Blog Archives

First human West Nile human in Placer County

8/30/2025

Excerpts from YubaNet.net article today:
"Placer County’s health officer, along with the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District, continue to encourage residents to take preventative steps that will reduce their risk of acquiring mosquito-borne illnesses. Since the first 2025 detection of West Nile virus in Placer County in June, the District has detected the virus in 5 dead birds and in 129 mosquito samples. The county’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2025 was reported in a Lincoln resident this week."

"West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito and there is no cure. “

“We encourage residents to protect themselves using simple tips: use an EPA-registered repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites, drain any standing water on their property to prevent breeding, and contact us if needed.”
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the state of California’s website on West Nile. Residents are encouraged to report all dead birds on that website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

For the COMPLETE ARTICLE IN YUBANET.NET, CLICK HERE.

Protect your public lands, comment on elimination of the Roadless Rule by Sept. 19, 2025

8/30/2025

FOREST SERVICE TAKES NEXT STEP IN ELIMINATING ROADLESS RULE, TRIGGERING PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Roadless Rule was established in 2001 by the U.S. Forest Service to protect 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System from road construction, timber harvesting, and other development. This conservation measure, also known as the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, was intended to provide lasting protection for these lands. On August 27 The USDA began the process to repeal the Roadless Rule.

The public has just THREE WEEKS, until September 19, to comment on this first step in the Forest Service’s process to rescind the Roadless Rule.

Please CLICK TO COMMENT HERE.

Purpose of the 2001 Roadless Rule:
To protect the least-developed portions of national forests.

Scope:
Protects approximately 58.5 million acres of National Forest land across the country, mainly in the western states.

Goals:
To conserve important habitat for fish and wildlife, protect water supplies, and preserve opportunities for recreation.

Subsequent Developments:
The rule has faced legal challenges and changes in administration, with efforts to repeal and modify it over the years. Despite these challenges, the core intent of the 2001 rule was to provide consistent, lasting protection for these wild areas. To see the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Policy and the decades-long legal fight to defend it -
CLICK HERE TO SEE the complete timeline of challenges.

Now, with the new USDA leadership, they wish to completely eliminate this Rule and its protection of public lands.

The public has just THREE WEEKS, until September 19, to comment on this first step in the Forest Service’s process to rescind the Roadless Rule.

Please CLICK TO COMMENT HERE.

Back Country Horsemen of American letter to USDA and US Forest Service regarding the recent reorganization

8/28/2025

This is the first two paragraphs of a four-page letter from BCHA to Brooke Rollins, Secretary United States Department of Agriculture, and Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Washington, DC, regarding the changes and shift in resources in their departments and how it affects volunteerism and our national forest lands.

To see the complete letter, CLICK HERE.

Nevada County's highest peak, Mt. Lola, named Historical Landmark - hike there!

8/26/2025

Mount Lola — Nevada County’s Newest Historical Landmark
Photo of Mt Lola, looking to the south by Andrew Aldrich
On August 12, 2025, Mount Lola (9,147 ft), the highest point in Nevada County, was officially designated County Historical Landmark NEV 25-07.

In the 1870s, surveyor Professor George Davidson and his team carried out a remarkable geodetic survey from its summit. Using triangulation methods and heavy equipment hauled up the mountain, they helped lay the foundation for accurate mapping across the American West—techniques that guided surveyors for over a century until the GPS era.

Today, while hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra, they also tread on ground where the science of mapping advanced in significant ways. The foundations of Davidson’s work still remain atop the peak, a quiet reminder of this important chapter in Nevada County’s history.

TO THE TRAILHEAD FOR OUTSTANDING VIEWSA 10.4-mile hike (out and back) up the tallest peak in the Sierra north of Interstate 80. On a clear day, the Sierra Buttes and Mt. Lassen can be seen from the summit, and wildflowers at Cold Stream meadow along the way. Moderately difficult for hikers (2300 ft. elevation gain)
Directions to Trailhead. Take 89 north from Truckee for 14.5 miles, turning left onto USFS Road 07. Drive for 1.5 miles to USFS Road 07-10, and follow this for 0.6 miles. Turn right on (unsigned) Henness Pass Road and drive for 3.1 miles to a road signed Mt Lola Trail.

CLICK HERE for complete trail and directions from Truckee Trails Foundation.

