Camping Sites

Just came back from coyote flats

 

nice...how were the daytime & nighttime temps?
condition of the lower switchbacks?

 

25 degrees at night at 10k feet, still snow by the lake

 

The road conditions were fine all the way up

 

Drove right by my house and didn't even say hi

 

I must have missed the invite...next time I'll stop by for a drink

 

Forest Fire Officials Elevate Campfire Restrictions: No Campfires Allowed Period!
It is no secret that there is a extended, severe drought in California. Thunderstorms have already started several wildfires started by lightning strikes and more are expected over the next several months. Given the seriousness of the situation, couple with the fact that most wildfires are caused by human activity, there is a complete prohibition on campfires whether in developed or non-developed campsites on forest land.

In a press release, effective June 30, USDA Sequoia National Forest Fire officials will raise campfire restrictions due to extreme fire danger. The increased restrictions prohibit the use of Campfires in the Forest, including developed and non-developed campsites. Current and forecasted weather, coupled with arid conditions, have created substantial, hazardous fire potential. These conditions are anticipated to continue into the foreseeable future as drought conditions persist.

The restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public safety and prevent human-caused wildfires. Forest officials consider current and predicted weather, fuel conditions, fire activity levels, and available resources before implementing fire restrictions.

June 30 through November 30, 2021, the following restrictions are in effect.

• No Campfires will be allowed on Forest Service Land.

Visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable stove or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut-off valve, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials. Free campfire permits are available at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.

• No Smoking is permitted, except within an enclosed vehicle.
• No motorized vehicles off properly designated Forest Service roads or trails.
• No welding, operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
• Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds, and other incendiary ammunition or devices are not allowed in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument at any time. This includes sparklers or safe and sane fireworks.

Fire restriction violation is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or incarceration for not more than six months, or both.

Know Before You Go! Check current conditions by visiting the Sequoia National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, emailing SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov, or calling your district’s visitor center at:

 

last 120 minutes of lightning strikes

 

BLM increases fire restrictions due to drought, wildland fire danger

Due to ongoing drought and increasing wildland fire danger especially at lower elevations, the Bureau of Land Management is prohibiting campfires, barbecues and open fires on all public lands, including developed campgrounds, in the Eastern Sierra Region managed by the Bishop Field Office.

The seasonal fire order went into effect Friday, Aug. 13, until further notice.

The increased restrictions update the fire restrictions issued May 24 as well as the statewide fire prevention order. This action is being closely coordinated with the Inyo and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, Cal Fire San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office.

California is in a drought with 85% of the state in extreme drought. The state is seeing historically dry fuel moisture, meaning the grass, brush and trees ignite and burn extremely quick.

Fire activity started much early this year with California’s single largest fire, the Dixie Fire, still burning north of Chico.

Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildland fire risk, while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe, according to the BLM.

The updated fire prevention order includes the Crowley Lake Campground in Mono County and the Tuttle Creek, Goodale Creek, Horton Creek, and Pleasant Valley Pit campgrounds in Inyo County. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California campfire permit available free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices, or at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.

Homeowners in fire prone areas should create defensible space now: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/defensible-space/.

The public is encouraged to stay informed about the current fire situation by visiting the Incident Information System, known as InciWeb. Visit the BLM California Wildfire Dashboard to see an interactive map of fire restrictions on public lands throughout the state.

For more information, contact the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.

 

Forest Service News Release

Deb Schweizer, Public Affairs Officer
debra.schweizer@usda.gov
Twitter: @Inyo_NF

Inyo National Forest moves to Stage II Fire Restrictions

BISHOP, CA August 24, 2021 — Due to increased fire activity throughout California and the northwest,
demand for firefighting resources, to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following
acts are prohibited within the Inyo National Forest.

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in
diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

• Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions contained in this
Order. However, they may use a portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid
fuel. Additionally:

• Motorcycles, ATVs, and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.

• Fuelwood collection must be done in compliance with the terms of the fuelwood permit.
Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the
U.S. Forest Service may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in
compliance with their permit and only at the site of their permit.

“Every effort to reduce the potential for new fire starts helps our firefighters, who are working under
extreme conditions. Demand for firefighting resources continues to be significant.,” said Lesley Yen, Forest
Supervisor.” “Do your part and be part of the solution to prevent unwanted fire here on the Inyo and in
California this very difficult fire year. Protect our communities, our firefighters, and our beautiful forests from
unwanted fires.”

The following are exempt from this Order:

• People who have a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or
Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

• Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the
performance of an official duty.

This Order is effective from August 24, 2021, through December 31, 2021 and may be rescinded when
conditions warrant.

 

The outline rectangular object in the center is my buddies house. The Dixie Fire is so close now and I haven't heard from him I hope he's all good.

 

Dang. I hope he’s okay.

