News Release

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

News Release United States Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument News Release Web: www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia April 29, 2020 Facebook: #SequoiaNF Media Contact: Alicia Embrey Twitter: #sequoiaforest (559) 339-4063 OnCell App: Sequoia National Forest [email protected] Sequoia National Forest Update on Recreation Closures PORTERVILLE, Calif. April 29, 2020 — On March 25, 2020, Regional Forester Randy Moore issued a Closure Order for all developed recreation sites across all National Forests in the Region. This closure order is likely to be in place through early May. Additional details will follow later this week. The USDA Forest Service’s highest priority is ensuring our employees and visitors remain safe as we support mission critical functions for the people and communities we serve. This closure excludes trails, trailheads and specific picnic areas, boat launches and staging areas that function as trailheads for dispersed recreation. While these specific areas remain open for use, we recommend complying with local and state guidance and not traveling for your recreation needs. If you do plan on visiting the Sequoia National Forest, please be aware that: • No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste • All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly • Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited • If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location Forest officials would like to provide these TREAD LIGHTLY principles to ALL National Forest visitors: T – Travel Responsibly, obey the rules of the road or trails R – Respect the Rights of Others, please practice physical distancing E – Educate Yourself, know before you go… www.lnt.org A – Avoid Sensitive Areas – do not create your own trails, or parking areas. D – Do Your Part – call ahead to determine where you can go. Closing any site for any reason is not one we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopening closed sites. Please call your local Ranger Station Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email [email protected] for current SQNF information. Kern River Ranger District 760-549-9533 Western Divide Ranger District 559-920-0460 Hume Lake Ranger District 559-791-5758 Supervisor’s Office 559-920-1588 Stay informed, follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook at #SequoiaNF, Twitter at @sequoiaforest or SequoiaNF OnCell app. Lists of seasonal and COVID-19 closures by district, attached for your use. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. United States Department of Agriculture SEASONAL and COVID-19 CLOSURES INCLUDE: Hume Lake Ranger District (559) 791-5758 Dunlap, Calif - [email protected] Campgrounds Rental Cabins Popular Hiking Trails/OHV Eshom Camp 4 ½ Trailheads Hume Lake Big Meadows Guard Station Millwood OHV Staging Area Tenmile Eshom Point OHV Staging Landslide Generals Highway: Area Princess Quail Flat Restroom Weaver and Jennie Lakes Stony Creek Rowell Meadow Upper Stony OHV Staging Areas: Marvin Pass Big Meadow Millwood OHV Stony Creek Green Cabin Flat Eshom OHV Evans Grove Mill Flat Little Boulder Grove Convict Flat Wilderness Deer Meadow Buck Rock Jennie Lakes Wilderness Kanawyer Horse Camp Monarch Wilderness Deer Cove Camp 4 Converse Basin – includes Pack Station Boole Tree and Chicago Group Campgrounds Horse Corral Pack Station Stump Aspen Hollow Logger Flat Day Use Areas: Fir PowderCan Picnic Area Cove Sandy Cove Picnic Area Eshom Hume Lake Day Use Area Grizzly Falls Western Divide Ranger District (559) 920-0460 Springville, Calif - [email protected] Day Use Areas Campgrounds Cabins Trail of 100 Giants Wishon Wishon Lower Coffee Camp Leavis Flat Grouse Valley Upper Coffee Camp Belknap Poso Guard Station Coy Flat Quaking Aspen Quaking Aspen Frog Meadow Group Campgrounds Redwood Meadow Mountain Home Guard Station Quaking Aspen Group White River Long Meadow Group Holey Meadow Golden Trout Wilderness Trailheads Lower Peppermint Lewis Camp Dispersed Camping Clicks Creek Upper Peppermint Summit Lloyd Meadow Road sites Jerky Meadow Forks of the Kern Shake Camp USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. United States Department of Agriculture Kern River Ranger District (760) 549-9533 Kernville, Calif - [email protected] Upper Kern Area: Isabella Lake Area: Lower Kern Area: Limestone Campground Camp 9 Campground & Day Use Sandy Flat Campground Roads End Picnic Area* Paradise Cove Campground Hobo Campground Fairview Campground Pioneer Point Campground Delonegha Day Use Area Goldledge Campground South Fork Recreation Site* Democrat Day Use Area* Corral Creek Picnic Area Old Isabella Recreation Site* Upper Rich Bar Day Use Hospital Flat Campground Auxiliary Dam Recreation Site Area Thunderbird Group Campground Hungry Gulch Campground Lower Rich Bar Day Use Camp 3 Campground Boulder Gulch Campground Area Halfway Group Campground French Gulch Group Campground* Live Oak Day Use Area Headquarters Campground Tillie Creek Campground & Group Riverkern Beach Picnic Area Campground Live Oak North and South Campgrounds *Launch Sites remain open at these sites. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. .
