San Bernardino National Forest Raises Fire Restrictions

San Bernardino, Ca, August 31, 2010 - Moderate to severe drought conditions, hot weather and lower fuel moisture have prompted the San Bernardino National Forest to increase fire restrictions on Thursday, September 2. Forest officials are taking these steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and dryer.  Most wildfires on the San Bernardino National Forest are human-caused and increased restrictions are designed to reduce wildland fires. Forest visitors are reminded to exercise caution when visiting the National Forest and maintain a higher level of awareness with the increased fire risk. Travelers through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.   Fire restrictions and guidelines effective September 2, 2010 on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows: Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency provided fire rings or camp stoves.   Forest Rangers may further restrict campfires from campgrounds under extreme fire conditions.  Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post campsites due to high fire danger.  Propane and gas stoves only at Yellow Post sites.

Campfires are not permitted at walk/hike-in camps on the Mountaintop Ranger District:
1.        Fisherman’s Group Camp west of Green Valley Lake
2.        Holcomb PCT Trail Camp north of Green Valley Lake
3.        Bench PCT Camp north of Green Valley Lake
4.        Little Bear Springs PCT Camp north of Fawnskin
5.        Doble PCT Camp north of Baldwin Lake
6.        Arraste (Deer Springs) PCT Camp north of Onyx Peak
7.        Wildhorse Trail Camp near Sugarloaf Mountain
8.        Mission Springs PCT Camp east of Barton Flats

Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves used outside of developed recreation sites. Recreational shooting is limited to Public Shooting Ranges operated by concessionaire or special use permits, except those engaged in legal hunting. An approved spark arrester is required for any internal combustion engine operated on designated forest routes. These include chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles.
Smoking is limited to enclosed buildings, vehicles and developed recreation sites. Fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest. Tracer, armor piercing, steel core, and Teflon ammunitions are also prohibited, as is discharging a firearm at any exploding target.
The US Forest Service will be aggressively citing those who do not comply with the posted restrictions. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both, as Class B misdemeanors under federal law.  Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.

Visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and to contact your local Ranger Station for more information on current conditions.

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office: 909-382-2600
Arrowhead Ranger Station: 909-382-2758
Barton Flats Visitor Center 909-794-4861
Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center 909-382-2790
Idyllwild Ranger Station: 909-382-2922
Lytle Creek Ranger Station 909-382-2851
Mill Creek Ranger Station: 909-382-2881
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center 760-862-9984

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf

Register for Endure the Bear: Enter to Win Luxury Rental

Big Bear, Ca, August 26, 2010, 3:00pm- The Conquer the Bear series is coming to a close with the final race, Endure the Bear, a mountain trail run, on September 11th.  The trail run will start in the village and head up into the hills of Big Bear.  There is a race for everyone with distances ranging from 5 kilometers to 50 kilometers.  “We are trying to get people outside, into the forest and onto the beautiful trails that Big Bear has,” said Karen Lundgren, Event Director for Open Air Big Bear.  Endure the Bear is the fourth event in the Conquer the Bear series, which began this February with Snowshoe the Bear, followed by the Team Big Bear Mnt Bike Race in June, and Paddlefest in July.  Those participating in all four events will “Conquer the Bear” on September 11th, and according to Lundgren “The Conquer The Bear participants include all levels of athletes who have challenged themselves in multisport throughout the year.  Every participant has pushed themselves past their self-imposed limits, and surprised themselves.”  Register for the race before Saturday August 28th, and be entered into a drawing for a luxury home rental in Big Bear Lake just blocks from the start line, compliments of Big Bear Vacations.  To register for Endure the Bear go to openairbigbear.com and click on register.

