Nationwide campground and RV resort survey gives 31 'A' grades

Thirty-one campgrounds and recreational vehicle resorts have earned all-around "A" grades in the second annual consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks. But only one -- Meadowcliff RV Resort -- is in California.

Nearly 17,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at 1,840 independent campgrounds and RV resorts affiliated with the National Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds. The survey was for privately run locations only -- national and state parks were not included.

"Sixteen of the nation's 31 top parks in our survey also received 'A' ratings last year, but we also had 15 parks that received 'A' ratings for the first time," Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com said in a press release. The Murrieta, Calif.-based company conducted the online survey on behalf of the National Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging on to www.gocampingamerica.com and clicking on the "Review a Park" tab. Survey results are currently posted for 265 parks on the website.

"The objective of these surveys is to help private campground, RV park and resort operators to pinpoint the improvements they need to make to provide their guests with the best possible camping experience," said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of the National Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

The 31 parks earning "A" grades for 2009 are:

Sierra Nevada resorts and national parks brace for season's first winter storm

The first winter storm of the season is due to arrive Friday and that's welcome news for skiers, snowboarders and other winter sports enthusiasts traveling to such places as Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park for the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Here's a Wednesday afternoon alert issued by the National Weather Service: 

THE FIRST WINTER STORM OF THE SEASON WILL MOVE INTO THE CENTRAL
CALIFORNIA INTERIOR FRIDAY AFTERNOON...AND PERSIST OVERNIGHT. SNOW
LEVELS NEAR YOSEMITE WILL DROP TO AROUND 4,000 FEET FRIDAY NIGHT.
TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS IN EXCESS OF 4 INCHES ARE LIKELY ABOVE
5,000 FEET...WITH UP TO A FOOT POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS.
 
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE
TO KINGS CANYON... 

California state park districts announce widespread cost-saving reductions

Get used to it. California's state parks, which thankfully will remain open at least well into 2010, will no longer resemble the well-kept, freely accessible facilities park-goers have grown accustomed to.

On Monday the Inland Empire district announced its cost-saving service reductions, which include weekday closures at some facilities, and reduced hours. Today all districts announced their reductions and it's more of the same throughout the 279-park system.

Here are a few examples:

--Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego will experience 50% lifeguard reductions off-season  (September through February).  Trash cans and fire rings will be removed from the beach and many
restrooms will be closed.

--The visitor center at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

--Popular beach parks in Orange County will reduce by half the number of trashcans on the
beach. Restroom cleaning and fire ring cleaning will be reduced by half.  There will be no off-season chemical toilets and lifeguards will be limited to response by permanent staff. Trail upkeep and habitat restoration will be reduced by 50%.  Educational and interpretive programs will be reduced by 25%. Irrigation will be reduced by 25%.

--Mt. San Jacinto SP campground will be closed Monday through Wednesday and backpackers--who had enjoyed free access--will be charged $5 per person.

 

The list goes on but precise details at many parks are not yet clear. State Parks, as of 3:30 p.m., had not yet posted full details for each region on its website, but they should be forthcoming and available under the "News Releases 2009" tab. A news release issued Tuesday afternoon contained only an example sheet and a checklist with Xs marked under various categories.

At Malibu Creek State Park, for example, there are Xs under the following categories: reduced hours, closed camps/loops, close some day use, close some restrooms, reduce cleaning, reduce trash service. These are common reductions throughout the system.

It could be worse. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had threatened to close more than 100 parks to help alleviate a severe budget deficit. But it's hardly ideal and, to be sure, some of these reductions--notably the weekday closures--will take getting used to.

-- Pete Thomas

Top and bottom images were captured recently at Malibu Creek State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Credit: Pete Thomas / Los Angeles Times

 

Service reductions, weekday closures announced for Inland Empire state parks

Inland Empire hikers, bird enthusiasts, campers and anglers will be disappointed to learn that five popular state parks in the Southern California region will experience considerable service reductions and even weekday closures beginning Sunday.

