Sequoia rZsfM Kings Canyon NATIONAL PARKS Old underground fuel tanks are being replaced by leakproof models. Modern technology helps The Sequoia Bark in meeting current environmental standards. Fall 1997 Upgrades protect us — and the park Look When you made plans to and other facilities through­ nately, tests in Cedar Grove visit, Sequoia and Kings Can­ out the country are scram­ found no contamination. yon, did you remember to bling to comply. Most have Recognizing the inconve­ check on whether the park's to close during the upgrade nience, the Park Service's inside! undergound storage tanks process. Where leaks are goal is to meet all require­ were functional? Or to ask found, the spill must be ments and reopen the sta­ about the location of the cleaned up. tions at Lodgepole and • Activities — page 5 sewage treatment plant? And Tests at Grant Grove con­ Grant Grove as soon as pos­ what about the condition of firm that significant amounts sible, so that people can Naturalist programs the water treatment facility? of gasoline had leaked from again take the presence of Of course not. We take the tanks. gas stations for granted. Jr. Ranger program these things for granted. Monitors are determining But it isn't just at gas sta­ Religious services What do they have to do the extent of the problem tions where your visit to with anyone's vacation? and cleanup will be these national parks is tied Well, a lot, it turns out. required. Similar tests have to state and local regula­ • Bears —page 11 Let's start with gas. More just been conducted at tions. One of the major fac­ than a few visitors are sur­ Lodgepole, and the initial tors in moving commercial • Camping & lodging —pages 6-7 prised to find park gas sta­ results show that contaminat­ facilities out of the Giant tions closed. Yet the reason ed soil will have to be re­ Forest involves sewage treat­ Backpacking for the closure is the same moved before the tanks can ment and safe drinking one that is causing tempo­ be replaced. water, which are under state • Fire management —page 11 rary closures at neighbor­ Within the parks, the con­ and county jurisdiction. hood gas stations across the cessioner that operates the Some background: country: gas stations is responsible Perched on the edge of the • Highlights —pages 8-9 In the mid-1980s Cal­ for replacing the tanks and Giant Forest is a sewage Big trees, viewpoints, & trails ifornia discovered several cleaning up any contamina­ treatment plant that was major leaks from under­ tion in the soil. Guest Ser­ state-of-the-art — in 1950. It ground fuel tanks that vices, Inc., who operated the is so inadequate that the • Roads —page 4 caused groundwater and soil gas stations and other park State of California is no Traffic delays contamination. Nearby wells concessions until the end of longer willing to license it. It had to be destroyed and 1996, has taken responsi­ must be closed completely No gasoline in the parks — deeper ones had to be bility for the clean up and is by the end of 1998, and is drilled. Lawmakers found working with the county. not permitted to operate in Where to buy it that approximately one out Replacement of the tanks — winter when the poorly of three tanks was leaking! and operational gas stations treated sewage, disposed of • Safety—page 4 In order to protect under­ — may be delayed while by spraying, has a greater ground and surface water, cleanup of the old problem potential of running into federal and state laws were is finished. streams. That is why the • Services —pages 2 & 3 written requiring that all At Cedar Grove, where Giant Forest Village closes in new tanks be double-walled the little station has never winter. and have corrosion protec­ sold enough gas to be eco­ In addition, both the tion to prevent leaks. In­ nomically viable, the cost of pipes that carry sewage and cluded in the rules was a new tanks doesn't make those that carry drinking wa­ Visit our website! deadline: By the end of 1998 sense. Since gas is sold just ter are old and leaky. In all underground tanks have 17 miles away, and the con­ several places they run next www. nps.gov/seki to meet the new standards. cessioner can provide gas in to each other, risking cross- That year is fast ap­ an emergency, there will be contamination. proaching, and gas stations no gas station there. Fortu­ • Please see Upgrades, page 10 2 Fall 1997 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Services SEQUOIA

Season of change Lodgepole — 6700' (2040m) elevation FUTURES In the fall, the changing season and changing Lodgepole is in the beautiful Tokopah Canyon along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, a faces cause shifts in services and facilities. few miles from the Giant Forest. In addition to camping and picnic areas. Lodgepole Village Summer staff migrate to other locations, leaving offers: fewer employees on the job. Cold temperatures INFORMATION force the shutdown of some water systems. Soon • Visitor Center (NPS): Exhibits and a slide program on local geology and forest life, as well as snowfall will close some buildings and roads for the local wilderness permits, books, maps, and first aid. Daily 9am-5pm through November 11, winter. then weekends only. (209) 565-3782. When visiting the parks in fall, check local bulletin • Walter Fry Nature Center (NPS): Closed for the season. boards and visitor centers for the most up-to-date FOOD/SHOPS —Last day of operation for the season is November 16 date information on services — schedules may vary • Market & Deli (KCPS): Supplies, outdoor equipment, bear canisters, gifts, sandwiches, ice somewhat from what is printed. cream. Sunday-Thursday 10am-5pm; Friday-Saturday 9am-6pm through October 31. From November 1-16 Friday-Sunday only, 10am-5pm. Naturalist programs • Pizza & Ice Cream Shop (KCPS): Pizza, calzones,sandwiches. Same hours as market. • Gift Shop (KCPS): Handicrafts, souvenirs, film. Same hours as market. You're invited! Although fewer programs can be OTHER SERVICES offered in the fall due to reduced staff, some free • Showers & Laundry (KCPS): Open daily through October. Next to market. Coin operated. ranger-led programs are often held on weekends. Showers daily 7am-7:50pm; laundry 7am- 9pm (last load starts at 8:30pm). Walks may be held in the Lodgepole/Giant Forest • Post Office: Weekdays 8:30am-lpm & l:30-4pm. Stamp machine 24 hours. Address mail to visi­ area, and in Grant Grove evening programs are held tors: c/o General Delivery, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262. in the visitor center auditorium at 7:30 pm on Saturdays. Once enough snow has fallen, both areas offer weekend snowshoe walks. Join us! Giant Forest 6400' (1950m) elevation FEATURES Crystal Cave This grove is home to the biggest sequoias, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow. In addition to lodging (through October 30) and a picnic area, Giant Forest Village offers: Tours of this beautiful marble cavern have ended FOOD/SHOPS/LODGING — Closed for the season October 31 for the season, and the cave is closed until mid-May. • Village Restaurant (KCPS): Cafeteria service. Breakfast daily 7:30-1 lam. Dinner Friday-Saturday We hope you can return then to visit. 5-8pm (through October 30). • Fireside Pizza (KCPS): Pizza, calzones, salads. Daily llam-9pm through October 30. • Village Market, Gift Shop (KCPS): Supplies, handicrafts, souvenirs, film. Daily 9am-5pm. The Sequoia Bark • Studio Gift Shop (KCPS): Specialty handmade crafts. Friday-Saturday noon-5pm. This paper is published by the Sequoia Natural History • Lodging (KCPS): Front desk open 5:30am-midnight. Last night of the season October 30. Association (SNHA) in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and Kings Canyon Park Services (KCPS) Please address questions or comments to the SNHA. Malinee Crapsey, Editor FOOthillS — 1500-3500' (4571067m) elevation Selma Enterprise, Printer Expect delays: Starting in November, delays may be possible between Potwisha Campground and Hospital Rock due to road reconstruction. Delays of up to 1 hour are possible on weekdays National Park Service (NPS) (except for holidays). Check locally for updates. An agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the NPS FEATURES oversees all aspects of these parks. Park rangers provide ser­ The foothills are a land of oaks, chaparral, and river canyons, with hot summers, snow-free vices including visitor centers, educational programs, and winters, and the greatest biological diversity in these parks. Park headquarters is here at Ash emergency response. Mountain. In addition to camping and picnic areas, the foothills offer: NPS crews maintain roads, campgrounds, and water sys­ tems. Other NPS employees carry on research and resources INFORMATION management activities. Address: Superintendent Michael J. • Visitor Center (NPS): New exhibits on the extraordinary foothills, as well as books, maps, Tollefson, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Three local wilderness permits, bear canisters, first aid. Daily 8am-5pm through October 31, then Rivers, CA 93271; (209)565-3341; http://www.nps.gov/seki 8:30am-4:30pm on weekdays, 8am-5pm on weekends and holidays. (209) 565-3134. Sequoia Natural History Association (SNHA) Mineral King — 78oo' (2380m) elevation This non-profit corporation has played a significant role Seasonal closure: The Mineral King Road closes for the winter 17 miles from Hwy 198 on in supporting education and science in these parks since November 1 (or sooner if significant snow falls). It is scheduled to reopen for Memorial Day 1940. In addition to publishing the Sequoia Bark, the SNHA weekend 1998. Water in the campgrounds is turned off in mid-October. operates Crystal Cave and the Pear Lake Ski Hut, sponsors natural history field seminars, publishes educational materi­ als, and supports other educational and scientific programs. FEATURES Membership is available to everyone. Contact: HCR 89 Box Mineral King is a beautiful subalpine valley at the end of a steep, narrow, difficult 10, Three Rivers, CA 93271; (209)565-3759; e-mail: road (not recommended for RVs or trailers). There is no [email protected]; http://home.inreach.com/a-seqnha. electricity to the area. In addition to camping, a river, and picnic area. Mineral King offers:

