Thunder Storms Spark Many Small Lightning Induced Fires Around Big Bear

Big Bear Lake, CA, August 27, 2011, 4:00pm – As a result of the thunderstorm activity in Big Bear Valley this afternoon, lightning strikes started several small fires. Chon Bribiescas at the US Forest Service told Big Bear News that three super scoopers are working on a small fire about three acres in size near forest service road 1N54 and 1N04. The fire is near Clark’s Grade, a south facing slope west of Snow Summit. The fire is not a threat to Big Bear Valley, about 4 miles away from Big Bear Lake. Several other small fires occurred as a result of lightning strikes. Three of those are already out and fire crews are working on four others. None of these fires are any threat to residents, and all are contained. Be aware that there will be drift smoke from these fires in the valley this afternoon.

Momyer Fire Near Forest Falls Partially Contained

Forest Falls, CA, May 10, 2011, 9:00am - The vegetation fire near Forest Falls is now 40% contained after burning roughly 150 acres. The Momyer Fire was reported at about 10:45am Sunday, May 8, and is located a few miles north of the Forest Falls area in steep terrain west of Alger Creek and north of Momyer Trail. It has not threatened any homes. U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Pam Bierce said an estimated 147 firefighters are expected to fight the blaze. There is no estimate on when the fire will be fully contained and Bierce says “The concern is that it will heat up and the fire can get reestablished quickly.” The fire is burning in thick, dry vegetation that hasn’t burned in at least 50 years. Some trails and roads have been temporarily closed in the area. Traffic on Highway 38 is not being affected. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The incident is accessible by foot only because of the terrain. Aerial support has been assisting ground crews, weather permitting. No firefighters have been injured.

Arbor Day Tree Planting At Big Bear High School

Big Bear City, CA, April 27, 2011, noon - Arbor Day is a national observance that encourages tree planting and care, celebrated on the last Friday in April.  The celebration continues this year at Big Bear High School. On Friday, April 29, students from Mr. Hall’s class will plant 20 trees donated by the U.S. Forest Service, in an ongoing beautification project at the High School.  The project is a concerted effort by the National Forest Association (NFA) and The Lighthouse Project to educate students on the importance of native plants and restoration.  Students also volunteer for weekend activities at the NFA’s designed sites on the San Bernardino National Forest as part of a large-scale, three-year restoration program. Students 11 to 17 years old who want to join the youth volunteer team for summer outdoor restoration events should contact the NFA Youth Program Coordinator, at (909) 382–2773.

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Enjoying Big Bear Wildlife

Big Bear, Ca April 23, 2011 12:00 pm – The Big Bear Valley is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, over 676,000 acres of land set aside in 1907 for the preservation of the natural resources in the area.  Enjoying this wilderness area is the reason many residents and cabin owners choose Big Bear for their home.  Having a residence within the forest can require keeping the local wildlife in mind.  Difficulties between humans and their wild neighbors can occur when trash, garbage, pet food, or bird seed looks like an easy food source for the animals.  When wildlife enter neighborhoods, often the only way to keep them from returning is to destroy them.  The Department of Fish and Game says, “Nuisance or trash bears are not relocated!……the wishful thinking that a relocated animal will live happily ever after is often wrong……Wildlife need your help to Keep them Wild.”  Big Bear residents can keep the local animals from becoming used to human food by keeping trash secure inside enclosures or with locking lids, keeping garbage inside until pick up day, feeding pets indoors, stringing bird feeders out of reach, scraping and burning outdoor grills free of fat and pieces of food.  For more tips, go to the Keep Me Wild page of the Department of Fish and Game website.

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Earth Day at the Big Bear Discovery Center

This year’s Earth Day celebrations at the Big Bear Discovery Center on Saturday include something for the entire family.  The new mobile Forest Explorer van will be visiting, with interactive displays showing a healthy forest, as well as information for homeowners on how to thin trees in their yards and help to make neighborhoods firesafe.  A group of youth volunteers, including a local homeschool group will be offering ongoing solar oven demonstrations and crafts between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, and an adult volunteer will tell stories at 12:30 pm.  The regularly scheduled nature walks will are leaving the bronze grizzly in front of the Discovery Center at 1:00 and 2:00 pm and the Adventure Outpost store will be open for browsing between activities.  The Big Bear Discovery Center is on the north side of the lake at 40971 North Shore Drive, in Fawnskin.  Call 909-866-3437 for additional information.

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Big Bear Discovery Center Offers Holcomb Valley Tours

Big Bear’s history includes cattle rustlers, movie stars, and several gold strikes.  In the mid 1800’s, Holcomb Valley was an area of extensive gold prospecting.  New towns sprang up overnight, and the population swelled to more than the rest of San Bernardino County.  To visit this historical area, the Big Bear Discovery Center offers guided 4 x 4 tours every weekend.  Spring is a wonderful time to see the valley’s spectacular views and wild flowers that grow nowhere else in the world.  The Holcomb Valley adventures leave the Big Bear Discovery Center at 10:00 am every Saturday and Sunday throughout the spring.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 909-866-3437.

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Big Bear Discovery Center Needs Volunteers

Big Bear, Ca April 2, 2011 6:00 pm – The National Forest Association requires many volunteers to run the Big Bear Discovery Center.  Four times each year, the NFA invites anyone interested in helping to an orientation.  During the meeting, potential volunteers learn about the NFA and the programs that need volunteers.  At the end of the presentation, there is an opportunity to sign up for available positions and additional training.  Once trained, volunteers are asked to commit to two 4-hour shifts each month to remain active.  Some of the many areas where volunteers are essential to keep the Discovery Center programs going are during the weekend arts and crafts programs, nature walks, and at the front desk.  The next orientation will be Saturday, April 30 from 1:00 until 3:00 pm.  NFA Volunteer Coordinator Meredith Brandon invites anyone who loves the forest and who would like to help visitors learn to appreciate and protect our forest to attend the orientation.  Please call her office at 382-2842 to make a reservation.  For more information visit the National Forest Association website.

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Fire Lookout Program Offers Training For New Volunteers

San Bernardino, CA, March 29, 2011, noon - The Fire Lookout Host Program, which is one of the six volunteer programs of the National Forest Association, is recruiting volunteers to staff fire lookouts for this year’s fire season. Lookout Volunteers help to protect the forest and local mountain communities from the threat of fire, and host visitors. New Volunteer Training begins April 2^nd. To be a Fire Lookout Host, volunteers are required to work 8 hours a month, mostly between May and November. The Lookouts officially open on Memorial Day Weekend. There are four training sessions that must be completed in order to become a volunteer Fire Lookout Host. For information about New Volunteer Orientation visit www.sbnfa.org

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