Biomass from Sierra Nevada forests will be explored at the Sierra Solutions Conference as a renewable energy resource for institutional heating, as material for value added forest products, and as a means for collaboration, management, and restoration with Stewardship Contracting. The workshop takes place as part of Sierra Solutions on Friday, Oct. 3, 1:30-4:45pm.
As a result of continued hot, dry, weather, personal fuel woodcutting permits will be suspended on the Plumas National Forest (PNF) effective August 28 until the fire danger moderates. Forest officials are closely scrutinizing commercial uses of the forest in the event any additional precautions might be necessary.
Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect on BLM Public Lands
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:32:10 PST
With school back in session and Labor Day around the corner, it's beginning to feel like fall. But in northeast California's back country, conditions are at their driest point of the year, and restrictions on fire use remain in effect.
Eldorado National Forest Fire Danger is Critical
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:03:18 PST
Labor Day visitors will determine if the Eldorado National Forest makes it through the weekend without a wildfire. The fire danger in the Eldorado National Forest is critically high says Bob Patton, Eldorado National Forest Fire Chief. "The fire danger in the Forest is higher than it was when the 16,000 acre Power and 8,000 acre Freds fires started in 2004. It's higher than 2001 when the 16,000 acre Star Fire started, and it's higher than 1992 when the 24,500 acre Cleveland fire started," said Patton. "To the tens of thousands of visitors we expect to come to the Forest this Labor Day weekend Smokey Bear's message is dead on: "Only you can prevent forest fires."
Local Executive tapped for Yuba River Organization
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:46:39 PST
Today the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) announces the hiring of a new Development Director to continue and expand SYRCL's 25-year history of protecting and restoring the Yuba River and the greater Yuba Watershed.
Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 pm on Friday evening
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:10:45 PST
California state departments are asking boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats to stop the spread of harmful invasive mussels. Properly cleaning and drying boats will also help them avoid quarantines or being turned away from a water destination.
Mid-Season Fire Review on National Forests in California
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:37:54 PST
The lightning storm the weekend of June 21-22 was an epic event that started more than 3,000 fires and kicked off the fire season much earlier than usual. This has been hard for communities and firefighters and unfortunately we are not out of the woods yet. I'd like to take a moment to let you know where we are at this point in the fire season as we prepare to look ahead at the coming months.
Falls Prevention Week Declared in Nevada County
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:31:41 PST
The Falls Prevention Coalition of Nevada County, with support from the Board of Supervisors and the cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City, is declaring September 21 to September 28, 2008 "Falls Prevention Week." Several activities are planned for the week, beginning with a kick-off event on Sunday, September 21 from 2:30-4:30.
U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service News Release About Sierra Science Symposium
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:57:00 PST
Four land management agencies are proud to announce the First Southern Sierra Science Symposium, September 4-5, in Visalia, California at the Visalia Convention Center, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The theme for the symposium is "Agents of Change Affecting the Southern Sierra Ecosystems." This event will bring together premier scientists for what will be an outstanding educational and networking opportunity.
CAL FIRE Urges Caution Due to High Fire Danger
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:41:04 PST
CAL FIRE (The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) is urging Californians to be extremely cautious, especially this week, due to the current dry and windy weather pattern that is increasing fire danger. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Northern California and parts of the Bay Area for high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds through Thursday night.
City of Grass Valley Offers Immediate Funding for Housing Rehabilitation, Woodstove Replacement and Emergency Repairs
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:37:57 PST
Are you a homeowner looking to repair or upgrade your house or rental? The City has funding available through the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its "Housing Rehabilitation Program", which includes the Woodstove Replacement and Emergency Repair programs. These programs provide low interest rate loans and grants to income eligible households.
Trailmix.Net Launches the Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:07:45 PST
Trailmix.Net is proud to introduce its first product, the Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt. As of Wednesday, August 27th, families with children that are planning to visit Yosemite National Park can get a copy of The Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt in the Trailmix.Net store.
Nevada County: Information about tick-borne relapsing fever
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:53:57 PST
Recently, two residents in the Truckee area have become ill with tick-borne relapsing fever. The infected residents that were diagnosed were treated with antibiotics and are recovering. Because several cases of relapsing fever are identified each year in mountainous areas of California, the Nevada County Public Health and Environmental Health Departments offer the following information and prevention tips for persons at possible risk.
Economic Downturn = Hard Times for Pets
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:25:10 PST
Loosing a job is frightening; loosing a home is a crisis, but what if you are a companion animal? AnimalSave experienced a huge influx of kittens this season - at one point in time 85 kittens were in foster care. Now AnimalSave is seeing an increase in pets that are being relinquished as a result of the economy. People just can't afford to keep their pets.
Fire Weather Watch Remains In Effect From Late Tuesday Night Through Thursday Afternoon
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:18:55 PST
A fire weather watch remains in effect from late tonight through Thursday afternoon for wind and low humidity for the northern Sacramento valley as well as the surrounding foothills southward to the Motherlode and Lake County and the Northern Sierra west of the crest.
Nevada City: Town Hall Meeting on Single Payer Health Care on Sep. 8
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:08:10 PST
Inc. Magazine, the premier publication for small and medium sized businesses, today ranked 49er Communications No. 1370 on its annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy - America's independent-minded entrepreneurs.
Foothill Theatre Company: On Golden Pond opens September 25
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:24:10 PST
The Foothill Theatre Company announces that $88,175 is the total through Monday for its Save the Foothill Theatre Campaign fundraiser that has been waged through radio, newspaper, television, local businesses and the internet since August 6. This total is close enough to the $90,000 needed to proceed with its next play On Golden Pond. Calls are being made now to mobilize the cast and crew. Another $157,000 is needed to guarantee that the 2009 season can be mounted and that the struggling theatre company can put years of operating in the red behind them.
Red Flag Warning In Effect Through This Evening For Northeast California, The Eastern Sierra And Western Nevada
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:09:02 PST
Red flag warning now in effect until 8 pm pdt this evening for gusty winds and low humidity. The red flag warning is now in effect until 8 pm pdt this evening. Southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph will combine with humidity below 15 percent to produce critical fire weather conditions for areas south of Susanville including the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests. Humidities are forecast to increase above 20 percent and winds are expected to decrease by 8 pm this evening. The cold front will move through the area between 7 pm and 10 pm this evening.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Seeks Information on Slain Golden Eagle
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:48:25 PST
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, announced today, they are seeking information regarding a golden eagle found dead and tied to a tree along Jones Creek in the Galena Regional Park earlier this summer. Bald and golden eagles are protected under both the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Both federal laws prohibit the taking, killing, possessing or selling of the eagles.