Recommended publications
  • California Golden Trout Chances for Survival: Poor 2 Oncorhynchus Mykiss Aguabonita
    California Golden Trout chances for survival: poor 2 Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita alifornia golden trout, the official state fish, is one of three species disTriBuTion: California golden trout are endemic to imple mented. major efforts have been made to create refugia 1 2 3 4 5 TROUT south Fork Kern river and to Golden trout Creek. they for golden trout in the upper reaches of the south Fork Kern of brilliantly colored trout native to the upper Kern river basin; the have been introduced into many other lakes and creeks in river by constructing barriers and then applying the poison others are the little Kern golden trout and Kern river rainbow trout. and outside of California, including the Cottonwood lakes rotenone to kill all unwanted fish above barriers. Despite California Golden Trout Were not far from the headwaters of Golden trout Creek and into these and other efforts, most populations of California golden Historically Present in South Fork Kern C Basin, Part Of The Upper Kern River California golden trout evolved in streams of the southern sierra Nevada the headwaters of south Fork Kern river, such as mulkey trout are hybridized and are under continual threat from Basin Shown Here Creek. the Cottonwood lakes have been a source of golden brown trout invasions. management actions are needed to mountains, at elevations above 7,500 feet. the Kern plateau is broad and flat, trout eggs for stocking other waters and are still used for address threats to California golden trout which include with wide meadows and meandering streams. the streams are small, shallow, stocking lakes in Fresno and tulare Counties.
    [Show full text]
  • Jennie Lakes & Monarch Wilderness Detailed Trail Reports and Information
    2015, Wilderness, Hume Lake RD, Sequoia NF Jennie Lakes & Monarch Wilderness Detailed Trail Reports and Information (trailhead names are in bold type) By: Jeff Duneman, Wilderness Ranger Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest Last updated: August 3rd, 2015 *NOTES: “How long will it take?! Is it a hard hike?!” Difficulty and time required depends on you, the hiker, and your condition. An experienced, strong hiker will cover 3-4 miles (or more!) an hour carrying a full pack, without stopping. Someone who doesn’t hike much (or walk much, for that matter) will cover 1-2 miles (or less!) an hour, without a big pack, with frequent stops. Know your abilities! Always carry water, always check weather conditions, always tell people where you are going, and always familiarize yourself with the area (real maps recommended, not GPS). Pay attention to your surroundings, and enjoy your wilderness! *LEAVE NO TRACE: Please take a look at the seven Leave No Trace wilderness ethics before you head out to the trail – https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles *Never leave trash or toilet paper behind! Pack it all in, pack it all out. *When campfires are allowed (check with the forest service on current fire status), always completely drown your campfire so that it is completely out! Jennie Lakes Wilderness (JLW) 1) Big Meadows Trail (#?)/Weaver Lake Trail (#30E09) Big Meadows trailhead up to Weaver Lake: At about 3.5 miles one-way, this is one of the easiest and most popular hikes in the JLW. The trail winds through Lodgepole Pines near the trailhead, climbs slowly (with a nice view into Kings Canyon) into Red and White Firs, with another slight ascent once you are getting closer to the lake.