The reductions are part of a statewide effort to save money and prevent the total closure of perhaps more than 100 parks. The Inland Empire district announced its reductions Monday. They are:

--Lake Perris State Recreation Area: Park closed to public and vehicle entry for day use and camping Tuesday and Wednesday until March 31, 2010.  Park will be open for day use and camping Thursday through Monday and any holidays until March 31, 2010.  Day-use hours changed to 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Starting April 1 to June 30, 2010, park will be open seven days a week with day-use hours changed to 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

--Silverwood Lake SRA: Park closed to public and vehicle entry for day use and camping every Wednesday and Thursday until March 31, 2010.  The park will be open for day use and camping Friday through Tuesday and any holidays until March 31, 2010. Day-use hours changed to 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Starting April 1  to June 30, 2010, park returns to being open seven days a week with day-use hours changed to 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

--California Citrus State Historical Park: Park closed to general public and vehicle entry for day use Monday though Thursday until June 30, 2010.  Park will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and any holidays until June 30, 2010. Day-use hours changed to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Weddings and Sunkist Building rentals will still be available seven days a week through the California Citrus Non-Profit Management Corp.  School tours will also still be accommodated by park volunteers on a case-by-case basis. The main park sector office located at the Citrus Park will be completely closed to the public until June 30, 2010. Business and phone operations will temporarily be transferred to Lake Perris SRA.

Search-and-rescue operations in national parks numerous and costly, but effective

A new report that appears in the online journal "Wilderness & Environmental Medicine" includes some interesting statistics involving search-and-rescue operations in national parks.

Notably, they're costly and numerous, but effective. "Without the presence of NPS personnel responding to SAR incidents, one in five of those requesting SAR assistance would be a fatality," the report concludes. "Future research and the development of any prevention efforts should focus on the five NPS units where 50% of all SAR incidents are occurring."

The report, published by the Wilderness Medical Society, has a catchy title: "Dead Men Walking: Search and Rescue in U.S. National Parks." Its authors looked at the NPS' annual search-and-rescue reports from 1992 to 2007 and SAR statistics from all NPS units in 2005. Some key findings:

--From 1992 to 2007 there were 78,488 people involved in 65,439 SAR incidents. These included 2,659 fatalities, 24,288 injured or sick people, and 13,212 "saves," or saved lives.

--On average there were 11.2 SAR incidents per day at an average cost of $895 per operation. Total cost from 1992 to 2007: $58,572,164.

--In 2005, 50% of the 2,430 SAR operations occurred in five NPS units. Grand Canyon National Park (307) and Gateway National Recreation Area (293) reported the most. Yosemite National Park (231) was third.

--In 2005, Yosemite accounted for 25% of the total NPS SAR costs ($1.2 million); Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve ($29,310) and Denali National Park and Preserve ($18,345) had the highest average SAR costs.

--Hiking (48%) and boating (21%) were the most common activities that required search-and-rescue assistance. Hiking (22.8%) was the most common activity resulting in fatalities. Suicides (12.1%) were second. They were followed by swimming and boating (10.1% apiece).

Perhaps all of this will serve as a reminder to be extra careful while exploring our great national parks and to be thankful that there are emergency teams close by if we need them.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: View of the Grand Canyon at sunrise. Credit: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 28

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 28 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake and Gregory Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II) and Sherwin Creek.

Photo: Trout jump out of the water after bits of feed in a holding pond at the Kern River Hatchery. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

California's state parks spared from closure, but how fantastic is this plan?

The headline atop today's news release from Sacramento is full of promise: "Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Plan to Keep State Parks Open"

The governor is quoted as saying, "This is fantastic news for all Californians."

But you might tone down your celebration. While about 100 of California's 267 state parks would be spared full closure under a plan to achieve $14.2 million in savings during the fiscal year, at least that many and possibly more could be open only partially or seasonally, and/or with restricted hours.

Also under the plan, maintenance and equipment costs would be sharply reduced and staffing would be cut.

The plan, a cooperative effort between the Department of Finance and Department of Parks and Recreation, does not restore funding to the beleaguered state parks system and many actions outlined in the plan, to realize a one-time budget savings, were being considered anyway, along with the closures.

The California State Parks Foundation, which has figured prominently in the struggle to keep parks open, responded to the governor's plan suspiciously and placed this statement on its website: "While the Governor has found a clever way to get political cover on this issue, it’s not clear that this plan won’t actually leave Californians with just as limited access to their state parks as if they had been fully closed.

"The 'found money' here is from having less lifeguards on state beaches, not maintaining restrooms, not staffing parks for health and safety standards, etc. And you’ll see at the end of the release, a $22-million cut in next year’s budget is still on the horizon."