Kings Canyon Park Services INFORMATION (KCPS) • Ranger Station (NPS): Closed for the season. Self-regis­ As primary concessioner for these parks, KCPS provides ter for local wilderness permits on the porch. commercial services, food, lodging, retail shops, and public transportation. Created by Asilomar Management Company, OTHER SERVICES the headquarters are located at Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, where the president, Fred Vreeman, • Silver City Resort (privately owned): Closed for the directs the company. Write them at P.O. Box 909, Kings season. Canyon National Park, CA 93633; (209)335-5500. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fall 1997 3 Services KINGS CANYON

Cedar Grove 4600' (1410m) elevation Seasonal closure: At noon on Monday, November 10, Highway 180 to Cedar Grove closes east of Kings Canyon Lodge. During winter this road is peppered by frequent, dangerous rockfall. It will reopen in mid-April, 1998. FEATURES Cedar Grove is in the Kings Canyon, a glaciated valley that fea­ tures towering granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful Kings River — "a rival to the Yosemite," according to John Muir. In addition to camping, lodging (last night November 7), and horseback riding, Cedar Grove Village offers: INFORMATION • Visitor Center (NPS): Closed for the season. • Wilderness Permits (NPS): At Road's End, east of Cedar Grove Village 6 miles. Self-register for local wilderness permits. Rent or buy bear canisters at the market. FOOD/SHOPS/LODGING — Open through November 7 • Restaurant (KCPS): Counter-service meals and snack bar. Daily breakfast 8-10am, dinner 5-8 pm. Deli sandwiches and soup at the market. • Gift Shop & Market (KCPS): Supplies, bear canisters, souvenirs, film. Sunday-Thursday 8am- 5pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-8pm. • Lodging (KCPS): Front desk 8-1 lam & 4-8pm. Last night November 7. OTHER SERVICES • Showers & Laundry (KCPS): Same hours as market; inquire there. Coin operated. (Shower closed llam-3pm). • Boyden Cave (private): Open through November 3- Tours on the hour llam-4pm. $6.50 ages 13 and up; $3-25 ages 6-12; under 6 free. In National Forest.

Grant Grove — 660c (2008m) elevation FEATURES Grant Grove was originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect sequoias from the lumberman's axe. It is an excellent area to see both a pristine grove and one that was logged in the 1800s. In addition to camping, lodging, and picnic areas, Grant Grove Village offers: INFORMATION • Visitor Center (NPS): Exhibits and a 10-minute slide show on the natural and human history of Grant Grove, as well as books, maps, local wilderness permits, first aid. Daily 9am-4:30pm. (209)335-2856. Driving times in good weather FOOD/SHOPS/LODGING • Restaurant (KCPS): Sunday-Thursday 7am-8pm; Friday-Saturday 7am-9pm. • Foothills/Hwy 198 to: • Gift Shop (KCPS): Handicrafts, souvenirs, film. Sunday-Thursday 8am-8pm; Friday-Saturday •Giant Forest/Lodgepole — 1 hour 8am-9pm. • Visalia — 1 hour • Market (KCPS): Supplies, bear canisters, emergency gasoline. Sunday-Thursday 9am-6pm; • Mineral King — 1-1/4 hour. Friday-Saturday 8am-8pm. • Giant Forest/Lodgepole to Grant Grove — 1 hour. • Lodging (KCPS): Open year-round. Front desk 7am-llpm. • Grant Grove to: OTHER SERVICES • Cedar Grove — 1 hour • Showers (KCPS): Arrange at Lodge. Daily 10am-4pm, (schedule may vary). $3/person. •Fresno — 1-1/2 hour • Post Office: Monday-Thursday 10:30am-12:30pm; Friday-Saturday 8:30am-5:30pm. Address mail •Yosemite via Highway 41 (Wawona) — 3 hours. to visitors: c/o General Delivery, Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633-

Information numbers Picnic Areas Horses (NPS) Each offers tables, Lodgepole Cedar Grove Pack restrooms, fire pits, and drink­ On Generals Highway, 1/4 Station EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 ing water unless indicated. mile north of Lodgepole junc­ Closed for season Novem­ (no coins needed) FOOTHILLS tion. Pit toilets, no fire pits or ber 10. East of Cedar Grove Ash Mountain water. Village 1 mile; follow signs. Wolverton 24-Hour Park Information (NPS)- (209)565-3341 Across from visitor center. No Hourly to all-day rides; back- then for detailed information press: fire pits. At end of Wolverton Road, off country spot or pack trips. 1 backcountry/stock use Hospital Rock Generals Highway 1 mile (209) 565-3464. 2 camping/lodging north of the Sherman Tree. On Generals Highway, 6 miles 3 Crystal Cave and other activities Grant Grove Stables north of Hwy 198/park en­ GRANT GROVE 4 weather/road conditions Closed for season. trance. Columbine 5 park employment On Grant Tree Road, 1/2 mile Mineral King Pack 6 to receive park information by mail MINERAL KING 7 directory assistance Across from ranger station. Pit northwest of visitor center. Station Park Internet Home Page (NPS) — http://www.nps.gov/seki toilets. Big Stump Closed for season. Lodging Reservations (KCPS) — (209)335-5500 GIANT FOREST On Hwy 180, 3 miles south­ Wolverton Pack Station Crescent Meadow west of visitor center. Camping Reservations (Destinet) — 1-800-365-2267 Closed for season. On Moro Rock/Crescent Mea­ For most national parks up to 5 months in advance. Lost & Found Horse Corral (private) Reservations available for only two campgrounds in Sequoia: dow Road, 2.6 miles from vil­ Lodgepole (through 10/14) and Dorst (through 9/2) lage. No fire pits. Last day of season October LODGEPOLE (NPS) Report lost items and 18. In Sequoia National Forest Forest Service Camping Reservations (Destinet) turn in found items to any on Big Meadows Road, 10 1-800-280-2267 up to 1 year in advance Halstead Meadow park visitor center or ranger miles east of Generals Yosemite Information (NPS) — (209)372-0264 On Generals Highway, 4 miles station. Every attempt is made Highway. Half-day, all-day, California Road Conditions (Caltrans) 1-800-427-7623 north of Lodgepole. Pit toilets, to match found items with backcountry spot or pack no water. reported losses. trips. (209) 565-3404. 4 Fall 1997 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Safety

Risk . . . and responsibility The Park Service works to reduce risks in the parks, but nothing hazards here! What kills people most often in the parks is water. Often can replace your responsibility for your own safety. Take time to read drowning victims were not swimming; they were walking or climbing the warnings below and on local bulletin boards. If you have ques­ near the water and unexpectedly fell in. tions, ask a ranger. Some accidents are not life-threatening, but can ruin your trip. Ima­ Natural areas present certain hazards — rocks roll unexpectedly, gine having to ride home with a broken leg, a case of poison oak, or trees topple or limbs drop without warning, we cross paths with wild even just a bad sunburn. It's miserable! animals. Don't let the rewards of spending time in these beautiful parks be Other hazards here are man-made, such as hot pans on the camp- tarnished by an accident. Keep your eyes open and your wits about fire, tent stays to trip on, construction zones to avoid. Common traffic you. Watch where you step. The rewards of your visit — as well as accidents cause more injuries in the parks than most of the natural your safety —are in your hands.