    [Show full text]
  • Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement Volume 1 1 Chapter 4 Environmental Consequences
    United States Department of Giant Sequoia Agriculture Forest Service National Monument Giant Sequoia National Monument Draft Environmental Impact Statement August 2010 Volume 1 The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Chapter 4 - Environmental Consequences Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement Volume 1 1 Chapter 4 Environmental Consequences Volume 1 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2 Chapter 4 Environmental Consequences Chapter 4 Environmental Consequences Chapter 4 includes the environmental effects analysis. It is organized by resource area, in the same manner as Chapter 3. Effects are displayed for separate resource areas in terms of the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects associated with the six alternatives considered in detail. Effects can be neutral, beneficial, or adverse. This chapter also discusses the unavoidable adverse effects, the relationship between short-term uses and long-term productivity, and any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources. Environmental consequences form the scientific and analytical basis for comparison of the alternatives.
    [Show full text]
  • The ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION MAP and Many Other California Trail Maps Are Available from Sunbelt Publications. Please See
    SUNBELT WHOLESALE BOOKS AND MAPS CALIFORNIA TRAIL MAPS www.sunbeltpublications.com ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION MAP 6TH EDITION 3RD EDITION ISBN: 9780899977799 Retail: $21.95 ISBN: 9780899974019 Retail: $9.95 Publisher: WILDERNESS PRESS Publisher: WILDERNESS PRESS AREA: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA The Anza-Borrego and Western Colorado Desert A convenient map to the entire Anza-Borrego Desert Region is a vast, intriguing landscape that harbors a State Park and adjacent areas, including maps for rich variety of desert plants and animals. Prepare for Ocotillo Wells SRVA, Bow Willow Area, and Coyote adventure with this comprehensive guidebooks, Moutnains, it shows roads and hiking trails, diverse providing everything from trail logs and natural history points of interest, and general topography. Trip to a Desert Directory of agencies, accommodations, numbers are keyed to the Anza-Borrego Desert Region and facilities. It is the perfect companion for hikers, guide book by the same authors. campers, off-roaders, mountain bikers, equestrians, history buffs, and casual visitors. The ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION MAP and many other California trail maps are available from Sunbelt Publications. Please see the following listing for titles and details. s: catalogs\2018 catalogs\18-CA TRAIL MAPS.doc (800) 626-6579 Fax (619) 258-4916 Page 1 of 7 SUNBELT WHOLESALE BOOKS AND MAPS CALIFORNIA TRAIL MAPS www.sunbeltpublications.com ANGEL ISLAND & ALCATRAZ ISLAND BISHOP PASS TRAIL MAP TRAIL MAP ISBN: 9780991578429 Retail: $10.95 ISBN: 9781877689819 Retail: $4.95 AREA: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA An extremely useful map for all outdoor enthusiasts who These two islands, located in San Francisco Bay are want to experience the Bishop Pass in one handy map.
    [Show full text]
  • Interagency Wilderness Fire Management1
    The Biswell Symposium: Fire Issues and Solutions in Urban Interface and Wildland Ecosystems Concurrent Session I Interagency Wilderness Fire Management1 Jim Desmond2 Abstract: Wilderness fire managers are often confronted with that encompasses more than one million continuous acres in natural fire ignitions that start and/or burn near an adjoining agency’s the Sierra Nevada. wilderness area boundary. Management strategies for prescribed In the Central Sierra Nevada, National Forest wilderness natural fires (PNF) are often developed using the adjoining agency’s areas and National Parks adjoin along common boundaries. wilderness boundary as the maximum allowable perimeter (control These boundaries were established for a variety of line) for the PNF. When this occurs, fire’s natural role in the administrative reasons and may or may not make sense wilderness ecosystem may be restricted. The difficulty of burning near another agency’s jurisdictional boundary can be overcome by when managing a prescribed natural fire. In this area, the strong planning, close communications, and timely coordination National Park Service currently operates with approved Fire between the two affected agencies. Communications and coordi- Management Plans allowing for PNF in wilderness areas. nation can be achieved only through developing and maintaining a The Forest Service is in the plan development stage. In this strong working relationship with the fire manager of the adjoining current situation, park fire managers have to manage natural agency. Keys to good interagency coordination are (1) investing ignitions according to current agency procedures and time, (2) understanding the policies and procedures of the adjoin- restrictions if the natural ignition is close to the park/forest ing agency, (3) developing and maintaining open communications, boundary.