Lightning Strikes Cause 13 Small Spot Fires

Big Bear, Ca, August 26, 2010, 3:00pm - According to John Miller, Public Information Officer for the US Forest Service there has been 13 total lightning fires that have started since yesterday.  The most current are three spot fires called the Blue Sky Fire, and the Heartbreak #1 and #2 fire, that started due to lightening near Onyx Summit.  Thunderstorms and lightening is expected to continue into the night.  When lightning strikes occur the US Forest Service sends an aircraft to identify areas of smoke, and crews are sent to the scene to contain the small fires.   At this time all fires are less than 1 acre in size and generally are confined to a tree or a small area of vegetation.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns citizens about lightning strikes. “Positively charged lightning can occur near the edge of a cloud or strike more than 10 miles away – when people aren’t aware of the danger.”    According to the National Weather Service the vast majority of lightning injuries and deaths on boats occur on small boats with NO cabin. It is crucial to listen to the weather when you are boating. If thunderstorms are forecast, don’t go out. If you are out on the water and skies are threatening, get back to land and find a safe building or safe vehicle. The National Weather Service also advises “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.”

Pebble Plain Clean Up: This Saturday

Big Bear, Ca, August 26, 2010, 8:00am - Join the Big Bear Trails Foundation this Saturday August 28th for a forest clean up workday.  The area known as Pebble Plain between Sugarloaf and Moonridge has become a dumping ground for trash, old couches and old appliances.  Phil Hamilton, President of the Big Bear Trails Foundation feels very strongly about the clean up project.  ” It ought to make you angry that people would treat our forest this way,” said Hamilton.  “It’s time we took care of it, and we need your help.”  Those interested lending a hand or two should meet at the Chautauqua High School Parking lot on the corner of Maple and Baldwin lane between 8:30am-9:30am.  Wear long pants, a lightweight long sleeve shirt, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes.  Bring water and a snack, and enjoy a BBQ lunch at 1:00pm.  If you have questions, give Phil a call at 585-3467.

Update: 5300 Marijuana Plants Extracted in CAMP Operation

Big Bear Lake, Ca, August 19, 2010, 10:00am - Yesterday afternoon a marijuana bust took place just below the Big Bear dam off of the Artic Circle.   A program called CAMP, which stands for Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, had been monitoring the marijuana farm, and led the operation to eradicate the plants.  According to Cindy Bachman, Public Information Officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, 5300 plants were found and eradicated.  The growers were not present when CAMP landed, and there was nothing left behind to identify the growers.  One official from the DEA was present during the operation and CAMP’s Helicopters were used to fly in the officers, and extract the plants.

Marijuana Bust Takes Place Below Big Bear Dam

Big Bear Lake, Ca, August 18, 2010, 10:00am According to the Sheriffs Department arrests are currently taking place for cultivation of marijuana on public lands.  A large marijuana farm was located below the Big Bear dam off of Artic Circle.  A program called CAMP, which stands for Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, has been monitoring the operation and is currently leading the marijuana arrests.  The Sheriffs Department and the Forest Service are assisting with the drug bust.  There will be a continued disturbance along Artic Circle while the operation is taking place with an increased presence, of up to 24 officers from the San Bernardino Sheriffs office, as well as members of the forest service to capture the growers.   Two helicopters will be participating in this operation, to fly in officers as well as remove the marijuana plants.  According to our local sheriffs department, it is expected that Mexican National Cartels are involved in this operation, in which they are often described as armed and very dangerous.  The ill effects on the forest from the marijuana farm include diversion of water, and the spread of chemicals in the forest that support the farm.  It has become more common to grow marijuana in large numbers on this side of the border.  Last summer, several marijuana farms were detected and destroyed in the San Bernardino National Forest.