RIVER RISKS Stay away from bodies of centage carry Lyme disease. other chemical treatments are HYPOTHERMIA Once in a river, getting out water and wire Remove them carefully not considered as reliable as To prevent this life-threat­ can be nearly impossible. fences, metal rail with tweezers; seek a heat in killing water-borne ening condition, stay dry and Streamside rocks are smooth ings, etc., which could ranger's and/or doctor's bacteria or Giardia, but they snack often. If others are not and slippery, and swift, cold carry lightning to you from advice. can be effective if properly responding to the need for water rapidly saps your a distance. POISON used. It is best to boil surface more clothing or are stum­ strength. Drowning is the #1 water for at least 3 minutes. PLAGUE OAK bling, forgetful, or extremely cause of death in these parks. RATTLENAKES tired and drowsy, get warm Please do not ^s This twiggy LIGHTNING feed ANY park Rattlesnakes are most com­ fluids into them immediately, shrub grows in and get them into dry cloth­ When thunderstorms threat­ animals. All mon in the foothills, and are the foothills up to ing, sleeping bags, and en, get inside a large building wildlife should protected in the national 5000 feet. Red in fall shelter. or a vehicle (not convert­ live in natural and bare in winter, parks. Most snake bites occur ible). If this is not pos­ conditions, for in spring it has shiny green as a result of teasing or trying sible: Do not stand their protection and yours. leaves in groups of three. If to handle snakes. Few peo­ under a natural Rodents have fleas that can you touch any part of the ple die lightning rod carry plague. Deer mice plant, wash your skin and from bites, such as a tall, (Peromyscus) feces can clothes as soon as possible. but tissue ~\ isolated carry hantavirus. Do damage CARBON MONOXIDE tree. not touch squirrels from the Avoid or other animals. Never burn charcoal inside poison a tent, camper, or RV. Death projecting TICKS can be above the can result from inhaling car­ severe. If As you surrounding bon monoxide, an odorless, bitten, walk through landscape, such colorless gas. avoid foothill grasses, as standing on a panic; call ticks may hitch a UNSAFE WATER ridge, on Moro Rock, a ranger or ride. Their bite is Giardia is a protozoan in or in open meadows. 911. painless, but a small per­ lakes and streams. Iodine and Rules of the road GASOLINE Redwood Mountain CONSTRUCTION begins and watch for plows. and travel on the pavement Gasoline stations are Road: Unpaved, rough. DELAYS LET OTHERS PASS only. closed for environmental South Fork Road: On the Generals Highway MOTORCYCLES Partially unpaved. Slow-moving vehicles cleanup, but emergency gas in the foothills of Sequoia must pull over to let traffic Avoid the oil buildup in is sold in park markets. Gas EMERGENCY SERVICE Park, between the Foothills pass. Pull over into a safe the center of the uphill lane. is also available nearby in AAA Road Service for out- Visitor Center and Potwisha turnout to look at scenery. Three Rivers and Clingan's Campground, there may be BICYCLES of-gas, lock outs, jump starts, WHEELS STAY ON Junction. In neighboring and minor repairs. 8am-5pm delays up to 1 hour a on Ride with the traffic, never Sequoia National Forest, two call (209)335-2135; after weekdays. Check locally for ROADS ride beside another bicycle, locations sell gas east of hours 335-2649. updates. See page 2 "Foot­ To protect the soil and and wear light-colored cloth­ Grant Grove on Highway hills" for details. plants, all vehicles must park ing after dark. 180: LENGTH ADVISORY • Hume Lake Christian A length advisory is in DRIVING STEEP Camp (209-335-2881) Daily effect for vehicles traveling to ROADS 8am-noon & l-5pm; Fridays Giant Forest from Highway When it's hot, turn off air- The Generals Highway conditioning to avoid over­ until 7pm (closed 5-5:30pm). 198 through the Ash Moun­ Improvement makes straight roads; but the crooked roads heating when going uphill. Ten miles from Grant Grove. tain entrance of Sequoia Na­ without improvement are roads of genius. • Kings Canyon Lodge tional Park Downshift to prevent a burned out transmission —William Blake (209-335-2405) daily 8am- From Potwisha Camp­ How do you improve a beautiful old road without di­ ground to Giant Forest Vil­ when going uphill and burn­ 7:30pm. 15 miles from Grant minishing its genius? Grove. lage, the steepest and nar­ ed out brakes on the down­ rowest stretch, the advised grade. In automatic cars, The builders of the historic Generals Highway, opened NARROW ROADS/ maximum for vehicle length downshift by putting the in 1926 to link a foothills wagon road to the Giant Forest, SEASONAL CLOSURES is 22 feet. gearshift on 1 or 2. The en­ never envisioned the volume'of today's traffic, its speed, or the size of modern vehicles. The old highway has de­ Crescent Meadow: Often The maximum legal length gine gets louder as it works teriorated badly. Without repair, portions of it may eventu­ crowded parking lots at Moro limit anywhere on the Gen­ to slow you down, but it will Rock and Crescent Meadow. erals Highway is 40 feet for save your brakes. ally collapse. Closes with first snow. single vehicles, 50 feet for If you stop to let the en­ The road, however, has become part of the park experi­ Kings Canyon Highway: vehicles plus a towed unit. gine or brakes cool, do not ence, curves and all, so a multi-year effort to preserve both Hwy 180 into Cedar Grove Vehicles longer than 22 pull off into dry grass. Wild­ the road and the experience is underway. Thanks to the closes 11/10. feet would do better to travel fires have started this way! Federal Highway Administration, over a number of years Mineral King Road: into these parks via Highway the highway will be given a solid base, retaining walls will Trailers, motor homes not 180 from Fresno, a straighten, WINTRY protect it from erosion, and its width will be made- more recommended. Partially un- less steep, and wider road. CONDITIONS consistent. The changes will make the road safer and more paved. Closes 11/1. If you are towing a small­ As winter approaches, be durable, but the curves and the scenery — the genius of Panoramic Point Road: er vehicle, consider seeking a prepared for icy roads, espe­ this road — will be unchanged. Such a project takes time. No trailers or motor homes. campsite in the foothills and cially on shady stretches. Your patience during this effort is appreciated! Closes with first snow. visiting the big trees by car. Carry chains once snowfall Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fall 1997 5 Activities

Get involved!