    [Show full text]
  • The Golden Trout Wilderness Includes 478 Mi2 of the Rugged Forested Part of the Southern Sierra Nevada (Fig
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO ACCOMPANY MAP MF-1231-E UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF THE GOLDEN TROUT WILDERNESS, SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA SUMMARY REPORT By D. A. Dellinger, E. A. du Bray, D. L. Leach, R. J. Goldfarb and R. C. Jachens U.S. Geological Survey and N. T. Zilka U.S. Bureau of Mines STUDIES RELATED TO WILDERNESS Under the provisions of the Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577, September 3, 1964) and the Joint Conference Report on Senate Bill 4, 88th Congress, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Mines have been conducting mineral surveys of wilderness and primitive areas. Areas officially designated as "wilderness," "wild," or "canoe" when the act was passed were incorporated into the National Wilderness Preservation System, and some of them are presently being studied. The act provided that areas under consideration for wilderness designation should be studied for suitability for incorporation into the Wilderness System. The mineral surveys constitute one aspect of the suitability studies. The act directs that the results of such surveys are to be made available to the public and be submitted to the President and the Congress. This report discusses the results of a mineral survey of the Golden Trout Wilderness (NF903), Sequoia and Inyo National Forests, Tulare and Inyo Counties, California. The area was established as a wilderness by Public Law 95-237,1978. SUMMARY Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) did not reveal any large mineral deposits. Tungsten, lead, silver, zinc, and molybdenum are the principal elements in ore-forming minerals detected in the study area.
    [Show full text]
  • Monarch Wilderness Sequoia National Forest Giant Sequoia National Monument Hume Lake Ranger District
    United States Department of Agriculture Monarch Wilderness Sequoia National Forest Giant Sequoia National Monument Hume Lake Ranger District About: Trails: The Monarch Wilderness is located in the northeast corner Three main trailheads provide access to the Monarch of the Hume Lake Ranger District. Beautiful and dramatic, Wilderness and several of the trails also connect to Kings this extremely rugged 45,000 acres of wilder ness rises from Canyon National Park backcountry. Visitors can enjoy 2,000 feet elevation at the South Fork of the Kings River to overnight stays or a day hike into a less populated, more over 11,000 feet at Hogback Peak and provides amazing secluded wilderness and find outstanding opportunities for views of the Kings River canyon. The vegetation ranges solitude. Due to the ever-changing rugged terrain, most from chaparral to sub-alpine. There are mountain meadows, trails are not maintained and hikers may come across large lakes and spectacular geological formations. obstacles such as down trees and rockslides. For more information, contact the district office or the Wilderness The Monarch Wilderness spans two National Forests and is Ranger. divided by Hwy 180 Scenic Byway. The Hume Lake ranger District of Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoia Central Monarch: National Monument manages the central and southern The one main access to the central portion of the portions while the northern portion is managed by the Sierra Wilderness is through Deer Cove Trailhead. Be aware National Forest. that these trails are not regularly maintained. The trail climbs 3,000 feet elevation in about four miles.
