Mineral King District Association

News You Can Use! About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Road Construction Flyer for Feb. 17-27)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:23:00 PST

Hi!

Visit the News Releases page of our website for the latest road construction flyer at www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Marta

News You Can Use! About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:58:00 PST

Hi All,

Please visit the News Releases page of our website for a new Ranger-led programs flyer for the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas at www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

Programs include the much anticipated snowshoe walks, Sherman Tree Talk, and evening programs during the upcoming holiday weekend (Feb. 18-20).

Enjoy!

News You Can Use! about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:46:00 PST

The following new information has been posted on the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks website at:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm

Road Construction Flyer for February 13-27th

Come and enjoy your beautiful parks!

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If you would like to stop receiving News You Can Use! about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks please reply with "Opt Out - News You Can Use!" in the subject line of the email. You're name will then be removed from this mailing list.

www.nps.gov/seki (home page)

Mineral King Winter Patrol Report 1-28-12

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:13:00 PST

Mineral King Winter Patrol Report

1/28/2012

Submitted By: Chris Waldschmidt

We conducted a patrol up to Mineral King over the weekend. Snow from the recent storm prohibited vehicle access for the first time this season. We were able to park the vehicle about a mile below Atwell Mill and proceeded by snowmobile. The road had a couple of small trees down past Silver City but nothing too large or that prohibited travel by snowmobile. On the bluffs approximately 1 mile west of Faculty Flat, a 4’ diameter tree fell and blocked the road. It was not passable by snowmobile and there is not enough snow to go over it. Currently the tree is still blocking the road. It has been reported to NPS roads and I will notify you if it is removed. The snow was compacted from the freeze/thaw cycle so travel by snow machine and skis were not difficult. Conditions were icy in the mornings.

The cabins in Cabin Cove and Faculty Flat looked to be in good condition. All of the cabins in East Mineral King looked to be in good condition with the exception of cabin #19. A large red fir tree broke off and fell on the cabin causing significant damage. The owners have been notified of the damages.

The snow survey at Aspen Flat was conducted on 1/28. The average total depth of snow was 17” and the density % was 35.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:34:00 PST

Hi All,

Please visit the News Releases page of our website at
http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm for the following update:

Jan. 20, 2012
Road between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be Closed for this Weekend
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News Media: Our apologies if you receive this information twice.
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If you would like to stop receiving News You Can Use! about Sequoia and
Kings Canyon National Parks please reply with "Opt Out - News You Can
Use!" in the subject line of the email. You're name will then be removed
from this mailing list.

www.nps.gov/seki (home page)

News You Can Use! - Road Construction for Jan. 23-Feb. 6.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:02:00 PST

Hi All:

The Latest and Greatest Info - For the latest information, including the
new posting below, visit our website at
www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

Jan. 18 Road Construction Updates for January 23 - February 6, 2012

Will it Snow? - As per the National Weather Service, there is a winter
storm watch for the southern Sierra Nevada from late Thursday through the
upcoming weekend from 5,000-8,000 feet in elevation.

For more info, visit:

http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ097&warncounty=CAC107&firewxzone=CAZ297&local_place1=13+Miles+E+Squaw+Valley+CA&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch

ALWAYS - Call our recorded road conditions line before a visit to the parks
at 559-565-3341 (dial 1, 1, 1). Tire chains or cables may be required at
any time.

Have a great day!

Dana M. Dierkes
Public Affairs Specialist
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
559-565-3131
www.nps.gov/seki

News You Can Use! about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:54:00 PST

The following new information has been posted on the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks website at:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm

Fee Free Weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks January 14-16
Road Construction Updates for January 16-23
Road Construction Updates for January 9-16
Ranger-led Programs in Giant Forest and Lodgepole for January 9-16

Come and enjoy these beautiful parks, the unseasonably warm and dry weather, and the Fee Free Days to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

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www.nps.gov/seki (home page)

Fwd: News You Can Use! - Temporary Weekend/Holiday Opening of Road Between Parks, Ranger-led Programs, etc

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:12:00 PST

Happy New Year to All -

Winter is a great time to visit the parks! While there very little snow at mid-elevations right now (i.e., not enough to sled, snowshoe or cross-country ski in), there are other benefits.

No snow = no tire chains or cables needed. (However, you are still required to carry them and be prepared to use them, according to California law.)

Due to limited snowfall, the road between the parks will be open on upcoming weekends and holidays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. until measurable snowfall closes the road. After snowfall, the road is expected to be closed through April 1.

No road construction in Sequoia National Park through Monday, January 9, at 9 p.m. means only 20-minute delays on green lights. Join a ranger-led talk at the General Sherman Tree this weekend or next. The lack of snow means the Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road and main General Sherman Tree parking areas of Sequoia National Park have temporarily re-opened, as weather permits. Or, spend some time in Kings Canyon National Park with the General Grant Tree and/or hike along the North Fork Trail.

