Zion NP Backcountry Areas Reopened for Hiking

Starting September 1st, Zion National Park reopened all of the backcountry areas in the park including the popular West Rim Trail. The only exception to this is a small alternate trail section of the West Rim Trail, known as Telephone Canyon Trail that remains closed due to erosion caused by recent rains in the burn [...]

National Fire Activity - Preparedness Level 3 - Sept 18th Report

National Preparedness Level 3 (On a scale from 1 to 5)September 18, 2007Firefighters continue to gain in their suppression efforts. Cooler and wetter weather conditions will continue over the large fires in the West this week.Weather Discussion: Mild weather is predicted to continue in southern California with gusty winds in the mountains. Scattered showers are [...]

One Swimmer Rescued, Second Succumbs at Glen Canyon NRA

On September 12th, John Lord, 64, was swimming with friends from a houseboat to a small island about 75 yards away when he began showing signs of distress. He slid underwater, but was immediately retrieved by two of his friends. They took him to the island, where CPR was begun. Another man in the group [...]

Nine Arrested At DUI Checkpoint at Lake Mead NRA

On August 26th, rangers conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Lakeshore Drive. Within three hours, they contacted about 300 drivers and arrested nine of them for driving under the influence. This was one of a series of six coordinated checkpoints conducted in the park in an effort to reduce alcohol-related incidents. The park averages ten fatalities [...]

Lake Mead NRA Report on Labor Day Weekend

Busy Labor Day Weekend Marked By Numerous Incidents… Over the Labor Day weekend, Lake Mead rangers provided professional service to nearly 120,000 visitors who entered the park. Incidents over the course of the weekend included 17 arrests, five search and rescue incidents, 22 medical responses and the issuance of 126 citations. Significant incidents included a [...]

Yosemite National Park (CA): Searchers Find Missing Hiker

Ronald Hoggard, 58, of Corcoran, California, was found by ground searchers around 8:30 a.m. on Monday morning near Glacier Point. He was mildly dehydrated but otherwise okay. Hoggard was reported missing to park officials on Saturday afternoon when he did not return from a day hike. His truck was subsequently located at the Sentinel Dome/Taft [...]

Death Valley Current Conditions

Death Valley National Park Morning Report — Tuesday, September 18, 2007Weather Forecast Today — Sunny. High around 101. Light wind becoming south at 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.Tonight — Mostly clear. Low in the lower 70s. South wind 10 to 15 mph.Tomorrow — Sunny and mostly clear through the evening then becoming [...]

Bats - Masters of the Night Sept 29th at Snow Canyon SP Utah

Eighteen species of bats call Washington County home. They are creatures so sophisticated, so adapted to their environment, so elusive, and so misunderstood. Join Tom Haraden of Zion National Park and learn about their natural history and their importance to our ecosystem. Space is limited. Registration required. Saturday, September 29, 2007 6 to 7:30 p.m.Bats- [...]

Bizz Johnson Rails to Trails Activities and Events

Each year in the early Fall, visitors and residents flock to the Susanville Depot, 601 Richmond Rd,  for the Rails to Trails Festival. This is one of those events that will draw families and enthusiasts year after year so be prepared to get “hooked”.  Come prepared for weather changes and you will thoroughly enjoy yourselves!!Schedule [...]

California Fall Color Hotspots 2007

The very first hint of color is starting to appear in Aspen groves at the highest of elevations.  From the second week of September to the end of September should be the peak for the following locations:Lower Rock Creek Road - Drive north from Bishop on Hwy 395 and talke the Pine Creek exit. Turn [...]

Volunteers Needed for Carrizo National Public Lands Day Projects

Members of the public interested in improving conditions on public lands are invited to take part in projects on the Carrizo Plain National Monument on Sept. 29, National Public Lands Day.“Anyone who wants to help us make Carrizo a better place is welcome to join us,” said Johna Hurl, Bureau of Land Management monument manager.Participants [...]

States Parks Director Urges Elephant Butte Lake Visitors to Take Precautions, Especially with Pets

T OR C, NM -  Elephant Butte Lake State Park is advising dog owners to take certain precautions, following the death of a 12-pound Jack Russell Terrier at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, who died after possibly ingesting naturally occurring blue-green algae in the lake. The dog had been swimming for several hours along a [...]

BLM Seeks Public Input for Clear Creek Management Area Resource Management Plan

The Bureau of Land Management Hollister Field Office is requesting public comments for the preparation of the Clear Creek Management Area Resource Management Plan. Public meetings will be held in Central California in late September and early October.The CCMA encompasses approximately 63,000 acres of public lands in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties that [...]

Furnace Creek 508 Ultra-Bicycle Race Coming to Death Valley in October

Furnace Creek 508™ has been an AdventureCORPS event held annually in October in Death Valley and the Mojave Desert since 1990, but it dates back to 1983 under the directorship of John Marino, founder of the Race Across America (RAAM). This 508 mile bicycle race (”Where the West is Won!”) is revered the world over [...]

September Dates in Tombstone History

September 1874 - After suffering through an economic downturn in Dallas, Texas, John Henry “Doc” Holliday decided to relocate. He sold his large dental equipment to his former partner, Dr. John A. Seegar and moved 75 miles or so north to Dennison.September 1880 - Coincidentally, both future sheriff Johnny Behan and “Doc” Holliday, an old [...]

Joshua Tree Ranger Programs thru Sept 30th

Daily11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Joshua Tree National Park (30 minutes) A video tour of some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Meet at the Oasis Visitor Center.8 p.m.  - 9/15 - Evening Campground Program (1 hour) A Stellar Place at Jumbo Rocks Campground amphitheater.8 p.m. - 9/22 - Evening Campground Program (1 [...]

Desert Safety Tips from Anza Borrego DSP

Carry water AND drink it. Saving your water for the hike back has led to death in Anza-Borrego.  Drink water before you leave home, while you hike and on the return route.  If you feel thirsty, it is already too late. Drink lots of water and drink often.Make sure your vehicle is desert-ready. Equp your [...]

Anza Borrego Roving Naturalist in Borrego Palm Canyon Sept. 28th

Volunteer Naturalist Joe Hopkins will be roaming the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail searching for Bighorn Sheep and other interesting features along the trail. Look for him as you hike to the Palm Oasis. As an experienced naturalist, he can answer many of your questions about the park. If Bighorn are about, he is sure to [...]

Girl Scout troops to get their hands dirty to keep America clean

The Girl Scouts of the USA partners with National Environmental Education Foundation and other federal agencies to restore public landsWASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2007 - Girl Scout troops from across the country will be pitching in to restore the beauty and vitality of public lands and earning patches for it, by joining in the 14th [...]

Calabazas Mission Tours at Tumacacori NHP Start Again on Oct 10th

CALABAZAS MISSION TOUR9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, October 10, November 14, December 12, 2007$10.00 per person, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.The ruins of San Cayetano de Calabazas, normally closed to the public, can be visited on monthly guided tours.Tours begin at the Tumacácori visitor center at 9:00 AM and arrive back by 12:00 PM. Using their own [...]