VALLEJO
Forest Service prepares for 2024 fire season
Across California, USDA Forest Service crews and managers are already preparing for fire season. Despite two years of average to above-average precipitation, Fire Director Jaime Gamboa knows just how quickly wildfire season can take off.
"We will not get complacent," Gamboa said. "Our firefighting crews, equipment and aircraft form one of the largest, most experienced wildland firefighting forces in the world. We're ready to respond to whatever the season brings."
Gamboa also stressed the importance of being able to bring in other federal crews from across the country. "With the federal system we have, we can call resources from neighboring states and even farther away. That means when California is busy, we are able to not only sustain our staffing numbers but also enhance them — all without depleting other state resources."
Across the region's national forests, crews are completing fire trainings for new firefighters. Annual refreshers are underway for those in firefighting support. Readiness Reviews — or annual skills and fitness evaluations — are putting skills into action. Scenarios test everything from using hoses, pumps, and equipment, to treating and transporting injured firefighters. Strength and endurance are continually tested and refined as a critical part of the job.
For aircraft crews — like smokejumpers, helitack crews, rappelers and other aviation resources — mandatory job recertifications are starting. Throughout the long summer all these crew will continue to meet the required testing or mission every two weeks to stay current. National crew will be at the ready to support in-state crews for resources and relief.
Another rainy winter, with fewer than average viable prescribed burn windows, has pushed the prescribed fire season later into the year, and managers are working to ensure hazardous fuels are being treated while still remaining confident they can respond to wildfires.
This year, in his annual letter of intent to firefighters, USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore reaffirmed our continuing commitment to public and firefighter safety, while also stressing forward movement.
"I expect us to continue to use all available tools and technologies to ensure proactive prescribed fire planning and implementation, fire detection, risk assessments, fire response, and post-fire recovery. Every fire will receive a risk-informed response; we know the most effective strategies are collaboratively carried out at the local level… (to) help us make informed decisions that balance resource objectives with safety and community protection."
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LOWER LAKE
Guided Nature Walks continue at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
The second Saturday monthly Guided Nature Walks at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park continue with the next Guided Walk on Saturday, June 8, beginning at 8:30am.
The June nature walk will be led by Henry Bornstein, a volunteer State Parks Docent and Certified California Naturalist. The route taken on the walk will depend on the weather and the condition of the trails. The hike should last between 1½ and 2 hours.
Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15am for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard – the walk will begin at 8:30am. Sturdy shoes, a hat and water are also suggested.
There is no charge for the Guided Nature Walk and parking is free for those attending.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Hwy 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. For more information about the guided walk, email info@andersonmarsh.org or call (707) 995-2658.
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LAKE COUNTY
Konocti Christian Academy student places second in state contest
The Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club has been notified by the California Garden Clubs, Inc. that Gracie Schnabl, 5th grader at the Konocti Christian Academy, has placed second in the State with her Smokey Bear Poster Contest entry. Linda Waterstraat and school liaison Marilyn Gunther are the team coordinating this contest with the local schools.
To thank Marilyn for her efforts for coordinating this program since 2000, the club has awarded her a Penny Pines Certificate. So far, the club has contributed 5,340 acres to the Penny Pines reforestation program. The Penny Pines plantings are made as part of the regular National Forest reforestation program on burned-over and brush-covered areas which are potentially productive timberland. Using these donations, combined with regular forest planting funds, millions of pine, fir, redwood, and giant sequoia seedlings have been planted on acres of National Forest land in California. If you wish to donate, please contact Penny Pines Chair Nora at 707 272-6885.
The CLT&TGC is a member of the Mendo Lake District of the California Garden Club, Inc. Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs, Inc. The club welcomes new members and information can be found by visiting www.clttgc.org or by calling Ginny at 707-489-3511.
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