So while it's good that our favorite parks will remain open this year, today's news isn't all that fantastic.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A deer wanders in a meadow at dusk in Malibu Creek State Park. Credit: Pete Thomas/Los Angeles Times

Bear shot to death by angler at Lake Mary in Mammoth Lakes area

A 175-pound adult female black bear was shot to death Tuesday afternoon by a 58-year-old visitor to Lake Mary near the Eastern Sierra town of Mammoth Lakes.

Steve Searles, wildlife manager for Mammoth Lakes, described the shooting as "unprovoked," according to a report on the Sierra Wave website.

The California Department of Fish and Gam is investigating the case. The department's Lt. Marty Markham said this morning in an interview that the man and his companion were frightened away from a spot on the lake's shore by an approaching bear. Another person helped "haze" the bear away.

The couple returned to the site and the bear returned. The woman tried to "haze" the bear away. The man retrieved a large-caliber handgun from his vehicle and shot the bear once in the head.

Markham said the investigation should be complete within a week, and could not say whether charges will be brought against the man, whom Markham would describe only as a 58-year-old from San Bernardino County.

Don Barrett, who runs Lake Mary Marina & Store, did not witness the shooting but was at the lake and heard the shot. Barrett, in an interview, said he heard that the bear was aggressive and standing on its hind legs approaching the couple when it was shot with a .44-caliber pistol.

Barrett said bears have learned to frighten anglers from their fishing spots, then steal their stringers of fish.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A bear near South Lake Tahoe, Calif., last year. Credit: Associated Press

Yosemite volunteer cleanup event Sept. 23-27

Yosemite National Park is a mess and could use a hand.

Volunteers are needed to help pick up litter in high-use areas during the sixth annual "Yosemite Facelift," taking place Sept. 23-27.

The event is organized by the Yosemite Climbing Assn. to help clean up the park after the busy summer season. Last year, more than 41,000 pounds of trash was collected.

Those interested in volunteering should sign up at the booth in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. on days that they would like to participate.

Crew leaders will be on hand to distribute trash bags, litter sticks and gloves and organize work groups.

Cleanup participants will enjoy free park admission and have access to all sorts of events, including a daily raffle, movie screenings, a book signing and a reception with free food and drinks and live music.

There are also limited free camping sites available for volunteers. Those interested in securing one should e-mail Ken Yager at YCA@inreach.com with their name(s) as well as the nights they would like to camp.

I applaud the efforts of the organizers and volunteers, though find it perplexing that people can visit such a national treasure and not have the decency to pick up after themselves.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Some of the debris collected last year. Credit: Yosemite Climbing Assn.

Angeles Crest Highway drive reveals moonscape in wake of Station fire

*Updated to reflect it was an Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department escort

Scorched earth is a depressing sight, especially when it had been lush with chaparral and old-growth forest.

The extent of the devastation caused by the Station fire, which has burned almost 250 square miles within the Angeles National Forest but finally is close to being contained, will be unfathomable when assessments are made.

Dead animals are said to litter the blackened and barren countryside. Rattlesnakes -- those that had burrowed and somehow survived the inferno -- slither across a moonscape hunted from the sky by raptors.

Campgrounds and important structures have been destroyed and trails are ruined. A once-verdant paradise is lost for who knows how many years to thousands of campers, hikers, bikers, runners, birders and horseback riders.

The Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Run had been scheduled to begin Saturday. Obviously it has been canceled as its route is off-limits.

The scenic Angeles Crest Highway also remains closed, but a video shot by a couple touring the road behind a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. escort is making the rounds on YouTube. It reveals a charred countryside, melted road signs and guard rails that simply lie atop or alongside the pavement, their wooden support beams burned to ashes.

If you're familiar with the highway and forest, click on the video and tag along. It's a surreal odyssey, to be sure.

-- Pete Thomas

Video credit: Courtesy of YouTube

   

Fish and Game Q&A: Are hunters a threat to hikers and campers?

 
In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: As an avid outdoor hiker/camper ("primitive") in the wilderness, I have just learned that there is year-round hunting of some sort throughout California, especially on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Since I wear and use materials that "blend" with nature, I am now very concerned about whether I should be changing my pup tent and clothing to international orange! As much as I respect the right to hunt and recognize its importance in helping to manage wildlife, I am very concerned about the safety of hikers/campers like myself being shot in the crossfire!  What are the statistics concerning hunting accidents of this nature in California? (Pam K.)

Answer: Public hunting is allowed on most U.S. Forest Service and BLM properties but not within national parks or California state parks. In addition, most wild game in California have very regulated seasons. Accidents due to careless hunters as you describe here are rare.