From picnics to horse packing, there are many activities to try. See pages 2 and 3 for details. Make the most of your time here by putting as much distance as you can between yourself and your car. It's the best way to discover the parks! NATURALIST PROGRAMS — Free programs may be offered in Grant Grove and Giant Forest. Check bulletin boards for schedules and see pages 6-7 for details. Join us in exploring! JR. RANGER PROGRAM — Kids ages 5 to 13 can earn a patch while discovering the resources here and learning to protect them. This program deepens understanding and apprecia­ tion of our limited resources. It adds depth and excitement to your visit here and may prompt you to try conservation at home. The activities take some time to complete. The requirements are based on age, and everyone helps by picking up litter. If you are 9 to 12 years old, you work toward the Raven Award. Those 5 to 8 years old earn the Jay Award. To get started, purchase the $1 Jr. Ranger booklet in any visitor center. Follow the instructions and start learning! VISITOR CENTERS — Each one offers different exhibits to enjoy. Check them out! TAKE A SEMINAR — Most last only two to three days, but offer memories and knowledge to last a lifetime. See page 10 for details, and contact the SNHA at (209)565-3759. TAKE A STROLL — Try one of the walks suggested on pages 8 and 9- GO FISH — A California State Fishing License is required for everyone aged 16 or older. Licenses and tackle are usually available at park markets. Some park regulations vary from the state's and there are some restrictions, so get a copy of the park regulations at a visitor center.

PHOTO BY BILL JONES Kays of light slanting through the trees and crisp, bracing air — Walk lightly on the land two of the rewards of autumn hikes. Long trail or, short, pick one and go! Protect the parks as you PET POLICY collecting, please contact any enjoy them by following For the sake of wildlife and park employee. these simple rules: other visitors, dogs, cats, and BEARS other pets must always be Never feed wildlife, and Hunting season is here BICYCLES leashed or under physical please don't stop if you see a HUNTERS to validate deer tags. To reduce erosion and con­ restraint. Leashes may not be bear along the road. Bears Hunting is not permitted With a permit, hunters ' flicts with pedestrians and near the road are used to get­ longer than six feet. Leaving in these parks at any time, may take properly stored horses, no bicycles are permit­ pets unattended and tied to an ting food handouts, and can but hikers using trails near weapons across park back- ted on trails. object is not permitted. Pets be aggressive. They usually park boundaries should be country to reach lands out­ are not permitted on trails or must be destroyed, if they TAKE ONLY PICTURES careful during hunting sea­ side the parks. The attractive cones, bark, in public buildings. don't get hit by a car first. son. flowers, rocks, and lichen-cov­ PROTECT THE PAST MEADOWS Hunters with game legally FIREARMS ered twigs are part of the nat­ As with plants and wildlife, "Take only pictures, leave taken outside the parks may Guns cannot be used in ural scene we have all come archaeological sites and arti­ only footprints," the saying camp in the parks, but car­ the parks, and must be to enjoy. It is against the law facts here are protected by goes. Yet sometimes footprints casses or other remains may unloaded, disassembled, and to remove anything from a law. These resources teach us are too much — such as in not be displayed; game may stored out of sight at all national park. Please leave it about our history; once fragile meadows. The damage be carried across parklands if times. for the next visitor to see and removed that knowledge is they cause lasts for years. tagged and kept out of sight. Weapons are not permit­ to play its role in the natural gone. If you find artifacts, or Please enjoy meadows from Park rangers are authorized ted at all in the backcountry. ecosystem. see evidence of digging or their edges. Cougar country Mountain lions, or cougars, chase things that run because Cougars once ranged from roam throughout these parks, they associate running with northern Canada through although your chances of prey. South America and from coast seeing one of these secre­ • Do not crouch down; try to coast. Probably no other tive animals are small. to appear as large as possible. native land mammal in this The likelihood of Attempts to hide are unsuc­ hemisphere had a more encountering an aggres­ cessful; cougars see most peo­ extended range from north to sive lion is even more ple long before people spot south. Due to hunting and loss remote, although them. of habitat, they have been cougars have been • Hold your ground, or creatures largely of the west known to attack move away slowly while fac­ since the 1920s. people and pets. ing the lion. The mountain lion is, for Still, it is wise • If you have little children many, the quintessential sym­ to be prepared. with you, pick them up. bol of wilderness — a large Avoid hiking • If the lion behaves animal ranging freely in wild alone. Watch aggressively, wave your hands, areas, independent of human children closely, shout, and throw stones or interference. never letting them sticks at it. It is the largest carnivore in run ahead of you • If attacked, fight back! these parks, the top of a food on the trail. • Report any cougar sight­ chain, and thereby an indica­ If you do meet up ings to a ranger. tor of the whole system's with a mountain lion, the Their solitary nature, as health. f goal is to convince it that well as the cougars' tendency When visiting lion habitat, you are not prey and may to live in remote areas, we must understand the cats' be dangerous yourself. explains why we know rela­ survival behaviors, and act Remember the following tips: tively little about these grace­ accordingly to protect our­ • Don't run. Cougars may ful cats. selves — and them. 6 Fall 1997 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fall 1997 7 jStaying Oyc^night^ Canrofrig & Lodging

• * Indicates campgrounds open all year. Keep in mind • There are no hookups anywhere in the Lodging parks. Park Campgrounds • Every campground has drinking water except For reservations in the parks, contact: Kings Canyon Park Services (KCPS) South Fork. (209)335-5500 when camping • Each campsite has a table and fire pit. "Nearby" means within 1 mile P.O. Box 909 Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633 • Always check campground bulletin boards These rules help to may not hold a site for for local updates, regulations, and activity In Sequoia National Park protect your parks and someone who has not RVs& schedules. Giant Forest Lodge 209-335-5500 Last night October 30, then closed for you! Check bulletin arrived yet. Sites not Trailers • Reservations are available only for Lodge- (KCPS) the season. Register at Giant Forest Village pole and Dorst during summer. For reserva­ on Generals Highway, 16 miles from Hwy boards for details occupied for 24 Trailers are permit­ on these and hours are con­ tions call DESTINET at 1-800-365-2267 or 198 and park entrance. Motel. ted at all but four visit their website: http://www.destinet.com Daily Dump Ranger Riding other regu­ sidered campgrounds — check Fee lations. #of Showers Laundry Station Programs Pay Stable River aban­ specific listings. Mineral King 209-561-3223 Closed for season. On Mineral King Road, Beware Sites $ Restrooms Nearby Nearby Nearby Nearby Nearby Phone Nearby Nearby doned; However, due to ter­ Nearby Silver City Resort (privately owned) 3 miles west of ranger station.. of bears property rain many sites are not All may be suitable for trailers or In Kings Canyon National Park food impound­ recreational vehicles. A IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Grant Grove Lodge 209-335-5500 Open year-round. In Grant Grove Village. must be ed. limited number of Foothills — First-come, first-served. (KCPS) Rustic cabins with bath, housekeeping stored in Wheels on campsites can accom­ metal cabins. roads modate vehicles or Potwisha* — 2100' 44 12 Flush bearproof To protect trailers over 30 feet Cedar Grove Lodge 209-335-5500 Last night November 7. In Cedar Grove boxes where pro the soil and plants, Buckeye Flat — 2800' No RVs or trailers 28 12 Flush long. (KCPS) Village. Motel. vided. Most boxes are all vehicles must park Hookups Last night 10/13 2'x2'x4'; avoid bringing and travel on pave­ No hookups at any South Fork* — 3600' 13 6 Pit In Neighboring National Forest coolers that won't fit. ment only. park campground. Stony Creek Lodge 209-335-5500 Open through November. On Generals Remove all food and Limits Mineral King — (No RVs or traders) — First-come, first-served. Drinking water turned off mid-October. Area closes November 1 related items from Length advisory (KCPS) Highway between Grant Grove and vehicles. Food not Many campgrounds On the Generals Cold Springs — 7500' Last night 10/31 40 Pit Lodgepole. Dinner Friday-Saturday 6-9pm. stored will be permit a maximum of Highway between Atwell Mill — 6650' Last night 10/31 21 Pit Restaurant may close sooner than lodge. impounded. Keep a one vehicle and six Potwisha Campground clean campsite; deposit people per campsite. and Giant Forest Lodgepole — Reservations available in summer: 1-800-365-2267 Montecito-Sequoia Lodge 800-227-9900 Open year-round. On Generals Highway, Check locally for slight Village, a vehicle all garbage in Lodgepole* — 6700' Location of winter 250 14 Flush (privately owned) 9 miles south of Grant Grove. Cabins, bearproof containers. variations in these lim­ length limit of 22 feet campground in this area may shift later lodge, meals, activities, ski touring. Quiet hours its. Parking is available is advised. Absolute nearby for extra vehi­ maximum length in in the season. Check locally. 10pm - 6am. Use cles. these parks is 40 feet Dorst — 6800' Closed for season 218 14 Flush Kings Canyon Lodge 209-335-2405 On Highway 180, 17 miles east of Grant generators only from for single vehicles, 35 (privately owned) Grove. Gas, meals, cabins. 9am-9pm. Music Camp in campsites feet for trailers. should be audible in Combination vehicles In Neighboring Communities Camp only in desig­ your campsite only. may not exceed 50 IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK Local communities such as Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, and Squaw Valley offer a variety Fires nated campsites. feet. Width limit is 8 Grant Grove — First-come, first-served. of accommodations, campgrounds, and services year-round. Ask for information at park Gather only dead Roadside camping is feet. visitor centers, or see the park website (http://www.nps.gov/seki). and down wood; do not permitted. Azalea* — 6500' 114 12 Flush not cut limbs from Camping Crystal Springs — 6500' Closed for season 66 12 Flush trees. Better yet, bring limit Bearpaw wood from home or 14 days during the Sunset — 6500' Closed for season 119 12 Flush purchase it from a period from June 14- Meadow Cedar Grove — First-come, first served. Area closes November 10 market. Make sure September 14, with 30 Camp fires are out before days total per year. (KCPS) Sentinel — 4600' 83 12 Flush leaving your campsite. Brake Protect the area failure Sheep Creek — 4600' Closed for season 111 12 Flush Closed for the season. A tent Using soaps in Steep hot grades of Canyon View (tents only) — 4600' 37 . 12 Flush hotel on the rivers and digging, 5-8%, hot weather, and Closed for season High Sierra Trail trenching or leveling heavy traffic cause an 11-mile hike from ground are not permit­ brakes to overheat. Moraine (open as needed) — 4600' 120 12 Flush Closed for season Giant Forest. Res­ ted. Avoid brake failure; ervations are taken Reserving use low gear for for next summer campsites downhill travel. starting on January Reserving campsites Overheated engines Programs are limited in LODGEPOLE/GIANT FOREST GRANT GROVE 2, 1998. (209)335- are common; turn off 5500. is prohibited in first- the fall, but we still hope • Rangers usually lead walks on • Evening programs are held in the come, first-served air conditioning for you 11 join us! Check bul­ weekends. Come winter, snowshoe visitor center auditorium on Saturdays campgrounds. You uphill travel. letin boards and visitor walks will be held on Saturdays with at 7:30pm. Weekend snowshoe walks centers for schedules. sufficient snowfall. begin with sufficient snowfall.