San Bernardino National Forest Announces “Fee-Free” Weekend

 

San Bernardino, Ca, Aug. 12, 2010, 12:00pm In celebration of students going back to school, the San Bernardino, Cleveland, Angeles and Los Padres national forests announced today that August 14 and 15 is a fee-free weekend. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in areas of the national forests that typically require one.
“The Back to School weekend is a great way to connect communities with public lands all over the country,” said San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans. “This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and appreciate the open spaces here in Southern California.”
Fee-free days are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.  Upcoming fee-free days include National Public Lands Day on September 25 and Veterans’ Day on November 11.  Other fees, such as those in campgrounds, reservation, and group sites, are still required.  Visitors who accidentally use their daily Adventure Pass on a fee-free day may have it replaced free-of-charge.  For additional information about fee-free days and the recreation fee program on southern California national forests, visit the Adventure Pass website at:  www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/

San Bernardino National Forest Awards Contracts to Remove Spanish Broom

San Bernardino, CA, August 6, 2010, 8:05am  – The San Bernardino National Forest has awarded contracts to remove Spanish Broom along State Route 18 between Crestline and San Bernardino to create jobs and improve safety for the motoring public.  The $508, 000-dollar project is part of the USDA’s role in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The Project is planned to begin Monday August 16, along State Route 18, starting between Lake Gregory Drive and State Route 138. Forest officials anticipate completion of the roadside work by the end of September.  Spanish Broom is a hardy invasive shrub, which can grow up to 15 feet tall that has long stalks with yellow flowers.  This plant re-sprouts after cutting and burning and re-establishes quickly after disturbances such as road maintenance and wildfires. It is rated and managed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as a noxious weed.  The contractor will cut and remove Spanish Broom and hand apply “Aquamaster” herbicide to prevent re-growth.  All state and federal regulations will be followed to protect workers, the public, water quality and the environment.  Low growing native vegetation will also be re-established in priority locations.  Safety along the mountain highway evacuation route is compromised because Spanish broom plants encroach into the roadway and reduce road width, block the line of sight reducing visibility and obscure signing.  It also grows within cracks in the asphalt and destabilizes guardrails.

The Bears ARE Everywhere!

Big Bear City, CA, July 14, 2010, 3:07pm – When they moved here over a year ago from the beach of Ventura, Mikie Jones and David Mazzeo encounters with wildlife were limited to what washed up at the beach.  Now, living at Anita and Pioneer, they can add larger wild life to that list.  Last night, after a BBQ, they heard noises on their front porch only to find an adolescent bear interested in what they had for dinner.  But, as Mikie stated, “This is their home and we need to be cautious and take the necessary precautions to remove trash and pet food.”  The California Department of Fish and Game couldn’t agree more as California’s wild animals fall victim to unnecessary conflict in search of human food and garbage.  As recent sightings of bears and mountain lions have increased in the Big Bear Valley, we need to be respectful of the environment we live in.  California’s wild animals are falling victim to unnecessary conflict and even death for a surprising reason – increasing access to human food and garbage. The problem seems to get worse every year, as California’s human population continues to grow and expand into wildlife habitat.  In 2003, The Keep Me Wild campaign was launched by the California Department of Fish and Game to address the growing conflicts between black bears and people. Today the campaign provides tips for keeping deer, coyotes, mountain lions and wild turkeys away from your home, and advice on what to do if you encounter one of these wild animals can be found on their website at dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild.  So what can you do if you encounter a bear?  Firstly, don’t run.  Face the animal and make noise trying to appear as large as possible.  And, just when do you need to report a bear sighting?  If an animal is a potential threat or appears aggressive, contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department at 866-0100.

Serrano Campground on Big Bear’s North Shore Nationally Ranked as a Top 100 Family Campground

Fawnskin, CA — Serrano Campground, located in Fawnskin on the San Bernardino National Forest, has just received the honor of being named one of the Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States. Almost 4,000 campgrounds throughout the country were reviewed by ReserveAmerica, a national recreation reservation and campground management service, before the final list of 100 was determined. Serrano Campground, which is situated across Old North Shore Drive from Big Bear Lake and is a short hike to the Big Bear Discovery Center, was selected for this distinction based on “family friendly” criteria. These factors included educational programs, visitor centers, campground amenities, and natural beauty and scenery. “Serrano Campground is one of the most scenic and popular campgrounds within the San Bernardino National Forest,” says Mountaintop District Ranger Scott Tangenberg. “We are pleased and honored by this recognition.”

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