According to Hunter Education Administrator and Capt. Roy Griffith, California sells nearly 300,000 hunting licenses per year, yet averages only about 16 firearm-related hunting injuries per year, with two or fewer resulting in death.  In these cases, the injured person is typically a member of the shooter’s hunting party. This year California had its first injury in more than 10 years in which the victim was not a hunter (a farm worker received a minor “peppering” when an individual shot at a dove out of season).

Yosemite road closures in effect through Labor Day because of Big Meadow fire

Outdoor enthusiasts planning to head to Yosemite National Park for the Labor Day holiday weekend should keep in mind that road closures due to the Big Meadow fire will be in effect until further notice.

Big Oak Flat Road remains closed to through traffic at the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station to the junction of El Portal Road. Tioga Road is also closed from White Wolf to the Crane Flat Gas Station.

All park campgrounds are open with the exception of Crane Flat and Tamarack Flat campgrounds, and the community of Foresta is still evacuated.

Those going to the Strawberry Music Festival taking place at Camp Mather near Yosemite may also be affected by these closures.

Many other areas of Yosemite are accessible and unaffected by the wildfire, which has been burning for over a week. As of this morning, the fire has consumed 7,240 acres and is now 70% contained.

For updated fire information, visit www.inciweb.org or call (209) 372-0327, (209) 372-0480, or (209) 372-0669 daily during business hours.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: The Big Meadow fire as viewed last Thursday from Tioga Road. Credit:  Kip Evans /  ©KipEvansPhotography.com

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter visit @latimesoutposts.com

Camping increases in popularity, in part because of recession

I've noticed during recent travels to the Eastern Sierra that more people seem to be utilizing campgrounds. I've also seen more Cruise America RVs on the roads.

Now it's official. More people are camping, in tents and RVs. Why? Because more people are trying to save money by enjoying  a simpler existence.

The Outdoor Foundation, in partnership with the Coleman Co., have released a report stating there was a 7.4% increase in RV, car and backyard camping in 2008.

"In today's economy, people are returning to simpler lifestyles -- the 'less is more' ethic," said Christine Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation. "Reservations for campsites and sales for camping gear are up. Camping provides fun, affordable opportunities for families to enjoy time together."

Among the "Special Report  on Camping's" key findings:

-- 33.7 million Americans participated in car and backyard camping in 2008, an increase of 7.4% over the previous year.

-- 16.5 million Americans went RV camping in 2008, compared to 16.2 million in 2007.

-- Camping participants made more than 597-million outings in 2008, averaging 14 camping days per participant.

-- 56% of campers were male and one-third of them were between the ages of 25 and 44, and most campers have a household income of $50,000 to $74,999.

Unfortunately, during my recent travels in pursuit of wary trout in creeks that happen to be close to campgrounds, I've noticed a drawback to all of this: a lack of solitude.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A recreational vehicle at Yosemite Falls in 2007. Credit: Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times

Yosemite fire situation improves; prescribed burn program defended

*Updated at 4:45 p.m. to reflect road closure information

As of noon Monday, the Big Meadow fire within Yosemite National Park had consumed nearly 5,000 acres but was 55% contained and crews were making enough progress that some of the air tankers being used to help battle the blaze were sent to Southern California, where a far more volatile situation exists.

The west end of Tioga Road has been closed to through traffic from White Wolf to Crane Flat Gas Station because of poor visibility, and it remains unclear when it will reopen. Tuolumne Meadows to White Wolf is still accessible from the east end of the park via U.S. 395.

Many hiking trails and campsites remain closed. No structures have been lost.

Meanwhile, many are asking the question: How did this prescribed burn, which was supposed to involve only 91 acres, get away from a National Park Service team that routinely carries out controlled burns? (None of those 91 acres actually burned; that's how quickly this fire changed direction and got out of hand.)

An interagency review panel will address the issue in a week or two, park spokesman Scott Gediman said.

Gediman added that prescribed burns sometimes leap beyond designated boundaries but no one at the park could recall a runaway fire of this magnitude.

Regardless, the park has no plans to abandon its prescribed-burn program, and that's understandable. Fires are beneficial in that they allow forests to regenerate by removing old growth. Since Yosemite and other national parks must suppress many naturally-sparked fires to protect lives and structures, prescribed burns in designated areas help accomplish regeneration while preventing fuel buildup that could eventually lead to larger and potentially more devastating wildfires.