Tahoe National Forest institutes Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

8/21/2025

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within or administered by the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from August 22, 2025, through October 31, 2025.
Alert Start Date: August 22nd, 2025
Alert End Date: October 31st, 2025
Order Number: 17-25-08

2025 Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Forest OrderPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within or administered by the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from August 22, 2025, through October 31, 2025.

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within a charcoal grill or fire ring provided within a recreation site maintained by a campground host listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within a recreation site maintained by a campground host listed in Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

3. Operating an internal combustion engine off paved, gravel or dirt National Forest System roads and trails, except within the Prosser Pits Developed Off-Highway Vehicle Area and boats on a water surface. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

2. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel and has a with a shut-off valve.

3. Persons engaged in Forest Products Removal (fuelwood) are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above but may operate an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails only to the extent necessary to cut fuelwood, provided the cutting of fuelwood is done in compliance with daily fire danger project activity levels.

4. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.
16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Nevada City, California, this 20th day of August, 2025
Tahoe National ForestContact Number:530-265-4531

CLICK HERE to see the posting of the original order at the Tahoe National Forest website.

BLM welcomes the public to celebrate the grand opening of Cotoni-Coast Dairies Aug. 16, 2025

8/16/2025

This is a bit out of our reference area, but many of our Gold Country trail users head over to the coast in the summer. This newly opened trailhead and public land encompasses 5,843 acres and has something for everyone.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to the grand opening of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies onshore unit of the California Coastal National Monument on Friday, August 15. A reservation only guided hike will take place at 3 pm; please RSVP at [email protected] as space is limited. The BLM Central Coast Field Office is honored to host this grand opening in partnership with National Conservation Lands, The Foundation for America’s Public Lands, Sempervirens Fund, The Trust for Public Land, and Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship.

Grand Opening of Cotoni-Coast Dairies!
The Cotoni-Coast Dairies onshore unit of the California Coastal National Monument will be fully open to the public on Saturday August 16.

This milestone reflects years of partnership and conservation efforts to protect and connect people with this remarkable stretch of the Santa Cruz coast.

“Providing public access to the Cotoni-Coast Dairies unit of the California Coastal National Monument has been a goal of the BLM since it was added to the Monument in 2017,” stated Central Coast Field Manager Zachary Ormsby. “Together, through the visionary efforts of the BLM, our partners, and local citizens, this initiative ensures future generations can enjoy these magnificent landscapes.”
Starting Saturday, August 16, Cotoni-Coast Dairies will be open daily from dawn until dusk, accessible via the North Trailhead at Cement Plant Road and Warranella Road. Parking is limited to 62 spaces; car-pooling or public transportation is encouraged.

Located near Davenport, Cotoni-Coast Dairies extends from the steep slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the marine coastal terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean; it features a rich variety of habitats, including vibrant riparian areas and marine terraces, vital for local fish species and community water supply.

The opening coincides with the 25th Anniversary of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands, encompassing 906 units and covering more than 38 million acres designated by Congress and the President to conserve special features, from winding rivers to mountain vistas.
For more information about the California Coastal National Monument, please visit the official website. For more information about Cotoni-Coast Dairies, please visit their website. The public can also contact the Central Coast Field Office for more information.

Join us for the grand opening of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies onshore unit of the California Coastal National Monument!

Date: Friday, August 15
Time: Guided hike at 3 PM (reservation only)
Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Event Coordinator
Philip Oviatt
[email protected]
661-432-4252
BLM Office:
Central Coast Field Office
Event Dates
Aug 15, 2025 3:00 pm
Aug 15, 2025 5:00 pm
Event LocationNorth Trailhead at Cement Plant Road and Warranella RoadDavenport, CA
Space is limited, so please RSVP at [email protected] to secure your spot!

This event is hosted by the BLM Central Coast Field Office in partnership with National Conservation Lands, The Foundation for America's Public Lands, Sempervirens Fund, The Trust for Public Land , and Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/gjVK50WEa7t

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1185684166919119&set=a.223694826451396

BLM website:
https://www.blm.gov/cotoni-coast-dairies

American River Bridge Removal Project starts Aug. 18

8/14/2025

From Placer County: Work is set to begin Aug. 18 on the American River Bridge Debris Removal Project, marking the start of efforts to remove 750 tons of metal and concrete remnants from the old state Route 49 Bridge that have remained in the river for more than 60 years.

There will be closures and detours on popular American River Canyon trails and recreation areas during the project.