More info may be found on the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' website at: http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

Have you taken a "nature break" lately?

Dana M. Dierkes
Public Affairs Specialist / Branch Chief, Office of Communications & Outreach
Division of Interpretation, Education & Partnerships
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
559-565-3131
www.nps.gov/seki

News You Can Use about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (updated road construction flyer)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:38:00 PST

Hi All,

For an updated/revised road construction flyer please visit our public website at www.nps.gov/seki.

Thank you!

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If you would like to stop receiving News You Can Use from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks please reply with "Opt Out - News You Can Use" in the subject line of the email. You're name will then be removed from this mailing list.

News You Can Use! About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:26:00 PST

Please visit the following News Releases page of our website for the current road construction flyer:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm

Happy Holidays!

Comment Period Extended for Wilsonia NPS Properties Public Scoping

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:12:00 PST

Dear Interested Party,

The National Park Service has initiated a planning process to determine the
future of 12 NPS-owned buildings located in the Wilsonia Historic District
near Grant Grove, within Kings Canyon National Park. The Wilsonia Historic
District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. In
2011, the list was expanded to include landscape elements such as meadows
and rock outcrops.

We are interested in your concerns and potential issues related to the
proposed project. We are currently in the "scoping" phase of the project
planning process.

Please note that we have extended the public comment period for this
initial phase of planning. All comments must now be received by January 21,
2012.

You may find more information, photos, and maps related to this project and
submit comments on the internet at:

www.parkplanning.nps.gov/seki

You may also mail or hand deliver comments to the address on the front of
this postcard or FAX comments to 559-565-4202. Please send comments to the
Superintendent, Attn: Wilsonia Project.

We look forward to hearing from you!

News You Can Use - About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Dec. 19, 2011 - Jan. 2, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:38:00 PST

To learn more about the news listed below, please visit our park webpage at:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm

- Road Construction Updates for December 19, 2011 - January 2, 2012

- Ranger-led Programs in Giant Forest/Lodgepole, Sequoia National Park for December 19, 2011 - January 2, 2012

News You Can Use from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Road Construction Flyer, Trek to the Tree and the Annual Christmas Tree Bird Count)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:19:00 PST

Hi All!

Please visit our News Releases webpage at http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm for the latest road construction flyer, and two upcoming annual events.

Have a great weekend!
___________________________________________________________________________________
For updated road and weather information, please call 559-565-3341
In-depth trip planning is available on our website at www.nps.gov/seki

News You Can Use! - Come help with the Annual Christmas Bird Count at Sequoia National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:03:00 PST

The public is invited to the 112th Annual Christmas Bird Count in Sequoia National Park!

Please join us on Saturday, December 17, at 7 a.m. at the Foothills Visitor Center. All levels of experience, to include people with an interest in learning about birds to experienced birders, are welcome to participate in the longest running citizen science project in the United States. Interested participants must call for more information - (559) 565-4251. This event is sponsored by the Sequoia Natural History Association www.sequoiahistory.org.

News You Can Use! - Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree on Sunday, Dec. 11

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:54:00 PST

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
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For Immediate Release: December 7, 2011
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes, (559) 565-3131 (o) or 559-679-2866 (cell)

Invitation to the "Trek to the Tree" Ceremony at Kings Canyon National Park on Sunday, December 11

Are you looking for something fun to do with your family and friends to celebrate the holidays? Would you like to honor those who fought and died for our freedom? If so, you are cordially invited to attend the Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree ceremony on Sunday, December 11, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park. Co-sponsored by the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce and the National Park Service, the event will include the Jubilation Singers, Sanger High School Choir, and a non-denominational holiday message. During the ceremony, which will be conducted by the Sanger Chamber of Commerce, the National Park Service will place a large wreath at the base of the General Grant Tree in memory of our war dead. To reach Kings Canyon National Park by vehicle, take Highway 180 east from Fresno for approximately 55 miles. Access through the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park will be free from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on December 11. Visitors are strongly advised to check road and weather conditions in advance and be prepared for wintry conditions. Walking surfaces may be slippery and snowy. Travelers should provide additional time if icy and/or snowy conditions exist. Drivers must bring and be prepared to use tire chains, if required.

For weather and road condition information, call 559-565-3341 and press 1.

In addition, a shuttle bus to the park from Sanger, CA, is available with a fee and by reservation - 559-875-4575.

The ceremony will be held at the base of the General Grant Tree, a ¼-mile
walk from the parking lot. Given limited parking at the grove, a free shuttle service will be available from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center parking area to the Grant Tree Trail. Allow an extra 30 minutes if you plan to use this in-park shuttle service.