The review panel will probably raise the issue of timing. The temperature exceeded 100 degrees when the fire began last Wednesday. The park addresses this issue, in part, on its website, but it fails to answer why the team could not have waited for slightly cooler temperatures.

Outposts will continue to monitor the situation.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: The Big Meadow fire as viewed last Wednesday. Credit: National Parks Service

Related:

California forest and park roads, campsites shut by wildfires: Where to find updates

Yosemite National Park Big Meadow Fire update

Yosemite National Park wildfire continues to grow

Yosemite National Park wildfire continues to grow

In addition to the fires burning in Southern California, a portion of Yosemite National Park is also ablaze.

The Big Meadow fire started as a prescribed burn of 90 acres Wednesday by park fire crews and has grown to engulf 2,244 acres after the crew was unable to contain the blaze within the set boundaries.

Campers at Crane Flat and Tamarack Flat campgrounds  and residents in the community of Foresta have been evacuated and the areas remain closed. No structures have been lost.

Three trails to El Capitan -- Tamarack Creek (Flat), Old Big Oak Flat and Rockslides -- are closed.

The portion of Big Oak Flat Road between the Crane Flat gas station and the intersection of El Portal and Big Oak Flat roads also remain closed, with no projected opening date at this time.

National Park Service firefighters continue to battle the wildfire, which is currently 10% contained.

--Kelly Burgess

Photo: Fire crews during a previous prescribed burn in Yosemite. Credit: Adrienne Freeman / NPS

Wildfires are dramatic events for people and wild animals

A commenter named Jeff accused me of being overly dramatic after I posted an item Wednesday referring to this as the hellish season in Southern California after the Morris fire broke out.

Two days later, four wildfires are burning in Southern California and people are being encouraged to stay indoors because of smoke and sweltering temperatures.

There's plenty of drama to go around. Firefighters are experiencing it first-hand. So are people who live near the fires, some of them now staying in shelters. So are wild animals, some with nowhere to run.

In fact, the fire in the Rancho Palos Verdes area, now 35% contained, is charring not only hiking trails but game trails. It last burned four years ago and local resident Donna McLaughlin recalled hiking in its aftermath and discovering charred rabbits and snakes.

"This fire is a lot worse than the 2005 fire, so I am sure more wildlife has been affected," McLaughlin said after a Friday morning hike on the McBride Trail, which has not been touched by fire.

The fire, however, has burned part of a nature reserve in the Portguese Bend area. That area is one of only a few remaining areas where the California gnatcatcher is found.

Two years ago I interviewed Terri Stewart, a Department  of Fish and Game biologist, who said many small animals cannot outrun major wildfires and also succumb to smoke. But a surprising number of animals do survive by burrowing or holding over in small areas passed over by flames.

She added that raptors will swoop down and prey on these charred critters in a fire's aftermath. Or to use her words, they will "have a field day."

How's that for drama?

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A helicopter drops water on the Rancho Palos Verdes fire. Credit: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times

Yosemite bears appear smarter than the average camper

The accompanying video is making the Internet rounds and though it's amusing -- after some shaky moments at the beginning -- it shows why campers and even day-hikers need to keep their food properly stored to prevent bears from becoming hopelessly habituated.

Sadly, though, when bears become used to humans and what they bring into the park, it becomes harmful for the bears. At least 18 bears have been hit by automobiles this year. Bear incidents in parking lots, campgrounds and in the wilderness number 300-plus. Bears that lose all fear of humans often have to be killed.

Visitors are allowed to store food in their vehicles only during daylight hours, if the food is out of sight and the windows are closed. And this means all potential food, even canned food and drinks, and many other items, including cosmetics and even lip balm.

Otherwise, food lockers must be used and they're available at Curry Village and most trailhead parking areas. Bear canisters are required of all overnight hikers. Day hikers are encouraged to keep food within arm's reach and asked not to leave food unattended.

As for the video, it might have been staged. But the message is clear.

-- Pete Thomas

Boy dies in Death Valley, underscoring danger of summertime heat

News item: A 6-year-old boy succumbs to heat during a camping trip in Death Valley National Park after his mother's vehicle becomes stuck in soft ground on a rarely traveled dirt road. It's the third fatality attributed to the heat -- the other two involved hikers -- inside the park this summer.

Reaction: Not to sound callous but why would anyone want to camp or hike in Death Valley in August? Temperatures last week, when the latest tragedy occurred, reached 117 degrees.