The first phase of the project will involve building a temporary ramp and “beach area” to allow access and storage for heavy equipment throughout the duration of construction.

Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, as well as trucks entering and exiting state Route 49. The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. In addition, a lane closure with one-way reversing traffic control will be in place the night of Aug. 18 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The county has launched a new web page to provide construction updates, road and trail closure updates and other project information.

“This is a complex process, but our goal remains clear: to remove these materials in a safe, environmentally responsible way,” said Cheyenne Toney, senior civil engineer for Placer County. “It’s our intent to come in and clean this debris, and when we leave it will look like we were never here, and the debris was never here.”

The Calcutta Falls Trail will be closed from the trailhead at SR-49 to No Hands Bridge for the duration of the project. Pedestrians will be detoured via the Western States Trail—accessible from the trailhead directly across SR-49 from the Quarry Trail parking area—or via the Mountain Quarries Bypass Trailhead on Old Foresthill Road.
The first 150 feet of shoulder parking along southbound SR-49 in El Dorado County near the Calcutta Falls trailhead will also be closed. Shoulder parking beyond that point, as well as all parking on Old Foresthill Road, will remain open.
For public safety, the river between the Old Foresthill Road Bridge and No Hands Bridge will be closed to all water recreation. The beach area between the Old Foresthill Bridge and Highway 49 bridge will close Sept. 2 following Labor Day weekend.

The old SR-49 Bridge collapsed in 1964 after the failure of Hell Hole Dam during a major weather event. Shortly after, Congress approved the Auburn Dam project, and the debris was left in place under the assumption it would be submerged by the planned reservoir. When the dam was never built, the remnants remained in the American River. Visit the County website to see the video of the bridge collapse.

The effort to remove the debris gained momentum after community group Protect American River Canyons urged county leaders to take action. In 2023, the county worked with former state Sen. Brian Dahle to secure $8 million in state funding for the project. The funds were transferred to Placer County’s Department of Public Works, which is now managing the effort.

Last year, the county contracted with Dokken Engineering of Folsom for environmental consulting services. Dokken coordinated with regulatory agencies to ensure the project meets strict environmental and safety standards.

The project is being conducted by Myers & Sons Construction of Sacramento.
For more information, visit http://www.ARDebris.com.

NID opts to close Scotts Flat campsites during spillway construction

8/14/2025

Article from The Union newspaper:
Nevada Irrigation District decided Wednesday that it would move forward with a plan to go with its fourth, and least expensive option, to facilitate the replacement of the Scotts Flat Spillway chute.
The options were presented by Gabe Aronow, Director of Engineering for the district, who said the decision would mean that campsites at the lake’s Gate 1 would close in that particular area. Gate 2, which hosts 80 additional campsites, would remain accessible throughout the predicted four year project.

Other proposed options by Aronow would cost nearly double the amount of the projected $900,000 the district would look to foot for option four. Other considerations would mean keeping the lake and group camping sites open through the upper sites.

Ultimately, however, Wednesday’s workshop found the board of directors agreeing that minor fencing and gates will be required to control public access to the campground and construction site. No new improvements, reported NID, will be required to accommodate partial campground use.

“I think the biggest consideration for the board is the associated cost with building the temporary access...and safety considerations,” said Nevada Irrigation District’s General Manager Jennifer Hanson. “Construction sites can be extremely dangerous, especially when you have children around and as we all know children love to explore while camping so that is really where my concern is coming from.”

Primary access from the south on the Scotts Flat Dam Road from Pasquale Road was also considered and dismissed since most of the work will be accessed from the north side of the spillway. Pasquale Road, across the lake from the Highway 20 side, may still be used for equipment access on a limited basis during construction. However, the option remains on the table.

Division III Director Brad Fowler had a fairly immediate opinion on the matter.
“It seems pretty obvious to me no one wants to be camping at a construction site,” said Fowler. “I think the best answer is option number four. I don’t see any other way to do this. It’s the least cost option. If you’re camping in there and trucks are rolling in at 5 a.m. It’s not a camping experience. Our best option is just to close this, and if that’s not obvious to everybody else, let me know.”

Division II Director and Vice President of the NID board Chris Bierwagen at first was a holdout, leaning toward opting for the most expensive option that would see the district spending $1.4 million. Eventually, however, Bierwagen sided with his fellow board members to select the option that was eventually agreed upon.