Be a host! Group Campsites Packing into the Wilderness Ever dream about spending a summer camping During the summer, there are several group tent-camping Store your food! To preserve the natural environment and assure a the next morning, remember: Camping in the "front- in a national park? If you have an RV or a tent and areas available at Dorst, Sunset, and Canyon View camp­ quality wilderness experience for all, it is necessary to country" of these parks is permitted only in established Bears keep getting better at defeating our efforts to keep lots of enthusiasm, we need you as a campground grounds. Group sizes from 12 to 50 may be accommodated, control backcountry use, and a free permit is required. campgrounds. Camping or sleeping in vehicles is not al­ food from them. They even go into highcountry, well outside host! depending on location. Each trail has a daily entry quota. lowed in parking lots, pull-outs, picnic areas, or trail- Campground hosts assist rangers in working with their natural range, seeking backpackers' food! If they get heads. Sites must be reserved in advance. Reservation requests aggressive in their efforts, they must be destroyed. Permits are available at the ranger station nearest the public to caretake park resources. Hosts teach Reservations are available at least 3 weeks in advance are accepted by mail only, after January 1, and are In the campgrounds, large metal boxes offer bear-proof your trailhead (see pages 2-3). Reserved permits must campers how to store food properly away from if you can prearrange a firmly committed trail entry date processed in order of date of postmark. Telephone food storage. Use them faithfully at all times, and latch them be picked up by 9am on the day of departure or the bears, share information about local trails and fea­ inquiries are welcome, but only written requests are accept­ afternoon before. If you are delayed, call the ranger sta­ during the summer. For information contact: tures, and direct folks to any services they need. completely. Also store ice chests, grocery bags, and any scent­ ed for reservations. tion or you may forfeit your reservation. Wilderness Permit Reservations Park campgrounds need friends to watch over them — keep bulletin ed items, like toothpaste, from your luggage or car. First-come, first-served permits may be issued the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks boards up to date, round up litter, and attend to details. For information on Dorst call (209)565-3776; for Sunset Backpackers: Protect your food — and park wildlife — by morning of your trip or after 1pm the afternoon before. Three Rivers, CA 93271 The Park Service offers a campsite, but not necessarily one with call (209)335-5545; and for Canyon View call (209) 565-3792 storing your grub in a portable canister. Less than three If the quota for your desired trail is full, you can choose (209)565-3708 hookups. Little is provided, but past hosts can tell you — the satisfac­ Sequoia National Forest pounds, it holds up to five day's food for one hiker and fits in your pack. Rent or buy one at a park visitor center or market. another trail or another day to start. FAX: (209) 565-3797 tion comes from friends made and time spent in these beautiful sur­ Neighboring Sequoia National Forest has four group roundings. Remember not to leave any food in cars at trailheads. Storing Permits are not written late in the afternoon since Remember: Firearms of any type are prohibited in campgrounds in the Hume Lake District that accommodate food is the only way we can prevent bears from learning to minimum distances must be reached before camping is the parks. Bears are interested in your food, not you. For information about the host program or other volunteer opportu­ groups of 50-100 people. nities, contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Sequoia & Kings Canyon seek human food — a habit that ends in their death. allowed. There has never been a fatality due to bears or cougars National Parks, Three Rivers, CA 93271. For reservations call: 1-800-280-CAMP. For those who plan an evening arrival to begin early recorded in these parks. 8 Fall 1997 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Highlights SEQUOIA Around Giant Forest General Sherman Tree: A short, easy walk to the world's largest tree, named in 1879 by a Civil War veteran. A sequoia slab nearby illustrates the relationship between the Big Trees and fire. North of Giant Forest Village 2 miles. Congress Trail: A fairly level 2-mile loop through the heart of the sequoia grove, beginning at the Sherman Tree. Excellent for first-time visitors. Highlights: the House and Senate groups, and the President and McKinley trees. Trail brochure may be pur­ chased at the Sherman Tree or visitor centers. Allow 1-2 hours. Trail for All People/Round Meadow: A 2/3-mile paved, hand­ icapped-accessible trail rings this sequoia-encircled meadow. Good summer wildflowers. Trail-side signs describe forest and meadow life. 1/4 mile north of Giant Forest Village. Hazelwood Nature Trail: A 1-mile loop featuring trailside in­ formation about man's impact on the sequoias. Small parking area across the highway from Round Meadow road. Along Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road This 3-mile, dead-end road beginning at Giant Forest Village ex­ plores the southwest portions of the grove. Not recommended for trailers or RVs. In summer try taking the shuttle and walking back on a trail. In winter, the road closes to become a ski trail. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the following: Auto Log: Drive your car onto this fallen giant sequoia, 0.9 Gefl$$ Started M miles from the Village. ofte|i/yourself at the local vfsp?- Moro Rock: A granite dome with a steep 1/4-mile staircase to tor CCitter. If you plan to walk thfe**' the summit. Spectacular view of the Great Western Divide and ; tratt^ w£wstfQ«gly Recommend ity the western half of the park. 2.0 miles from the Village. purchasing the inexpensive traU||if Tunnel Log: A fallen giant sequoia with a tunnel for traffic (by­ map fd*"thC#Tea you are in. - *>-.-. pass available for larger vehicles). The only "tree you can drive through" in these parks. 2.7 miles from the Village. Trahs are/usually marked, but w Crescent Meadow: John Muir's "gem of the Sierra" lies at the some can he confusing. See page} end of Crescent Meadow Road. Excellent summer wildflowers. 5 for information on guided | Stay on designated trails; walk only on fallen logs for access activities. j ^ into fragile meadows. Several trails start here, including the 1- • Carry water. Streams may », mile route to Tharp's Log, summer home of the first settler in carry giardia, which causes V Giant Forest, and the High Sierra Trail, which runs 71 miles to :il Mt. Whitney (highest peak in the lower 48 states —14,494'; intesthfai^stress.v#? '/' " v/' \/ • Help-preserve thejoarks •--*=-^J, 4417m). while you, enjoy iMtmi see page 5™ Nearby Trails for guidelines. Remember; ..npv^ / Tokopah Falls: 1.7 miles along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah pets*Xye4p6ns, or bicycles on River, ending below the impressive granite cliffs and waterfall of park trails. 7 • 1 . , ..