That said, the tragedy may serve as yet another reminder that an excursion to Death Valley during the summer requires more careful planning than trips to most other destinations. The Las Vegas woman who had set out on a one-night camping trip with her son and dog, brought a case of 16-ounce water bottles: fine for a day or two, but she was missing for five days.

Park officials recommend that visitors drink 1 to 2 gallons of water per day while inside the park, if they'll be outside their vehicles.

They urge vehicle travelers to carry tarps that can be used for shade in case they experience car trouble. They caution visitors not to rely on cellphones because service is spotty inside the park. Equally important, they urge visitors to provide family or friends with a detailed travel schedule, in case something goes wrong.

The Las Vegas woman told her family she had planned on camping in the southern portion of the park and visiting Scotty's Castle and Eureka Dunes at the northern end. It remains unclear, however, how she ended up on the obscure road in the southern portion, where her Jeep Cherokee became mired in the bottom of a gravel wash.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A view of Golden Canyon, below Zabriskie Point, in Death Valley National Park. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

National parks offer free admission this weekend

National parks across the country will be offering free admission this weekend.

Entrance fees will be waived Saturday and Sunday at parks that normally charge them, saving visitors from $3 to $25.

While the cost for activities such as camping, tours or concessions are not affected by the entrance fee waiver, many park partners, including area hotels and restaurants, will offer discounts and special promotions.

"Most Americans live within a few hours' drive of a national park," said Dan Wenk, acting director of the National Park Service. "Free entrance weekends offer the perfect chance to visit an old favorite or to discover and explore a new place."

There's more information about fee-free weekends on the park service's website.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Visitors can get a free look at Half Dome at Yosemite National Park this weekend. Credit: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times
 
 

State parks closure list is coming soon, but not eagerly anticipated

California residents probably will learn within a few weeks how many state parks will close.

Because of extensive cuts in funding, 100 or more parks probably will be shut down, and when they might reopen is anyone's guess.

When the dreaded closure list does emerge and the specified parks become off-limits and begin to deteriorate, it'll be a sad day for residents who enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird-watching and animal viewing. It'll be just as dark a day for a state that presently boasts the nation's most extensive state parks system.

However, some other states are dealing with the same issue, and seeking creative ways to keep parks open. 

In Washington state, drivers who renew their license tabs in September will have the option of donating $5 to state parks. The contributions could generate about $22 million over the next two years and spare dozens of Washington's 125 state parks from being closed.

There was a fairly similar attempt in California. A state parks access pass would have placed a $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees for noncommercial vehicles. The general fund would have realized an estimated savings of about $143 million annually. But that plan failed and now we're in this hard place.

Outposts, barring a minor miracle that will prevent the closures, will share the closure list when it becomes available.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A king snake enjoys the view from a branch in Malibu Creek State Park. Credit: Pete Thomas/Los Angeles Times

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter please visit @latimesoutposts

A not-so-peaceful weekend at Shaver Lake

When we snagged a reservation in January to car-camp at Shaver Lake in the western Sierra the weekend of the longest day of the year, we were enticed by the Camp Edison lakefront campsites mentioned every year in Sunset Magazine’s 50 best campgrounds list (No. 6 this year). We figured we'd be able to slip our new kayak onto the tranquil blue water, glide peacefully along the shore, maybe stop for an impromptu picnic at a lakeside beach. Little did we realize that the longest day of the year would seem more like the longest day of our lives.

The problems started when we pulled up to our “lake view” site, directly across the road from the coveted “lake front” sites. Little more than a highway pullout, the campsite was flush against an adjacent site with zero privacy, and the “lake view” was marred by several neighboring RBs (recreational behemoths) and too many SUVs to count. One lakefront site had no fewer than six tents (right).

I think there was even an M-6 tank in there but I couldn’t distinguish it from the pickup trucks, SUVs and RBs. This is the site where a floodlight was kept on every night, blinding us each time we returned from the restroom. I don’t think this is what Thomas Edison had in mind.

Hikers, campers, anglers this weekend are cautioned to be bear aware

Southern California hikers, campers and anglers will flock to local mountains and the Sierra Nevada during the first holiday weekend of summer. They ought to know that bears are no longer hibernating and many are hungry. So here are some tips for those bound for the forests and streams:

--Do not intentionally feed bears and do not leave garbage strewn about.

--Enjoy your favorite pastime in groups (this should not be a problem on the busy weekend).

