National Forest Association Restoration Team Seeks Volunteers

San Bernardino, CA, November 7, 2011, 8:00am -  The National Forest Association is launching an aggressive call out for volunteers to assist with the Great Seeds Restoration program through a schedule of restoration days through next March. Individuals, families and small groups are needed to get outside, pitch in and help restore the forest through a schedule of monthly volunteer days at the Lytle Creek nursery and other designated sites. Volunteers will meet in San Bernardino and caravan to the project site. Each session wraps up no later than 3:00pm. All tools, orientation, and training will be provided. However, volunteers should bring their own lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, and gloves. Additional and customized opportunities exist for corporate team building events and community and youth groups who want to get involved and donate their service. Projects are held year-round and can be scheduled seven days a week at sites ranging from Lytle Creek to Big Bear. Contact Joe VanDelden for more information by calling (909) 915-5331.

Forest Service Conducts Pile Burnings; Smoke May Be Visible On North Shore

Big Bear, Ca, November 4, 2011, 10:00am - Due to favorable weather conditions, the US Forest Service will be conducting fuels reduction pile burnings today.  Motorists may see smoke on the North Shore near the Fawnskin Fire Department, or near the Big Pine Flats area, which is north of Camp Whittle.  According to John Miller at the Forest Service, fire crews try to get rid of excess fuel when weather can limit the spread of fire.  Fire crews will be conducting the pile burnings today, and should be finished before dark.

Goldspotted Oak Borer Infesting Oak Trees In So Cal

Big Bear, Ca, November 1, 2011, 3:00pm - Southern California has a new insect that is praying on trees; particularly on Oak trees.  The Goldpotted Oak Borer is an insect that is less than one-half inch long, has six golden yellow spots on its green wings and loves to feed on mature oak trees.  So far it has only been found in San Diego County and seems to be isolated in the California Black Oak and Canyon Live Oak varieties.  The Big Bear Valley has a very small oak population, so there isn’t a large threat to this area, however the Yucaipa and Live Oak areas are in danger.  According to San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry’s office, the Oak Borer loves live trees, and there currently is no way of controlling them or protecting the trees with chemicals or insecticides.  The county is primarily concerned with campers, vacationers and second property owners transporting infected firewood into our mountains.  The county is asking that you do the following:

1.       Educate and inform your friends and neighbors about GSOB

2.       Never transport any oak firewood from San Diego County

3.       Purchase firewood locally

4.       Select wood that has been seasoned and debarked

Communication and education are the best tools in our toolbox and we need everyone to help.  Those who would like to learn more about the GSOB are encouraged to visit http://ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo/

Boo In The Zoo: Bring A Pumpkin For A Bear!

Big Bear, Ca, October 27, 2011, 12:00pm - This weekend children of all ages can go trick or treating at the Moonridge Animal Park.  The 10^th annual “Boo in the Zoo” will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 1:00 to 5:00pm.  Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in costume, and take part in the costume parade and contest.  The event has been expanded this year in preparation for the new zoo’s opening, in which members of friends of the Moonridge Zoo state they would like to break ground for the new site this coming spring of 2012.  There will also be a pumpkin carving contest, and Miss Big Bear and her court will be on hand to do crafts with the little ones.  Normal zoo rates apply, however if you bring a pumpkin for the animals you will receive $1 off your admission.  Pumpkins for the animals are a very special treat, and greatly appreciated.  For more information call (909) 584-1299.

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Volunteers Needed To Lead Snowshoe Tours For 6th Grade Science Students

Big Bear, Ca, October 26, 2011, 12:00pm - The National Forest Association is seeking volunteers to help educate and inspire the next generation of kids to be healthy and active forest stewards.  Volunteers are needed in the Big Bear area that are interested in leading educational and fun snowshoe tours for 6^th grade science students.  The program is called Pathways to Stewardship, and is offered by the Forest Association to the 6^th grade students in the Bear Valley and Rim of the World Unified School Districts.  Volunteers will lead and teach students about basic forest ecology including plants, animals and scientific concepts.  No experience in necessary as comprehensive training is provided for volunteers.  “Kids today spend less time outdoors than any previous generation,” stated Stacy Gorin, the National Forest Association Programming Director.  “Community involvement is key to the health and well being of our youth…Being active and learning outside has been shown to increase students science test scores by 27%.”  Gorin added.  Those interested in volunteering can attend the volunteer training session this Sunday October 30^th from 9:00am to 3:30pm at the Discovery Center.  For more information call 909 915 5291.

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SANBAG Looks Into Alternative Transportation For Mountain Areas

Big Bear, Ca, October 25, 2011, 3:00pm - Since 2009 the Southern California Association of Governments also known as SANBAG has conducted a study for alternative modes of transportation to the San Bernardino Mountain Areas.  InfraConsult, lead consultant on the project has worked with SANBAG’s Technical Advisory Committee, and sought input from the US Forest Service, and other state and federal agencies over this time period to develop various alternative routes.  The consulting group found that an alternative transportation would be a good solution to help address future transportation needs.  A cog rail system was recommended, as InfraConsult says that is the only mode of transportation that has demonstrated its ability to operate long distances through steep mountain terrain and inclement weather.  The best result would provide passengers of the cog rail with a 72 minute ride up the mountain, with the worst result taking a possible 114 minutes.  Multiple options and routes are being looked at, and nothing definite has been determined at this time.  The next step is for SANBAG to look for federal, state or county funding for the 20-year project.

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Trails Foundation Clears The Way On The Pacific Crest Trail

The Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation with the help of camp staff from High Trails Science Camp cleared a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail this past Sunday.  Areas of overgrown buck thorn were cleared, and downed trees were cleared from the famous trail as well.  For more information on the Trails Foundation go to www.bigbeartrails.com

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