Lake County News,California

Recreation

: Mendocino National Forest; Posted On Wednesday, 26 July 2023 00:28; 26 July 2023

Mendocino National Forest visitor information offices closed July 26 to 28 for training

NORTH COAST, Calif. — Mendocino National Forest visitor information offices in Upper Lake and Covelo will temporarily close to the public beginning Wednesday, July 26, at noon.

They will on Friday, July 28, at 1 p.m.

The Willows visitor information office will close to the public on Thursday, July 27, and will reopen Friday, July 28, at 8:30 a.m. Front desk staff will be in training during the closure.

For assistance during the temporary closure, visitors can email the forest’s Public Affairs Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.

: Mendocino National Forest; Posted On Thursday, 06 July 2023 02:50; 06 July 2023

Forest seeks input on proposed McIsaac Ranch land exchange

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Forest officials are proposing to exchange one tract of National Forest System Lands located one to two miles west of Mendocino Pass in eastern Mendocino County on the Covelo Ranger District for four tracts of land located approximately two miles west of Mendocino Pass.

The total land to be affected is approximately 1,160 acres.

The purpose of this land exchange is to consolidate federal ownership within the Mendocino National Forest.

Consolidating land ownership can improve overall management efficiency, reduce long-term management costs and improve management of multiple wildlife, fish and recreational resources.

Concurrent with the notice of exchange proposal comment period, the forest is initiating a public scoping period on a proposed environmental assessment of the land exchange between the Forest Service and McIsaac family.

Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster encourages all interested parties, organizations, agencies, and state, local and tribal governments to share their thoughts or concerns regarding this project.

Comments should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format or Adobe Portable Document Format. Comments can also be mailed in to Wade McMaster c/o Hilda Kwan, Mendocino National Forest, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988.

The public will be able to review and comment on the project through July 25, 2023. The proposal is available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/mendocino/?project=61640.

Questions about the proposal can be directed to Hilda Kwan, Forest NEPA planner, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 530-473-9160.

: California State Parks; Posted On Saturday, 01 July 2023 02:45; 01 July 2023

California State Parks Introduces what3words tool to assist lost or stranded visitors

California State Parks announced its partnership with innovative location technology, what3words.

A new tool in the State Parks toolkit, what3words provides dispatchers with state-of-the-art technology to assist visitors in the event they become lost, stranded or who otherwise need help from emergency services.

Using this revolutionary technology, State Parks dispatchers will now be able to pinpoint the precise locations of individuals who become lost with just three dictionary words, so that help can be sent quickly to exactly where it is needed.

what3words, integrated into RapidSOS dispatch, provides users with a simple way to communicate precise locations. It has divided the world into a grid of 10 feet by 10 feet squares, and given each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address.

This means that every park bench, parking space, pitch on a campsite, and remote spot on a hiking trail has its own what3words address.

For example, ///tools.melted.studs takes you to the exact entrance to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park’s campground. The app is available in over 50 languages to date, and is free to download for both iOS and Android devices.

“Being able to locate a caller during an emergency is essential and the faster the location is confirmed, the faster help can be dispatched,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “what3words enables callers and dispatchers to communicate precise locations with just three words and quickly get the help they need.”

“From Garrapata on the Big Sur coast, to Bodie State Historic Park near the Sierra Nevada, California’s state parks offer some of the most stunning and varied landscapes on the planet, attracting explorers from across the globe,’ said what3words CMO Giles Rhys Jones. “With every 10 ft square having its own what3words address it is simpler than ever to arrange meeting spots with your friends, save precise locations of epic viewpoints, remember the space you parked in, and in the event of an emergency - describe exactly where to send help.”

what3words already covers the entire globe, so you can easily discover addresses for all 280 California state parks in its system, including all parks and campgrounds on the internal and public GIS.

In addition, the official CA State Parks app, OuterSpatial, now displays what3words addresses for over 8,000 POIs in the State Park System, including campsites, trailheads, and picnic areas.

OuterSpatial is working together with what3words to offer more ways to use precise, three-word addresses in the CA State Parks app, with updates due to be released later in the year.

what3words can also be used for non-emergencies, like giving friends and family directions to a specific campsite or sharing beautiful viewpoints. Being able to precisely communicate where to find key locations can make navigating through the vast parks simple and stress free, allowing visitors to make the best use of their time and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

: California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Posted On Sunday, 09 July 2023 01:12; 09 July 2023

California Outdoors: How do I get my kid’s school involved with CDFW’s in-school target archery program?

Scholastic archery program

Q: How do I get my kid’s school involved with CDFW’s in-school target archery program?

A: Since 2006, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has offered equipment grants to California schools for incorporating target archery into physical education curriculums. Currently, CDFW is partnered with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and utilizes its curriculum to safely teach archery to fourth through 12th-grade students. In addition to the fundamentals of archery, students learn focus, self-control, discipline, patience and other skills aimed at helping them succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Target archery is an inclusive sport that every child can participate in regardless of skill or athletic ability.

The first step to starting a scholastic target archery program in your school would be to speak with school administration about offering the program. The program is typically offered during the school day as part of a gym class. All types of schools are eligible including private, charter, home and special needs schools. Grant approved schools must send a credentialed teacher to a Basic Archery Instructor training class prior to starting in-school lessons. Training classes are paid for by CDFW and offered throughout the year at many locations throughout the state.

For more information visit CDFW’s Scholastic Archery Program web page or contact California Coordinator Leticia Palamidessi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Klamath River

Q: What will happen to fish in reservoirs along the Klamath River before the dams come down? Will they be relocated?