--Keep the kids in sight at all times, and keep pets on a leash.

--Try not to get caught between a female bear and her cubs.

--If you encounter a bear and it does not see you, stay calm and continue facing it while slowly backing away. True, this is easier said than done.

--If a bear does spot you or strolls into your camp, yell and make other loud noises and bang pots or pans together. Black bears do not like confusing unfamiliar noises.

--Do not run from a bear unless it's dangerously close. Running can trigger an attack response and no human can outrun a bear. 

--If a bear attacks fight back with whatever means you can muster. This doesn't work against larger and far more powerful grizzlies, but there are no grizzlies in California.

Lastly, do not let any of this spoil your mood or prevent you from visiting the woods. Your chances of seeing a bear might be fair, but your chances of getting injured by one are extremely slim. Happy Fourth and stay safe!

--Pete Thomas

Photo: A black bear hunts for fish along Taylor Creek near South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Credit: Associated Press

State parks access pass might be key to preventing their closure

Those following the issue of funding for California's state parks will note there is bad news but some good news this week.

The bad news: The Budget Conference Committee on Monday afternoon voted to eliminate $70 million in general fund money earmarked for support of the state parks system for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The good news: The committee also voted to adopt the State Parks Access Pass and create a dedicated funding source to keep parks open. This still needs to be passed by the Legislature, as part of a budget bill, and approved by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But it makes sense. The access pass would place a $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees for noncommercial vehicles. That won't go over well with those who do not like outdoor recreation and have no plans to enter any of California's 279 state parks, beaches and reserves.

But it's a bargain for those who frequent these vast wilderness refuges, as they'd be allowed free day-use access to state parks. More important, it would prevent 220 of these parks from closing and deteriorating to a point where it'd become extremely costly to reopen them.

With the surcharge the general fund would realize an estimated savings of about $143 million annually.

Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation, declared in a news release: "At a time when the state desperately needs to generate revenues for many other critical state services, it makes sense to keep state parks open and available for the public. The Committee recognized that closing state parks won't save money, it will cost the state dearly."

Goldstein cited a Cal State Sacramento study that found park users spend an average of $57.63 per visit and, across the state parks system, generate more than $4.2 billion in positive economic effects.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: The scene within the walls of Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento, where the Mexican flag still flies. The park is slated for closure if state parks funding disappeared. Credit: Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times

Closure of state parks would affect national parks in California, too

To commemorate the beginning of summer, the California State Parks Foundation is urging people to visit their nearest state park June 20 in a show of support for the state parks system.

Cal Parks is requesting that people download or create their own green ribbon, wear it during their park experience, and upload photos or video clips to the Cal Parks website.

It's another measure to show Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger how important state parks are and how devastating it'd be if his announced budget cuts do in fact lead to the closure of 220 state parks, beaches and reserves.

Meanwhile, the National Parks Conservation Assn. has reminded citizens and politicians that the elimination of funding to state parks also would affect national parks in California. Redwood National Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and State Parks. 

Thus, cuts in funding to state parks would place an added burden on the National Park Service to maintain these expansive wilderness parcels. Mojave National Preserve in southeastern California also would be affected because the closure of Mitchell Caverns State Park would eliminate access to parts of the national preserve.

How serious is this issue? Tim Gibbs, NPCA senior program manager, testified recently in Sacramento: "These cuts are so devastating that it would be the equivalent of the president and Congress dismantling the national park system. It would be like our national leaders sacrificing treasures such as Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks."

He's right; it's that serious.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Sunlight filters through trees in Redwood National Park, created in 1968. Credit: Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times

Proposed state parks closure list is not for the faint of heart

This morning, I glimpsed the list of California state parks earmarked for closure if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger successfully cuts funding, and I became sickened and angry.

There are 220 parks, reserves and beaches on the list. That would leave a mere 59 parks for our continued enjoyment.

Those that will close if the Legislature approves the elimination of funding are wonderful and unique. Their becoming off-limits to help the governor trim the budget deficit seems neither right (the savings don't justify such drastic action) nor fair to millions of citizens who are entitled access to treasured wilderness parcels set aside years ago for their benefit.

(The closures supposedly would be temporary, but given the enormous cost to reopen these parks after their trails are overgrown etc. might make reopening all or even some of them difficult.)