-• Tokopah Canyon. Starts in Lodgepole Campground, 4.5 miles • Review the safety advice on north of the Village. Allow 2-1/2 to 4 hours. page 44*ypu are on,your ©Wn—~ - Little Baldy: Ascends 700 vertical feet in 1.7 miles to a rocky -be*'Safe and ehjqy! !'" ' :^j / -.; " summit with a grand view. Starts at Little Baldy Saddle, 11 miles north of the Village on the Generals Highway. Allow 3 to 4 The House Group on the Congress Trail in Giant Forest. hours round trip. In the Foothills Hospital Rock Middle Fork Early residents of this area, the Leading eventually to the high Western Mono lived year- country, the first miles provide round where we now picnic. views of upper Kaweah Can­ Exhibits offer details about yon, Moro Rock, and Castle their lifestyle. A trail built by Rocks. Take the road toward the Civilian Conservation Buckeye Flat Campground, Corps leads to the river. then left on a dirt road just before the campground. Marble Falls Continue 1.3 miles to the trail- This 3.7-mile dead-end trail to head parking. When Buckeye a lovely cascade opens up Flat is closed, park at Hospital chaparral-covered terrain, Rock. some of the most rugged in South Fork Sequoia Park. Park near site #17 at Potwisha Campground, Ladybug then follow the dirt road A fairly easy hike along the across the concrete ditch. South Fork of the Kaweah the Watch for the start of the trail upper reaches of the foothills as it climbs the steep bank to zone. Park at South Fork the right. Campground. Cross the foot­ bridge to the trail, which Paradise Creek ends 3 miles up at one of the lowest-elevation sequoia Follow the footpath from site Photo: D. Porter #22 in Buckeye Flat Camp­ groves. ground across the footbridge Garfield Mineral King (This area closes November 1.) over the Middle Fork. The trail A relatively steep 6 1/2-mile The winding, steep road to this valley ends too numerous to list here, make it an excel­ climb to the Garfield sequoia then follows Paradise Creek, at 7800' (2380m), the highest point you can lent place for hikers who don't mind hills. not the Middle Fork, for one grove. Starts on the south side drive to in these parks. The many trails that Ask at visitor centers for information if you mile before growing quite of the river at South Fork lead from Mineral King to the highcountry, are considering a visit to Mineral King. faint. Campground. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fall 1997 9 Highlights KINGS CANYON Around Grant Grove General Grant Tree: The world's third-largest living tree as well as the Nation's Christmas Tree and a designated National Shrine, the only living memorial to those who gave their lives for freedom. Visit historic Gamlin Cabin and the Fallen Monarch on this easy, 1/3-mile paved trail. Relatively accessible. North and west of the visitor center 1 mile. North Grove Loop: This lightly traveled, 1-1/2 mile trail pro­ vides a close look at the Big Trees and a quiet walk past mead­ ows and creeks through mixed-conifer forest. Starts at Grant Tree parking area. Dead Giant Loop: Speculate on what killed the Dead Giant, enjoy a picturesque view of a historic mill pond (Sequoia Lake), and reflect on the differences between management of national forest and national park land. Follow the old road at the lower end of the Grant Tree parking area for about a mile. The trail branches off the road, creating a 1-1/2 mile round trip. Nearby Trails & Points of Interest Big Stump Basin: Once a noisy, bustling logging camp, only stumps remain from Smith Comstock's lumbering operation. This 1-mile loop through regenerating forest has excellent birdwatch- ing and wildflowers. Purchase the trail booklet at the visitor center. Another trail visits the Sawed Tree, a sequoia that sur­ vived being cut nearly in two over a century ago. Southwest of the visitor center 2-1/2 miles on Highway 180. Panoramic Point: A spectacular vista of the high Sierra from Mt. Goddard in northern Kings Canyon Park to Eagle Scout Peak in Sequoia Park (Mt. Whitney is not visible). Go east through the visitor center parking lot, left around the meadow, then right at the intersection signed "Panoramic Point, 2.3 The Oregon Tree in Grant Grove. miles." Walk 1/4 mile up to the viewpoint. Trailers and RVs not recommended on this steep, narrow road. The 4-mile round-trip Cedar GrOVe (This area closes November 10.) Park Ridge Trail begins here. Buena Vista Peak: Begin just south of Kings Canyon Overlook Along Kings Canyon Highway Take Time for a Hike on the Generals Highway, 6 miles southeast of Grant Grove. Canyon View: The "U" shape of Kings Can­ Mist Falls: Follow the glaciated South Fork The 360-degree vista overlooks Redwood Canyon, Buck Rock yon, apparent from this viewpoint, reveals its Canyon through chaparral then forest, past Fire Tower, and the high Sierra. 2 miles round trip. glacial history. 1 mile east of Cedar Grove rapids and cascades, to one of the park's Redwood Canyon: The world's largest grove of the world's Village turnoff. largest waterfalls. Allow 4-5 hours; 8 miles largest trees, plus mixed-conifer forest, meadow, and shrubland. Knapp's Cabin: During the roaring '20s, round trip. The beginning is relatively flat; the Acres of rejuvenating sequoia forest result from prescribed fires wealthy Santa Barbara businessman George 600-foot elevation gain is in the last mile. Park over the last 25 years, offering no better place to observe the Knapp commissioned lavish fishing expedi­ at Road's End, 5-1/2 miles east of the Village relationship between the Big Trees and fire. Start at Redwood tions here. This small cabin was used to store turnoff. Saddle, about 6 miles south of Grant Grove on Highway 180, quantities of extravagant gear. A short walk Don Cecil Trail: Once the major access route then turn right for 2 miles on a bumpy dirt road. from a turnout 2 miles east of Cedar Grove to Cedar Grove prior to the 1939 completion In Neighboring National Forest Village turnoff. of Highway 180, this trail starts .2 miles east of Roaring River Falls: A refreshing, shady five- Cedar Grove Village. It climbs the north-facing Converse Basin: Once the largest grove of sequoias, virtually minute walk to a forceful waterfall rushing slope, passing Sheep Creek Cascade (1 mile every mature tree was felled early in the 1900s. Just the Boole through a narrow granite chute. 3 miles east of up) and affording good views. Lookout Peak Tree and a few other giants were spared. The oldest-known se­ the Village turnoff. Paved, relatively accessible. (13 miles round trip, 4000 feet elevation gain) quoia, the Muir Snag (over 3000 years old when it died) was provides an incredible backcountry panorama. discovered here by the famous naturalist. Take Highway 180 6 Zumwalt Meadow: This scenic mile-long trail offers high granite walls, a lush meadow, and Strenuous; allow all day to the top. miles north of Grant Grove then left on the graded dirt road. Hotel Creek Trail: This trail starts .6 miles the meandering Kings River. A trail booklet is Ask for details at the visitor center. north of the Village Market at the intersection available at the ranger station or trailhead. Park with the pack station road. Strenuous, it Hume Lake: This mill pond supplied water for a flume that 4-1/2 miles east of the Cedar Grove Village switchbacks up through chaparral to a forested floated rough-cut sequoia lumber to the planing mill at Sanger, turnoff. Allow 1 hour. 54 miles below. During summer the lake offers fishing, swim­ ridge and Cedar Grove Overlook and gorgeous ming, boat rental (Hume Lake Christian Camps), and a camp­ Road's End: To cross the Sierra you will have views up and down the canyon. 5 miles round ground; gas, groceries, and a small laundry are open year- to walk from here; no road crosses this range trip; 1200-foot elevation gain. Allow 3 to 4 round. 8 miles north of Grant Grove on Highway 180, then 3 in these parks. Here you will find trails to the hours. Return via Lewis Creek Trail for an 8- miles south on Hume Lake Road. river, Muir Rock, and the High Sierra. mile loop.