This year's Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree ceremony will mark the 85th celebration of the General Grant Tree's official designation as the "Nation's Christmas Tree" by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926. In 1956, the tree was designated as the only living national shrine honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country.

For more information about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, visit www.nps.gov/seki or call 559-565-3341.

–NPS–

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SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which lie side-by-side in the southern Sierra Nevada in central California, serve as a prime example of nature's size, beauty, and diversity. With the world's largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the highest point in the lower 48 states, it is a place that attracts 1.6 million visitors a year from across the U.S. and the world. Visitor activities vary by season and elevation. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/seki or call 559-565-3341.

News You Can Use About Sequoia and Kings Canyon

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:22:00 PST

All,

Please see the public website's news releases link:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm

The newest items include:

National Park Service Seeks Public Comments to Help Determine Management
Options for 12 NPS-owned Buildings in Wilsonia within Kings Canyon National
Park
The latest road construction flyer with the holiday schedule
Overdue Hiker Rescue, and more

Happy Thanksgiving!

Public Review initiated to determine future of 12 NPS-owned structures in Wilsonia, Kings Canyon National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:40:00 PST

> November 21, 2011
>
> Dear Interested Party:
>
> The National Park Service (NPS) is initiating a planning process to
> determine the future of 12 NPS-owned buildings located in the Wilsonia
> Historic District near Grant Grove, within Kings Canyon National Park. The
> Wilsonia Historic District (District) was first listed in the National
> Register of Historic Places in 1996. In 2011, the listed was expanded to
> include landscape elements such as meadows and rock outcrops.
>
> We recently completed several studies for the NPS-owned buildings,
> including an Environmental Health Services inspection (2006/2007),
> comprehensive condition assessments (2007 and 2011); and a defensible space
> study for fire safety (2009). These studies will provide information to
> help the park develop alternatives through the planning process. The
> project will include a range of alternatives, including, but not limited
> to: rehabilitation for occupancy; structure rehabilitation and/or
> stabilization (mothballing); and structure removal and restoration of the
> building site to natural conditions. As part of this planning process, we
> will be preparing a Determination of Effect for the Wilsonia Historic
> District in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, and
> complete compliance in accordance with the National Environmental Policy
> Act.
>
> We are interested in your concerns and potential issues related to the
> proposed project. We are currently accepting public comments in the
> "scoping" phase of project planning. After analyzing scoping comments, we
> will determine the level of analysis needed for this project. More
> information on the proposed project is available on-line at the NPS
> Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website,
> http://parkplanning.nps.gov/seki, or you may contact Environmental
> Protection Specialist Nancy Hendricks at (559) 565-3102.
>
> Public comment may be submitted at the PEPC website, or you may direct
> comments regarding this project to the park in writing by mail, hand
> delivery, or fax to:
>
> Superintendent
> Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
> Attn: Wilsonia Project
> 47050 Generals Highway
> Three Rivers, CA 93271
> Fax: 559-565-4202
>
> All comments must be received by December 22, 2011.
>
> Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other
> personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that
> your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may
> be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your
> comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public
> review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will always
> make submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals
> identifying themselves as representatives of or officials of organizations
> or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. Anonymous
> comments will not be accepted.
>
> Thank you for your interest in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
>
> /s/
> Karen F. Taylor-Goodrich
> Superintendent

Fire Management Plans Pile Burning Next Week.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:58:00 PST

From: Debra Schweizer
Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 16:08:33 -0800

Hello all: The parks plan to begin pile burning the week of Nov 14, weather and air quality conditions permitting. The piles near the Atwell Mill Campground are planned to be burned. These piles were created as part of a mechanical thinning (fuels reduction) project that removed small trees and brush. These ladder fuels could carry fire from the forest floor to the canopy of the forest. Recent rain and snow has created favorable conditions to safely burn the piles.

The thinning project was designed to provide protection from unwanted fire near developments by reducing the amount of available vegetation to fuel a fire. This will provide an additional measure of defensible space for Atwell Mill Campground, as well as the communities of Silver City and Mineral King.

Deb Schweizer
Fire Education Specialist
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Mineral King Trip Report

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:24:00 PST

Thanks to Stoney Savage of WMK-4, we have this trip report from last weekend:

Just a quick note to let you know all is well in MK in general and WMK in particular. I was there Thu - Sat last and had a good time. We arrived Thu afternoon and it was dry and very nice. By midnight it was snowing and we awoke to about 3 - 4 inches of fresh snow. Snow showers most of Fri and Fri night adding about 1 - 2 inches of new snow. Sat broke mostly clear but by early afternoon it was snowing again. Total snow on the ground at our place before we left was measured at 5 inches. Temperatures at night were in the low to mid teens with a low of 13 degrees measured early Sat morning. Fri never got above 26 degrees and only slightly above freezing high the rest of the time we were there.