    [Show full text]
  • Field Assessment of Whitebark Pine in the Sierra Nevada
    FIELD ASSESSMENT OF WHITEBARK PINE IN THE SIERRA NEVADA Sara Taylor, Daniel Hastings, and Julie Evens Purpose of field work: 1. Verify distribution of whitebark pine in its southern extent (pure and mixed stands) 2. Assess the health and status of whitebark pine 3. Ground truth polygons designated by CALVEG as whitebark pine Regional Dominant 4. Conduct rapid assessment or reconnaissance surveys California National Forest Overview Areas surveyed: July 2013 Sequoia National Forest Areas surveyed: August 2013 Eldorado National Forest Areas surveyed: September 2013 Stanislaus National Forest Field Protocol and Forms: • Modified CNPS/CDFW Vegetation Rapid Assessment protocol Additions to CNPS/CDFW Rapid Assessment protocol: CNDDB • Individuals/stand • Phenology • Overall viability (health/status) Marc Meyer • Level of beetle attack • % absolute dead cover • % of whitebark cones CNPS • Impacts and % mortality from rust and beetle Field Protocol and Forms: • CNPS/CDFW Field Reconnaissance (recon) protocol is a simplified Rapid Assessment (RA) protocol 3 reasons to conduct a recon: 1. WBP stand is largely diseased/infested 2. CALVEG polygon was incorrect 3. WBP stand was close to other RA Results: Sequoia National Forest • Whitebark pine was not found during survey in Golden Trout Wilderness • Calveg polygons assessed (36 total) were mostly foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana) • Highest survey conducted was at 11,129 ft at the SEKI and NF border Results: Eldorado National Forest (N to S) Desolation Wilderness: • 3 rapid assessments and 8 recons were conducted • 9,061 to 9,225 ft in elevation • Lower elevation stands were more impacted from MPB Mokelumne Wilderness: • 5 rapid assessments and 10 recons were conducted • 8,673 to 9,566 ft.
    [Show full text]
  • Wilderness Trail Names and Quotas for Inyo National Forest
    Wilderness Trail Names and Quotas for Inyo National Forest • Quota is the number of people that can start at the listed location each day. • Permit is only valid to start on specific entry date and location reserved. • (JMT) or (PCT) indicates trail connects to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. • Information about quotas, commercial use, wilderness permit requirements on page 3. • For help identifying what quota applies for a trip, contact our wilderness permit office. Trail Name Trail Total Reserve Reserve Commercial Code Quota (6 month (2 weeks Quota – Notes* advance) advance) Baker Lakes JM22 8 5 3 Special Approval Baxter Pass (JMT) JM29 8 5 3 Special Approval Beck Lake AA12 15 9 6 *Single quota Big Pine Creek North Fork JM23 25 15 10 15 (PO); 8 (O/G) Big Pine Creek South Fork JM24 12 7 5 *Single quota Birch Lake JM25 8 5 3 Special Approval Bishop Pass (JMT) JM21 36 22 14 15 Blackrock GT66 Non Quota--Unlimited Bloody Canyon AA03 8 5 3 Special Approval Convict Creek JM04 10 6 4 *Single quota Cottonwood Lakes JM39 60 36 24 15 Cottonwood Pass (PCT) GT60 40 24 16 Non-quota Deer Lakes JM0 10 6 4 *Single quota Duck Pass (JMT) JM01 30 18 12 15 Fern Lake AA13 10 6 4 *Single quota Fish Creek AA14 15 9 6 15 Gable Lakes JM12 8 5 3 Special Approval George Creek - Mt. Williamson JM33 8 5 3 Special Approval George Lake JM18 10 6 4 *Single quota Gibbs Lake AA02 8 5 3 *Single quota Glacier Canyon AA01 8 5 3 *Single quota Golden Trout Lakes (Onion JM30 10 6 4 Special Approval Valley) Haiwee Pass (PCT) SS64 Non Quota--Unlimited High Trail –PCT
    [Show full text]
  • Table 7 - National Wilderness Areas by State
    Table 7 - National Wilderness Areas by State * Unit is in two or more States ** Acres estimated pending final boundary determination + Special Area that is part of a proclaimed National Forest State National Wilderness Area NFS Other Total Unit Name Acreage Acreage Acreage Alabama Cheaha Wilderness Talladega National Forest 7,400 0 7,400 Dugger Mountain Wilderness** Talladega National Forest 9,048 0 9,048 Sipsey Wilderness William B. Bankhead National Forest 25,770 83 25,853 Alabama Totals 42,218 83 42,301 Alaska Chuck River Wilderness 74,876 520 75,396 Coronation Island Wilderness Tongass National Forest 19,118 0 19,118 Endicott River Wilderness Tongass National Forest 98,396 0 98,396 Karta River Wilderness Tongass National Forest 39,917 7 39,924 Kootznoowoo Wilderness Tongass National Forest 979,079 21,741 1,000,820 FS-administered, outside NFS bdy 0 654 654 Kuiu Wilderness Tongass National Forest 60,183 15 60,198 Maurille Islands Wilderness Tongass National Forest 4,814 0 4,814 Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness Tongass National Forest 2,144,010 235 2,144,245 FS-administered, outside NFS bdy 0 15 15 Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness Tongass National Forest 46,758 0 46,758 Pleasant/Lemusurier/Inian Islands Wilderness Tongass National Forest 23,083 41 23,124 FS-administered, outside NFS bdy 0 15 15 Russell Fjord Wilderness Tongass National Forest 348,626 63 348,689 South Baranof Wilderness Tongass National Forest 315,833 0 315,833 South Etolin Wilderness Tongass National Forest 82,593 834 83,427 Refresh Date: 10/14/2017