Zumwalt JBeadbw in. 10 Fall 1997 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks What can one person do?

Environmental challenges loom so thing at a park visitor center, and the cluding restoration efforts. Reach large, sometimes it's hard to believe nonprofit SNHA gives part of the pro­ them at (209)561-1312. that you can make a difference — but ceeds to educational and research Learn about the environment. The you can! As one statesman said, programs here. They have donated more you know, the more you can "Nobody makes a greater mistake than over $1 million in the past decade. help. Join a ranger in an activity, or he who did nothing because he could Give them a call: (209)565-3758. participate in an SNHA seminar. Fas­ only do a little." Or contribute to the Sequoia and cinating books await you at the visi­ Two organizations make it easier for Kings Canyon National Parks tor centers, or you can mail order you to help. One is the Sequoia Foundation. This nonprofit raises them from the SNHA. Some will give Natural History Association, or money for a wide variety of important you ideas on what you can do at SNHA. By joining, you combine forces park projects for which federal money home, too. You'll find some options with others who love the resources is not available. It supports special re­ here, but the possibilities are endless. these parks preserve. Purchase any­ source management programs, in­ You can make a difference! Working in the parks Most people get their start in the National Interested? Contact the Personnel Office, Park Service as seasonal employees or volun­ Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, teers. More than a few of us found a second Three Rivers, CA 93271. career in the national parks. Working for the concessioner is another A variety of jobs are held by seasonal em­ way to get involved in the parks. Kings Can­ ployees, especially in the summer: ranger, yon Park Services accepts applications resource manager, fire technician, naturalist, throughout the summer for positions in food clerk, and several types of maintenance posi­ services, hotel, retail, maintenance, and tions. Applications for summer positions are administration. usually due by January 15. Volunteer applica­ Contact KCPS, P.O. Box 909, Kings Canyon tions are accepted year-round. National Park, CA 93633- A good Foundation If you have a particular Bighorn Sheep Research around the General Sherman interest in these parks, the Program, which may eventu­ Tree, as well as funding Sequoia & Kings Canyon Na­ ally reintroduce these magnif­ exhibits to educate visitors tional Parks Foundation can icent animals to part of their about the complex ecology help. Important projects wait historic range in these parks. of these amazing giants. for willing donors to step for­ Donations to the Foun­ Other vital projects being ward and help make them dation have gone toward re­ considered for funding happen. pairing backcountry trail include rehabilitation of the Since the Foundation was bridges and completing the Grant Tree Trail, an educa­ formed, over $200,000 has successful trail restoration tional program on prescribed been raised for significant fire, an 8' by 10' raised relief projects that are beyond map of the Sierra, and trail Start the kids off early in caring about the parks! available federal budgets. rehabilitation in Kings Can­ The lovely "Trail for All yon's Granite Basin. People" that makes Round Almost two million people Get an education — outdoors Meadow handicapped-acces­ journeyed to Sequoia and Imagine immersing yourself in Sierran scenery while an ex­ sible was made possible this Kings Canyon last year. As pert shares the secrets of the wild world around you. way. So was "Backcountry more of us turn to the parks SNHA seminars offer just that opportunity. The Sequoia Na­ Basics," a unique newspaper for recreation and inspiration, tural History Association brings experts in birds, wildflowers, that has educated thousands it is more important than geology, and botany together with interesting, interested people on how to visit this wilder­ ever to contribute towards like you. Together you can share two or more days of learning ness without harming it — their preservation — for about these parks and their resources. or themselves. No matter what your background is, you'll find the instructors ourselves and for the are great at explaining their subject, from the sweeping concept Foundation funds i'« /future. to the fascinating detail. College credit is available for most of may have provided jjj Please select the giving the seminars, too! the bear-proof box ' ™. category best suited Ask for details at any visitor center or call the SNHA at (209) in which you store for you, and mail in 565-3759. Do it soon! Seminars start this winter. your food or the your tax-deductible display you enjoy gift TODAY. most at the Nature Thank you! Upgrading the park: Center. Recently over $5000 went to Robert F. Wilkins, FROM PAGE ONE and replacement facilities are the Mount Baxter Chairman Aside from age, one of planned for Wuksachi the culprits is the sequoias Village, 6 miles from the themselves. Their roots have Sherman Tree. Modern Yes, I share the commitment to help! infiltrated the old pipes. The sewage treatment and water regular repair required to treatment plants have been keep drinking water safe and built — outside the sequoia Endower Name sewage well-contained grove — to serve them. $5,000 or more means cutting the roots of These efforts help to pre­ John Muir Fellow Address the Big Trees we aim to pro­ serve the trees that inspire us $1,000 or more tect. and the wildlife that lives George Stewart Fellow In 1980 the park, the pub­ among them. They help to $500 or more lic, and the concessioner met guarantee that the water we Benefactor City State Zip and agreed to move the all share is pure when it $250 or more facilities, rather than destroy comes from the ground, safe Centurion portions of this famous se­ to drink, and cleaned up $100 or more Mail to: quoia grove by building a before going back under­ Contributor new sewage plant and ground. Their goal is protec­ Sequoia & Kings Canyon trenching in rows of pipes. tion of precious resources, • I can volunteer to help! National Parks Foundation It has taken a long time, which has everything to do Call me to discuss options. P.O. Box 1089 but the final stages of the ef­ with our vacations — and Telephone #-. Three Rivers, CA 93271 fort are close at hand. Build­ our lives. (209) 561-1312 • FAX 561-1519 ings are being removed from Malinee Crapsey, the toes of the Big Trees, Editor Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fall 1997 11 These parks are home to bears Before Europeans settled meat. scare them off, but all this here, the grizzly called these Later in the season they rarely succeeds. Because all parks home. Today this sym­ tear apart logs for carpenter wildlife is protected in bol of California is extinct ants and dig up yellow jacket national parks, a problem throughout the state, but the nests. Autumn's acorns are bear is killed only as a last savvy Sierran black bear still crucial to the bears' desperate resort, but it does happen. ranges from the foothills to efforts to gain weight needed Each of us is responsible for the highcountry. to survive the coming winter. preventing this! Much smaller than the griz­ A cycle of unnatural behav­ • Campers: Where metal zly, male black bears rarely ior begins when normally shy storage boxes are provided, reach 400 pounds here; fe­ and timid bears learn to asso­ you must keep all food and males may grow to 250. De­ ciate people with food. Year­ items with an odor in them. spite their name, black bears lings, in their first season away In places without boxes, can be brown, cinnamon, or from mom, know the least store food in your car's blonde. about finding wild foods and trunk. No trunk? Close car In mild winters some bears are most vulnerable. They windows and cover food stay active, but most spend may be the first to become supplies and ice chests to winter in dens, typically in the campground bears and the hide them. base of a rotted fir tree. The most difficult to return to a • Backpackers young are born there, usually natural diet. and lodge guests: two to a litter, but there can These intelligent animals Never leave be up to four cubs in a family. identify food not only by food in your The babies are tiny, often smell, but by appearance — car overnight. weighing less than 1/2 pound bags, cans, coolers, and even • Back­ at birth. cars become tempting. Once packers: Rent or By spring, cubs have one ice chest or car yields buy a portable gained five pounds but adults food, bears don't hesitate to bear-resistant food can­ have lost up to 50% of their pry open others to check for ister; they may save your trip weight during hibernation! our protein-rich, high-calorie and a bear! They emerge to seek suste­ food. Do you have other ques­ nance from grasses and tender If bears grow used to get­ tions for food storage? Ask a herbs, and whatever carrion ting our food, they lose their ranger. they can find. They rely on natural fears and become bold Bears are a natural part of meadow plants until berries and aggressive. To deter such this Sierran wilderness. They begin to ripen. Despite mem­ destructive behaviors, biolo­ deserve our protection and bership in the carnivore fami­ gists may trap, radio-collar, respect — and, always, a American ly, bears eat relatively little and track them in order to healthy dose of caution. black bear L.R. Ormsby-^