 

It's getting real scary now.
Bishop declares emergency due to fire danger

Bishop City Administrator Ron Phillips, acting in his capacity as director of Emergency Services for the city, has issued a declaration of public emergency due to extreme fire danger.

The declaration was issued Wednesday due to the current extended drought conditions combined with the excessive amount of combustible material located in and around the city.

Due to the high risk of fire occurring or spreading in or near the city, the declaration bans open fires in the city limits until the termination of the local emergency. Fires in devices designed for outdoor warming such as patio fireplaces, chimneys, campfires, portable fire pits, stoves or other portable burning devices used for outdoor recreation and/or heating are also prohibited in the city limits under the declaration.

No permits or permission will be granted approving recreational, ceremonial or special event fires and all types of fireworks are similarly, and immediately, prohibited.

These prohibitions are in effect immediately and are mandatory. The prohibition does not include use of devices used for cooking such as barbecues used on property owned by the user or who has legal authority to occupy the property.

The Bishop City Council will review and ratify the orders within the required seven days and, once ratified, will remain in effect until the council proclaims the termination of the local emergency.

 

Man, it just keeps getting worse and worse. Problem is, its too hard to police everyone going in and out of the forests and monitor for illegal fires. I went to Lytle creek a little over a week ago and saw people with illegal fires in camp sites even though the fire pits were cordoned off with tape and large NO FIRE signs. People just don't give a shit.

And now, wouldn't you know it, there's a huge fire in Lytle Creek. :\

 

yeah, it really sucks. That’s one of my favorite places to go for a quick getaway too.

 

Yeah, it's really cool! I went there for the first time literally last week, a few days before the fire started. Thats when I saw the illegal fires. I wanted to go back to check out the more aggressive trail to the camping sites at the top of the hill but... Now its probably all burnt down.

Oh, and I barely discovered that it was so close to me. I can get there without even taking the fwy.

 

Yeah I haven’t paid attention all that much to the exact areas burned, but hopefully they’re able to keep the burn area to a minimum

 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news. If you have reservations for the Eastern Sierra's - probably need to verify.

Inyo county is thinking of following everyone else and closing all county campgrounds - probably announce it on Tuesday.

Inyo National Forest will be closing Aug 30
The Inyo National Forest, along with all National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, will be closing to most public use beginning tomorrow, August 30 until at least September 17. The decision was just made at the regional level after lengthy discussion with all Forest Supervisors over the weekend. This is not the news I wanted to share with you all ahead of Labor Day. I made it clear to regional leadership the significant impacts that a forest closure has to our Eastern Sierra communities. Unfortunately for us and many of our forest communities around the state, there are even more grave and emergent impacts from wildfires and the lack of firefighting resources. We are quickly approaching, and in some areas in the region, have crossed below the threshold of being able to effectively support initial attack operations.
The fires we are seeing are exhibiting truly unprecedented behavior. I am currently in Northern California lending support to forests up here with significant fire activity. We saw two new fire starts overnight, which quickly grew in size, even outside of the area of the red flag warning. We are at the point in the region of having to prioritize which homes and communities to save because there are not enough fire resources to save them all. The decision is being made because it is the prudent thing to do for public safety. It is clear that our tactics and strategies will need to change significantly in the future in order to stay ahead of these climate change driven impacts. The risk management decisions that we are having to make are harrowing and the decision to close the forest is absolutely one of those decisions. If closing the forest reduces risk enough for us to prioritize resources to save a community or save a life, I have to say that it is worth it.


I am asking the district rangers and the rest of the Forest Leadership Team to reach out to you all as well as other key partners and permittees to talk about needs and impacts to your operations. We will do what we can to make sure you have access to the forest to take care of property and infrastructure. We are working on other exemptions as well, including ongoing mission critical work, tribal access needs and business owners who provide vital services to our communities and other travelers on main highways, including stores and gas stations. If you have questions about possible exemptions or your particular situation, please contact your permit administrator or district ranger directly. (Note that Philip DeSenze is out of the office. David Andersen is acting for him.) A press release with this news will be coming out shortly, so please feel free to share this information with your constituencies.


Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding with this very difficult situation. I will continue to communicate directly with you all via email as I have updates and information to share. My ability to respond to specific questions will be limited while I’m on fire assignment, so I ask you all to contact your district rangers with questions that need a more immediate response.


Stay well and take care,
Lesley Yen
Forest Supervisor
Inyo National Forest

 

Any death valley area trips? Thinking a stop in trona and possibly panamint springs but not familiar with any backcountry spots in the park. Only camped at furnace creek and mesquite dune sites previously.

 

We're heading out in two weeks. Ranger Steve is taking us to a free site with easy access to a nice hiking area. However he left yesterday to visit his mother on the coast so I don't have any better info until later....