With information obtained from a joint investigation with the United States Forest Service and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, Yosemite National Park Rangers raided a large marijuana cultivation site in El Portal early Tuesday morning, August 24th, and seized 3,657 plants. The site was on land in both Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest. The park worked with Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives, an Officer from Mariposa County Probation, and Park Rangers from Point Reyes National Seashore. The total estimated worth of the seized marijuana is $14.6 million.
Two lightning caused fires in the northern portion of Yosemite National Park continue to burn in the areas of Lake Vernon and Harden Lake. The fire in the Lake Vernon area, known as the Vernon Fire, has grown from 160 acres to 230 acres in the past two days. The fire in the Harden Lake area, known as the Slope Fire, continues to progress slowly and current acreage is at 688 acres.
A lightning caused fire in Yosemite National Park continues to burn in the area of Lake Vernon, located approximately three miles north of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The fire, known as the Vernon Fire, was spotted on August 9th. Total acreage of the Vernon Fire is 160 acres, with 75% of the perimeter active. Yosemite Fire Crews are continuing to manage the Vernon Fire for ecological benefits.
The Harden Lake area and the trail to Pate Valley from Harden Lake have been reopened. The Harden Lake area was previously closed due to fire activity. Hikers are urged to stay on trails when in the Harden Lake area.
In the past several years, Yosemite National Park has completed a wide variety of ecological restoration projects throughout the park. These projects are designed to protect the ecosystem while still providing visitor access and enjoyment. Several projects are ongoing in the park and include a wide variety of park ecosystems such as meadows, invasive plants, social trails, and wetlands.
The Slope Fire, a lightning caused fire in Yosemite National Park, continues to burn in the area of Harden Lake. The fire was spotted on July 25th and is currently at 597 acres. The fire has spread minimally in the past few days due to fuel type and recent rain in the area. Yosemite Fire Crews are continuing to manage the Slope Fire for the purpose of ecological benefits.
Yosemite National Park, along with all other national parks across the country, will offer free entrance on Saturday, August 14th and Sunday, August 15th, 2010. This fee free weekend is a great opportunity for people to visit and enjoy America’s public lands.
A lightning caused fire in Yosemite National Park continues to burn in the area of Harden Lake. The fire, known as the Slope Fire, was spotted on July 25th. Total acreage of the Slope Fire is 530 acres and continues to spread moderately. Yosemite Fire Crews are continuing to manage the Slope Fire for the purpose of ecological objectives.
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announces several public meetings regarding the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River (Tuolumne River Plan). The public meetings will take place at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows on August 20, September 10, September 11, September 17, and September 18, 2010. All meetings will occur from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Yosemite Institute, a campus of NatureBridge, is announcing a unique opportunity for school groups seeking a winter program that combines academic study with physical challenges, team building, and leadership development in the outdoors.
About 1,200 people attended a ceremony in Yosemite Valley today to launch the new Yosemite Quarter. United States Mint Director Edmund Moy, Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher, other elected officials and guests spoke at the event.
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, the Yosemite Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) held their 37th annual Parents Day at Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park. Parents Day marks the half-way point for teenagers participating in the YCC program at Yosemite, and provides an opportunity for parents to see their children spend the day working in the park. The day is concluded with a barbecue prepared by the YCC kitchen crew and served at a gathering at Badger Pass.
All campgrounds in Yosemite National Park are now open for the summer season. Several campgrounds along the Tioga Road and the Bridalveil Creek Campground on the Glacier Point Road have been closed since the winter of 2009 due to seasonal road closures, a heavy snowpack, and water saturation.
Yosemite National Park announces the first mobile application is available for visitors to use on their iPhone. The application will feature the hike to Lower Yosemite Fall, offering multiple locations in which visitors can stop and learn about the surrounding environment. The iPhone / iTouch application features a Global Positioning System (GPS) map which highlights the visitors' location as they walk to Lower Yosemite Fall. The application highlights 22 points of interest with stories of wildlife, the environment, John Muir, floods, fires, and forests. In addition, the application will allow visitors to easily locate the nearest restroom, visitor center, museum, and shuttle bus stops.
On July 29, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., the general public is invited to attend a special ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new Yosemite Quarter. This historic special event will take place in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and the public is highly encouraged to participate in the festivities. There will be live music, special guest speakers, and children under the age of 18 at the event will receive a free Yosemite Quarter to commemorate this special day. There is no charge to attend the event. A specially designed cake featuring the Yosemite Quarter will be served to all participants attending the event.
Yosemite National Park announces a public meeting for the Tenaya Lake Plan. The meeting will take place on July 10, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Park staff will discuss the Tenaya Lake Plan including alternative actions, proposed resource restoration and protected sites, and proposed visitor facility changes.
Yosemite National Park fire managers are pleased to announce that the prescribed fire near Crane Flat has been successfully completed. Fire officials ignited the prescribed fire on Tuesday, June 29 after extensive preparation, including roadside thinning of vegetation and the ignition of several burn piles.