Is there really a difference between these often-confused of Agriculture. Both agencies have designated wilderness names? The answer is an emphatic yes. National parks and where they strive for maximum protection of natural land­ forests have veiy different purposes; together they provide us scapes. Park all with a wide spectrum of uses. Because they have different purposes, adjoining parks and National parks emphasize strict preservation of pristine forests may need to have very different rules. For example, na­ areas. They focus on protecting natural and historic features tional parks usually forbid hunting, while forests usually allow plus light-on-the-land recreation. The ultimate goal is to pre­ it. Dogs can be taken on national forest trails, but not on those or serve resources "unimpaired for future generations." Park rang­ in parks. National forests may provide trails for mountain bikes ers work for the National Park Service under the Department of and motorcycles; national parks do not. the Interior. Because Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are next to National forests, on the other hand, emphasize not only Sequoia, Sierra, and Inyo national forests, visitors need to pay Forest? preservation, but other kinds of use as well. Under this "multi­ attention to where they are. A perfectly legal activity in a forest ple use" concept, national forests are managed to provide ser­ may get you cited before a court of law in a park. Check your vices and commodities, including lumber, cattle grazing, miner­ park map for guidance as to where you are and which rules als, and recreation with and without vehicles. National forests apply, or ask a park ranger. In this case, there is a lot in a are managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Department name. The question of fire The story of fire can be it and to minimize smoke in ning fires that are in prescrip­ confusing. You are asked to local communities. If the wea­ tion and away from buildings prevent wildfires, yet rangers ther doesn't meet the prescrip­ are not suppressed. set prescribed fires. Fires are tion, the fire is not ignited. Trails around prescribed given different labels, depend­ Why use a tool that appears fires sometimes remain open, ing on whether or not they as destructive as fire? Burning so please use caution. Ask are wanted. around buildings clears grass rangers for information, and Wildfires are unwanted, and other flammable material enjoy the chance to see a whether lightning- or human- that would feed destructive powerful natural tool in man­ caused. They are suppressed fires. Other fires play impor­ aging park resources. because they threaten lives, tant ecological roles. property, or sensitive re­ Lightning fires have burned sources, or because they frequently here for centuries. Prevent wildfire! would be too difficult to man­ Some species, including giant age at the time or place they sequoias, reproduce better af­ • Use low gear for down­ started. ter fire. An ash seedbed is crit­ hills. Frequent braking over­ The cost of fire suppression ical to germination and growth heats brakes which can is the tremendous risk to fire­ of sequoia seedlings. Fire also cause fires. Before going up­ fighters plus millions of tax hill check coolant; turn off opens the forest canopy, al­ air conditioner and use low dollars. Last year's 4479-acre lowing sunlight to reach the gear to avoid overheating Kaweah Fire, started by a car's seedlings. when driving uphill. exhaust pipe in dry grass on a Historically, fires have • In campgrounds, use road shoulder, took over 1,500 burned in sequoia groves only fire grills; in the back- fire fighters and $4 million. roughly every 5 to 15 years. In country, use existing fire Yet fires contribute to forest the past century, our suppres­ rings. Keep fires small; never health and public safety. Pre­ sion of fire has blocked this leave them unattended. scribed fire is a carefully plan­ important process. Now a vast • Put out fires half an ned and managed tool to accumulation of dead wood hour before leaving. Use wa­ achieve such goals. increases wildfire hazards dra­ ter (not dirt), and mix the A fire's "prescription" in­ matically, and sequoias are ashes until they feel cold. cludes detailed analysis of not reproducing. • Never smoke while geographic and ecological To reduce this hazard and walking. Smoke in an area Fire in the Sierra is often ground fire, its low flames consum­ clear of flammable materials, ing the dangerous build-up of fuels that feed unnaturally conditions. It limits the weath­ restore natural conditions, er conditions under which fire crush out the ashes and butt, intense wildfires. Openings left in the forest by occasional hot trained crews carefully plan and carry the match and butt spots are also ecologically important. Among other things, that may be ignited, in order to the size and timing of fires. to a garbage can. is where sequoia trees regenerate. maximize our ability to control For the same reasons, light­ Sequoia&Kings Canyon

These parks belong to Estos parques pertene- you and to the future ... cen a listed y alfuturo... jBienvenidos a Sequoia and mismos, mas alia de hoy dia, Welcome to Sequoia and effects of our various activities Kings Canyon National Parks! mientras reconocemos los Kings Canyon National Parks! in these parks. Nos da placer que haya efectos a largo plazo de nues- We are pleased that you have Equally important is per­ venido a estos lugares de sig- tras varias actividades en estos come to these internationally sonal protection from potential nificancia internacional, areas parques. significant places, areas that hazards. During your visit you que son tan importantes a De igual importancia es are so important to our na­ meet the natural world on its nuestra herencia nacional. tional heritage. own terms. Your safety and protection personal de riesgos ,.;C6mo podemos beneficia- potenciales. Durante su visita How do we benefit from your enjoyment is of great rnos de estos terrenos que son va a encontrar al mundo nat­ these lands that are protected concern to us. protegidos para nuestro uso? ural en sus proprias condi- for our use? These remnants Please read the information Estos restos de la America sal- ciones. Su seguridad y su of wild America preserve bio­ here, adhere to safety warn­ gozo son de gran importancia logic and geologic treasures, ings, and ask the rangers for vaje preservan tesoros biologi- landscapes full of opportuni­ guidance. Be prepared and cos y geologicos, terrenos para nosotros. Por favor de ties for inspiration, research, behave responsibly. llenos de oportunidades para leer la information, adhierese la inspiracion, investigacion a los avisos de seguridad, y education, and personal enjoy­ Parks are finite resources. pidales a los guardaparques ment. We all have the privi­ They must be protected by cientifica, educacion, y gozo lege of using the parks to well-informed people so that personal. Nosotros tenemos el para consejo. Sea preparado y relax, to learn, to challenge future generations will have privilegio de usar estos par­ comportese con responsibili- our skills or to realize person­ the opportunity to enjoy their ques para relajar, aprender, dad. al fulfillment. beauty as well as the chal­ poner a prueba nuestra des- Los parques son recursos What must we all give in lenge and privilege of using treza o realizar exito personal. finitos; hay que protegerlos return? Our dedication to pro­ their resources. ,

National Park Service Third Class Mail Sequoia & Kings Canyon Postage & Fees Paid National Parks U.S. Department of the Interior Three Rivers,California 93271 G-83