Of the spillway replacement, Division I Director and Board President Ricki Heck said: “I want the public to know that this is a regulatory requirement. This is not something we just decided to do. These repairs are really necessary for safety. My concern is to protect public safety and also liability for the district, should somebody get hurt, we would have some measure of liability.”

Heck reiterated that Gate 2 camping would still be open, allowing the district to collect funds from campers who almost always book in advance. Boat launch, Heck added, would still be available from the campgrounds.

Drop-in camping is not common on the lake, according to Monica Reyes, Recreation Manager for NID. We do have other campgrounds, including Gate 2,” Reyes clarified. “That’s including Greenhorn (campground at Rollins Reservoir) I would love to keep the campground open...there are kids everywhere and with the fencing and everything going on they are going to be super curious. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. We have other options.”

Of the option they decided on, Division V Director Rich Johansen said he felt comfortable with not committing any more funds than the district needs to. “I feel it’s safer; it gives us latitude to get work done faster,” Johansen said. “I am for option four.” And with that, work will continue on the Scotts Flat Lake spillway with a commencement day to be announced.

“It’s a very large undertaking but staff has made sure...we get water,” Hanson said. “There will be future outages (with Spaulding 2). Spaulding 2 still has some issues that need forward placement. Anticipate we’re going to be juggling some shortages moving forward for the next couple of years.”

CLICK HERE to see the complete article in The Union newspaper.

National Public Lands Day Sept. 27, 2025

8/13/2025

National Public Lands Day
This year, National Public Lands Day is on September 27, 2025! Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. Last year, over 130 national parks hosted events with 7,600 volunteers donating an impressive 41,500 hours of service.

All national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on September 27, 2025 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.
About National Public Lands DayNational Public Lands Day is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes—from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between. National Public Lands Day is special because it provides all lovers of the environment—old and new—an opportunity to show our appreciation for these unique places.

National Public Lands Day is more than a clean-up—it’s a chance to connect with new communities, an event that creates kinship among those working together for a common goal, and an opportunity to use America’s public lands for education, recreation, and overall physical and mental health. The theme for this year’s celebration is National Public Lands Day: Together for Tomorrow. Let’s join forces for a common goal, stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Be a part of this impactful day and help make a difference in our public lands!
Get InvolvedThere are many ways to participate in National Public Lands Day. Whatever you choose to do, we encourage you to share Your Park Story.

Visit a national park for free.
Take part in a volunteer work project. Certain in-park projects may provide a fee-free day coupon to be used on a future date. See the list of National Public Lands Day events below or check out all volunteer events at national parks by using Volunteer.gov, keyword search National Public Lands Day.
Have fun and enjoy the health benefits of being outdoors.
Learn how you can protect public lands and Leave No Trace when you visit.
Share your favorite outdoor activity on social media channels with the hashtag #NPLD and #NPSVolunteer.

Volunteer on National Public Lands Day and receive a free national park one-day pass to any national park site. Or visit a park on National Public Lands Day for free.

State Parks Junior Ranger program encourages youth outdoor exploration

8/7/2025

California State Parks' Junior Ranger program at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers families an engaging way to get children outdoors while exploring the state's natural, cultural and historical spaces. (Photo Credit: Folsom Lake SRA Sr. Park Aide Leenna Keo)

The program, available at more than 100 participating California state parks, features park staff-led activities designed for ages 8 to 12, though children of all ages and even adults can participate in the educational adventures.

State Parks Junior Ranger program encourages youth outdoor exploration
California State Parks' Junior Ranger program at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers families an engaging way to get children outdoors while exploring the state's natural, cultural and historical spaces.

Junior Rangers earn stamps for their logbooks and wooden badges unique to each state park upon completing programs, with additional rewards available for multiple completions. Participants who finish 10 programs receive a bandana, while those completing 15 earn a patch. During activities, children learn about California's ecosystems, wildlife, cultural heritage and outdoor opportunities through storytelling, nature crafts and park exploration to discover local creatures.

The program extends beyond traditional Junior Ranger activities with Little Ranger events designed specifically for children under 8. Parents can find more information about scheduling and participating locations at learning.parks.ca.gov/visitors/youth/junior-ranger-program

The initiative aims to build knowledge, enhance outdoor skills and connect young people with peers who share a passion for nature and California's state park system.

To see the complete article and photos, visit GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA, click here.

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