A: The Klamath Dam removal, the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, is an opportunity to restore the health of the Klamath River. The project will benefit salmon, steelhead and other native species along with local Tribes and communities within the Klamath Basin. As for the fish, the plan is to translocate Lost River sucker and shortnose sucker prior to the drawdown of Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs. Both of those fish species are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act.

Aside from the listed species, there are no plans to relocate fish from the reservoirs. Many fish species in the reservoirs are non-native, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. These non-native fish species are typically associated with reservoir ecosystems. Once the reservoirs are drawn down, these species are likely to experience substantial population losses or be eliminated. However, the decline in non-native fish is expected to benefit native fish such as native trout. The makeup of fish species in the future is expected to be like what is currently found downstream of Iron Gate Dam, which includes steelhead, Chinook and coho salmon. CDFW plans to closely monitor fish populations following removal of the dams to understand the impacts and inform future management actions.

Fish and Game Commission

Q: What’s the difference between CDFW and the California Fish and Game Commission?

A: Essentially, CDFW implements and enforces the California Fish and Game Code along with regulations adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission. CDFW also provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.

The Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the U.S. Established by California’s State Constitution, it is composed of five Commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate.

The Commission and CDFW are separate legal entities with a wide variety of authorities, some general in nature and some very specific. Primary functions of the Commission are adopting policies and regulations which guide its work and the work of CDFW, listing and delisting threatened or endangered species, letting leases for shellfish cultivation and kelp harvest, and establishing seasons, bag limits, and methods of take for hunting and fishing. CDFW’s law enforcement division enforces regulations adopted by the Commission, but CDFW also administers other programs, such as the lake and streambed alteration program, which are unrelated to the Commission.

Commission meetings are held bimonthly, with both video and audio coverage live-streamed and archived. Visit the Commission home page on the day of each meeting to watch or listen live.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Tuesday, 04 July 2023 00:16; 04 July 2023

Guided nature walk planned July 8 at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

LOWER LAKE, Calif. — The next guided nature walk at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 8:30 a.m.

The July nature walk will be led by Roberta Lyons.

Lyons is a volunteer State Parks docent and the president of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.

The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last between one and a half and two hours.

There is no charge for the guided nature walks and parking is free for those attending.

No pets are permitted on the park trails. The route on Saturday will depend on the condition of the trails.

Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard.

Everyone is invited to take a walk in the park and experience the benefits of getting out into nature for some healthy exercise.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.

: California State Parks; Posted On Friday, 30 June 2023 01:23; 30 June 2023

California State Parks encourages visitors to recreate responsibly this July 4 weekend

California State Parks, and its Divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation, invites Californians and visitors from around the world to recreate responsibly this July 4 weekend, one of the busiest outdoor holidays of the year.

With 280 state parks, California’s diverse landscape has recreational activities for everyone from swimming in the lakes, rivers, and oceans to hiking in the giant redwoods or sequoias to off-highway vehicle riding in the deserts and mountains to camping along the coastline.

Following simple safety measures such as wearing a lifejacket or proper riding gear, avoiding alcohol, and knowing one’s limits while swimming can help save lives. As a reminder, fireworks are not allowed in state parks.

Just within the California State Park System, there are over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites.

There are plenty of outdoor opportunities to spend time with family and friends, reconnect with nature and enjoy the benefits it offers to your mental and physical health.

Below you will find helpful tips to stay safe during this holiday weekend:

Prepare an itinerary: No matter what type of recreation activity you will be participating in, leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member/friend with information such as name/age of all participants, travel destination and expected return date. This will ensure law enforcement personnel have a better understanding of your location in the event of a rescue.

Know before you go: Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Park only in designated parking spaces.

Check the weather:
• Plan activities during cooler part of the day.
• Dress in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Shield yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated fluids.
• If heading to a waterway to cool off, obey posted warnings, swim in designated areas, wear a life jacket, and actively supervise children.

Wear a life jacket: Water-related accidents can happen suddenly and rapidly. Make sure you and your loved ones wear properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Wearing them is the number one way to increase your chances of survival during an accident. Several public and private entities make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis. View Locations

Protect your loved ones:
• Always supervise children by appointing a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Do not assume that someone is watching your children.
• Know your limits. Swimming in a lake, ocean or river is different than swimming in a pool.
• If someone is in distress, seek help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1 if one is not available.

Avoid alcohol: Operating your boat or an off-highway vehicle (OHV) with a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08% or more is against the law. Impaired boaters will be stopped and can be arrested even with lower BAC if the conditions are not safe. Your boat can be impounded. Some parks do have alcohol bans. Check specific park website to determine if there’s any local ordinances concerning alcohol.

Ocean rip currents: If you get caught in one, stay calm and do not fight the current. Swim or float parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the shore.

Learn the rules of recreating in boats and OHVs: There are laws specific to operating OHVs on public lands and boats on California’s waterways. Learn about them by visiting the webpage of your outdoor destination. For boating laws, please visit BoatCalifornia.com.

Trails: Whether you are hiking, horseback riding or operating an OHV, stay on designated trails. You are not only protecting natural resources, but you are also ensuring that you do not get lost. Make sure to hike with a buddy.

Leave no trace: Leave areas better than how you found them by packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

You can find additional safety tips and information on backpacking, biking, camping, horseback trails, and laws can be found at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29142.

Recreation

Mendocino National Forest visitor information offices closed July 26 to 28 for training

Forest seeks input on proposed McIsaac Ranch land exchange

California State Parks Introduces what3words tool to assist lost or stranded visitors

California Outdoors: How do I get my kid’s school involved with CDFW’s in-school target archery program?

Guided nature walk planned July 8 at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

California State Parks encourages visitors to recreate responsibly this July 4 weekend

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