular destination for people from all over the world.
Perched 300 feet above the ground on a granite dome,
visitors have grand views of the High Sierra Nevada
Mountains featuring the Great Western Divide and surrounding
beauty. Eagles, falcons and other magnificent birds of prey
are often spotted soaring the skies around the lookout.
For more
information, contact the Buck Rock Foundation, 559-336-9319
or visit their website at
www.buckrock.org Parking is available, about 300 yards
from the lookout.
Fireworks Not a Welcome Sight in Giant Sequoia National
Monument, Sequoia National Forest
High Fire Danger – Fire Restrictions go into Effect.
In
response to the increasing fire danger and fires already
raging in California, the Sequoia National Forest announced
today a Declaration to impose fire restrictions for all of
the federally protected lands within their jurisdiction. On
the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National
Monument, this declaration will include forest lands located
in Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties.
During
fire restrictions, visitors may only use a lantern; portable
gas stove using gas, jellied petroleum, and pressurized
liquid fuel outside of a developed recreation site or
designated fire exempt areas. Campfires and barbecue
charcoal fires are only allowed in developed recreation
sites and designated fire exempt area. A “fire exempt”
area is defined as a cleared, undeveloped, POSTED area where
campfires and smoking are ONLY allowed during fire
restrictions. Fewer areas are considered fire exempt this
year due to extreme fire conditions on the Forest. Areas
where visitors have traditionally been able to have a
campfire may no longer be permitted. Please call the Forest
office located nearest you for details.
Visitors
must have a valid California Campfire Permit in their
possession for any type of fire use. Permits are available
free of charge at any Forest Service or BLM office. Smoking
is not permitted, except within an enclosed vehicle,
building, developed recreation site or designated fire
exempt area. Internal combustion engines may be operated
only on roads and designated trails. Within the Giant
Sequoia National Monument, motorized vehicles are only
allowed on designated roads. Ensure the engine is tuned and
operating properly before driving on Forest roads.
As we prepare for what will likely be a busy holiday
weekend, Forest officials remind visitors that fireworks,
even “safe and sane” are not allowed in Giant Sequoia
National Monument and the Sequoia National Forest. “It is
especially important this year that Forest visitors don’t
bring fireworks into the Forest,” says Western Divide
District Ranger Priscilla Summers. “The shrubs and grasses
are very dry and ready to burst into flames; all it might
take is one small spark.”
To find
out where to camp and where campfires are allowed, please
visit one of our Forest Service offices. On the internet,
contact the Forest Service at:
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia . With a hot and dry summer
already underway, fire officials urge the public to “Please
Be Fire Safe,” when visiting our forests and public lands.
Wildfires can be damaging. The personal liability can be
enormous for the cost of suppression and damages caused by
any wildfire that starts by negligence. It’s a clear choice
… Be Fire Wise!!!”
Resource
Guide