Since we only had front two wheel drive we expected an adventure getting out as the snow line was at Camp Conifer on Sat. We had no problem until we got to the little hill just below Silver City at the Hallmeyer cabin. We couldn't make the sharp turn and have enough momentum to make it over the top -- darn it! Oh well, we put on chains and away we went. No other problem . . .

I will be returning to MK tomorrow or Thu as I left some stuff at the cabin in our haste to close and get out of there which I need now instead of next spring. The weather
looks good for the next couple days so I'll give it a try -- probably walk part of the way rather than drive on the snow and take a chance on getting stuck. Besides, I need the exercise and 4 - 6 miles should be too bad.

Last but not least, your cabin looked great with the snow on it. It really looked like it was saying someone from your clan should be there now to enjoy the snow and beautiful scenery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Several other cabins looked the same way. I'll try to send you a picture, soon.

Later . . .

Stoney

News You Can Use about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! (Current Road Construction Schedule and more)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:44:00 PDT

Hello All:

For updates including information about road construction, ranger-led programs and more at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please visit our website at the following links:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm (news releases)

http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm (home)

Have a great day!

Comments for Wilderness Stewardship Plan Available for Review

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:45:00 PDT

FINAL NR - Wilderness Comments Available, 10-28-11.pdf

See attached file: FINAL NR - Wilderness Comments Available, 10-28-11.pdf

Click to open:

FINAL NR - Wilderness Comments Available, 10-28-11.pdf

EMK Bridge and MK Road Update

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:28:00 PDT

Bridge update from Stoney:

While the road is passable to the Disney parking lot the job isn't finished as the approaches have not been paved and no railings have been installed -- next spring, maybe? I presume this is the reason the road is still closed at the Sawtooth parking lot by a barricade most of the time and a barricade at the bridge, also. The intent appears to be for no one to drive into EMK . . . walking in is OK, however.

The temporary foot bridge has been removed.

PS The weather remains "perfect" in MK as of today but there is a chance it will turn very cold later in the week and there may be a dusting or two of snow in store for us later in the week also. Four cabins remain open in WMK/Faculty Flat as of today -- Wollenman, Savage, Barton, and Benedict. There are still campers in Cold Spring campground -- Brrrr!

Additionally, this road update was sent by someone from Silver City:

I spoke to the Park Ranger here in Silver City and they will be closing the gates on Nov. 1st. They drive up the road around 11am or so and close the gates as they come up keeping day campers from coming in.

News You Can Use about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:46:00 PDT

Hello All:

Information posted includes: Comments for Wilderness Stewardship Plan Available for Public Review, Firewood Permits Available in Grant Grove, Nature Trail Prescribed Fire, Senior and Access Passes Available by Mail, road construction, ranger-led programs, and more at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Please visit our website at the following links:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm (news releases)

http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm (home)

Have a great day!

Mineral King latest details from John Benedict

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:54:00 PDT

I just returned from MK last night after a 12 day stay. The weather was fantastic with clear skies, a few days in the low seventies, and crisp mornings down to 34 degrees or so. Snow in the valley is gone but a considerable amount remains in shady places at higher elevations. The valley was very sparsely occupied by humans; just me and tons of birds, the deer , bears, and other small critters.. A few cabin owners were up for a couple of days enjoying the fall weather and closing their cabins.

The land survey continues. The equipment is accurate down to a couple of centimeters and also records the topographic elevations. A central computer recording computer tripod is mounted above the triangulated point. Then a worker caries a transmitter pole to various points along the cabin's lot line and to all major features of the cabin's outermost limits. Outbuilding and some small man made rock structures/patios&fire pits etc are also pinpointed. The unmanned central computer recorder electronically tracks the whereabouts of the workers pole and on command records the exact location. Each crew usually has only one man. Three one man crews are now operating independently and work Mondaythrough Friday from about eight in the morning to when it gets dark around 6 PM. The three crewmen stay in a rented Silver City store cabin. Weather permitting they will continue the survey through early December. A crew member stated that the survey was for "historical" documentation . The final report will most likely be filled with Tulare county.

Water system and gate update

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Hayden) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:30:00 PDT

I have confirmed with the Park Service that the West Mineral King & Cold Springs Campground water system has been drained and shut off for the winter season. Both gates on the Mineral King Road are still scheduled to be locked on October 31. If you are a cabin owner and require access to your cabin, email me for the lock combinations. Also, the last garbage truck run will be October 22. If you are up after that date, please pack your trash down the hill when
you leave. Thank you for your cooperation!

Finally, don't forget to follow a pictoral essay on the EMK bridge repair on Jana's blog: http://www.cabinart.net/category/mineral-king

Happy Autumn,

Sharon Devol, E-list Coordinator
Mineral King District Association
P.O. Box 1004
Three Rivers, CA 93271-1004