    [Show full text]
  • Recreational Fishing in the Golden Trout Wilderness at $148,000 to $713,000 a Year
    ECONOMIC VALUE OF GOLDEN TROUT FISHING IN THE GOLDEN TROUT WILDERNESS, CALIFORNIA An Analysis By Carolyn Alkire, Ph.D. Resource Economist A Report for California Trout March 21, 2003 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to the many individuals who provided essential data and information, without which this study would not have been possible: Del Hubbs, Adam McClory, and Julie Molzahn, Inyo National Forest; Cheryl Bauer and Judi Kaiser, Sequoia National Forest; Jim Shackelford, Forest Service Region 5; and Donn Burton and Dave Lentz, California Department of Fish and Game. The author is grateful for the professional review by Dr. John Loomis. Stan Stephens of the California Department of Fish and Game and Dr. Robert Richardson also offered helpful comments and suggestions. This report was expertly edited by Deanne Kloepfer. California Trout would like to thank Joseph Tomelleri for the use of his trout illustrations. California Trout thanks C. Pat Patterson and Bill Hooper for generously funding this report. Cover illustration courtesy of Michael Flynn FOREWORD By R. Brett Matzke Public Lands Director California Trout, Inc. Cattle began grazing the Kern Plateau more than 130 years ago, long before the area and surrounding environs were established as the Inyo and Sequoia national forests. Various studies have documented that cattle grazing can seriously damage water and land resources. But attempts to reform grazing management policy on the Kern Plateau and to protect native species in this case, California's state fish, the golden trout, and its close relative shave met with little success. In part, the failure to reform grazing management stems from the long-held view that cattle ranching is the cornerstone of the local economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Key Issues in the Sequoia & Sierra Revised Draft Forest
    KEY ISSUES IN THE SEQUOIA & SIERRA REVISED DRAFT FOREST PLANS The revised draft Sequoia and Sierra Forest Plans are analyzed in the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (RDEIS) as the Preferred Alternative B. Conservation groups urge the public to support Alternative C with the changes noted below. Alternative C recommends far more wilderness protection, proposes more acres of forest restored through prescribed and managed fire, and more riparian and meadow restoration than Alternative B. Wilderness Recommendations What’s Good: The RDEIS identifies more than 800,000 acres of wilderness-quality lands across the two forests. The conservation-oriented Alternative C recommends over 452,000 acres of new wilderness. The new Alternative E also creates a Backcountry Management Area designation for roadless lands not recommended as wilderness. However, the Forest Service’s preferred Alternative B only adds a paltry 4,900 acres of new wilderness on the Sequoia NF and recommends no new wilderness on the Sierra NF despite hundreds of thousands of eligible acres. Significant Improvements Needed: The Forest Service should adopt Alternative C or strengthen Alternative B to include more recommended wilderness areas on both forests, with an emphasis on low-elevation areas not typically protected by the wilderness system (see below for specific areas). Both plans should also apply Alternative E’s Backcountry Management Area designation to protect roadless areas not recommended for wilderness protection. Sequoia National Forest: Recommended wilderness areas should include the Golden Trout Wilderness Addition, Stormy Canyon, Oat Mountain, Cannell Peak, and the Domeland Wilderness West Addition, using boundaries developed by conservation groups to reduce conflicts with motorized and mountain bike trails (as displayed in Alternative E).
    [Show full text]