A sampling of destinations on the hit list, with brief commentary:

-- Eastern Sierra's Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve and Bodie State Historical Park: The former boasts one of the planet's most surreal landscapes and features bizarre tufa spires and a lake more than 1 million years old. The latter is a ghost town from the gold-mining era. Visitors journey to the Old West and emerge with a clearer understanding of our past.

-- Malibu Creek State Park: For years one of my favorites. Close to L.A. yet a world removed with its oak-filled valleys, rolling hills and rugged peaks. A haven for hikers, campers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and bird enthusiasts. 

Concealed, loaded guns in national parks: What are your thoughts?

News item: Legislation to allow citizens to carry concealed, loaded firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges passes overwhelmingly in the U.S. House. It essentially ratifies a late-Bush administration rule that was challenged this year in federal district court in Washington. (As reported earlier this week in the Times' Greenspace blog.)

Reaction: Not sure how I feel about this, but part of me, since I do not carry a gun, is against it simply because I don't like the idea of others around me being armed. I know the ruling makes the National Rifle Assn. folks happy and feeling safer now that their 2nd Amendment rights have been protected. After all, they're largely responsible for implementing the new policy,

But wouldn't it be appropriate to have places where nobody is allowed to be armed? And what better places than our national parks? What kind of world is one in which you have to be armed to feel safe?

I guess I'm being idealistic and simplistic, and if I had a loaded gun tucked away somewhere maybe I'd feel less leery of what might lie around the bend in the trail. But I do not buy into the NRA's implication that murderers, rapists and drug manufacturers are nearly as likely to confront hikers and bikers in the woods as they are pedestrians in dark alleys. Isn't that an alarmist, perhaps paranoid attitude?

Anyway, I'd like to hear from others: hikers, campers, bikers, bird-watchers, anglers, etc. How do you feel about the ruling? Good or bad, right or wrong? Please let Outposts know.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: El Capitan provides the backdrop for Yosemite National Park's valley floor. Credit: Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times

Chinook salmon fishery policy on Sacramento River explained in detail

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, lists a portion of Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column and provides a link so viewers can read its entire contents. Here's this week's lead topic:

Question: With the collapse of the salmon fishery in 2008, what was the reasoning for allowing people to fish for salmon in the Sacramento River? I saw numerous pictures of king salmon taken in the Sacramento River last year, but if there is a downfall in the species, this makes no sense. These fish have been traveling for miles only to be snagged by some angler. They are full of eggs and are a future resource. If we can't fish in the ocean, how can we allow the river anglers to kill the spawners? Please have the powers that be answer why when we are worried about the number of fish [salmon] returning to the rivers, the Department of Fish and Game allows river fishing. (Todd F. and Bill G)

Answer: There are four distinct runs of Chinook (king) salmon in the Central Valley: fall run, winter run, spring run and late-fall run. The fishery closure in 2008 was enacted to protect the Sacramento River fall run Chinook. The limited 2008 fishery opportunity was designed to target the late-fall run Chinook (a different run of salmon) after the majority of the fall-run Chinook of concern had moved upstream and out of the small area opened to fishing.

According to Senior Fisheries Biologist Scott Barrow, late-fall run Chinook have had a stable status of 10,000 to 18,000 adult salmon in the last five years with a historic range of 1,000 to 40,000 adults since 1996. The California Fish and Game Commission approved the 2008 recreational fishery from Knights Landing to Red Bluff Diversion Dam to target this stock, and it was successful with negligible impact on Sacramento River fall run Chinook.

Economically, the 2008 late-fall run fishery provided $1 million of economic benefit to the inland salmon fishing communities during the otherwise declared 2008 salmon disaster year (with its projected $255 million loss for the State of California.)

Big Sur campground to reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend

A portion of the camping facilities at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend.

"We have been working hard to get this campground open in time for summer," said C.L. Price, superintendent of the California State Parks Big Sur sector.

The scenic location, on Highway 1 approximately 25 miles south of Carmel, was closed in October after bridges were removed because of the possibility of mudslides following fires that ravaged the area.

A limited number of campsites will be available because of fire damage and continuing renovations.

Reservations can be made beginning at 8 a.m. Monday either online via the Reserve America website or by calling 1-800-444-PARK (7275).

"This is great news because we know how important this particular campground is to hundreds of families who go here every year, and we know how important this park is to the economy of the Big Sur area," Price said.

The park also has lodge accommodations for those who prefer a bed to a sleeping bag, plus a cafe and grocery store.

--Kelly Burgess

Photo: McWay Falls along the highway just south of Big Sur. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times