Forest Service
Wildlife managers urge campers to be 'bear aware' when headed to Sierra, Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 05/16/2013 - 2:09pmHeaded to Lake Tahoe or the backcountry for the weekend? Well, bears and other critters are headed out into the wild too after spending winter and spring inside their own nooks and crannies. And, like you, they're up for some exploring.
Oh, and they're hungry, too.
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Outdoors with Don Q: Having outside fun at two nearby recreation spots
Submitted by Don Quilici on Thu, 05/16/2013 - 9:46amIf you are looking for somewhere in this general area to having fun in the outdoors (camping, fishing, photographing, sightseeing, etc.), then look no further than two locations in nearby Plumas County in California.
I'm referring to Davis Lake and Frenchman Reservoir.
Davis Lake:
It can be reached from Carson City by taking U.S. 395 north to Reno.
Then from Reno, drive past Bordertown and the Nevada-California state line to a junction with California S.R. 70 at Hallelujah Junction.
At Hallelujah Junction, take S.R. 70 west toward Portola and Quincy.
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Don Q's fishing report for the week of May 15-21
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 05/15/2013 - 9:38amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of May 15-21.
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Forest Service awards ‘next gen’ airtanker contract to Minden Air
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 05/07/2013 - 2:06pmA federal contract was awarded Tuesday to Douglas County-based Minden Air Corporation to supply the U.S. Forest Service with "next generation" air tankers that will replace the aging fleet.
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Outdoors with Don Q: Fishing The California Alps annual edition available
Submitted by Don Quilici on Thu, 05/02/2013 - 7:36amIt’s that time of the year to pick up your copy of a widely-distributed and widely-read annual publication known as “Fishing The California Alps.”
That outdoor newspaper is your personal guide to the fishing, camping, sightseeing and vacationing world in our general area and it has many pages of in-depth information provided by lots of experts in their specific areas of knowledge and experience.
Be sure to use this 2013 edition as your handy and ready-to-use guide on what, when, where and how to enjoy the Great Outdoors.
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Amodei pushes bill to speed public land transfers
Submitted by editor on Wed, 04/24/2013 - 8:54amNevada Congressman Mark Amodei announced Wednesday the re-introduction of his "Small Lands Tracts Conveyance Act" (H.R. 1633) to accelerate the process for transferring small parcels of federal land to local communities.
In western states, straightforward, non-controversial public land sales to decrease the vast federal inventory and promote local control can take more than a decade to complete. While Amodei believes there should be scrutiny for any sale, he cites the bureaucratic regulatory maze and slow legislative process as the main culprits in dragging out the transfers.
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Tahoe a finalist for $30k Bell Bike Helmet Grant
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 04/04/2013 - 8:09pmThe Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (US Forest Service/LTBMU) and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) have been working together for a couple of years to improve mountain bike trails all while protecting the natural resources of our local forests. Lake Tahoe is a special place, loved and used by millions of visitors each year from around the world. The local forest service has been at the forefront of working collaboratively with user groups and the public to ensure that protecting the environment of this special place, still allows for uses that are compatible and fun.
Firefighters get handle on brush fire from escaped pile burn off of Spooner near Old Clear Creek
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 03/21/2013 - 7:31pmUPDATE 8:08 PM: Carson City firefighters at the scene of a brush fire off of Old Clear Creek and Tahoe Golf Club Drive report they have a line around the fire, which was reportedly from a burn pile in the area that began to spread. It is unknown if the pile burn was from controlled fire operations by the U.S. Forest Service. The size of the fire was reported to be about a quarter acre.
Firefighters report to have extinguished flames that had burned outside the burn pile area.
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Smoke in Carson City area from Lake Tahoe prescribed fires
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 02/19/2013 - 4:27pmPrescribed fires at Lake Tahoe's east shore above Glenbrook and north shore have been blowing smoke into Carson City.
Fire and fuel crews with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the Forest Service began the controlled burns today. Winds in front of a storm system are pushing smoke into the area, confirmed Carson City Fire Chief Stacey Giomi.
Here are the news releases on the burns:
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Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Team announced
Submitted by Don Quilici on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 10:47amThe members of the newly formed five-member Sagebrush Ecosystem Team, an interagency multidisciplinary entity, were announced recently.
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Don Q's fishing report for week of Feb. 6-12
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 02/06/2013 - 4:48amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Feb. 6-12.
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Don Q's Fishing Report for week of Jan. 30 to Feb. 5
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 01/30/2013 - 6:48amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Jan. 30 through Feb. 5.
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After concessions and collaboration, Lake Tahoe Regional Plan approved
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 12/12/2012 - 6:55pmFor the first time since 1987, Lake Tahoe has a new regional plan for development and land use.
Twelve of the 14 voting members of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's governing board voted in favor of the new plan, with one member voting against it and another abstaining, according to TRPA spokesman Jeff Cowan.
Business interests say the plan is an overdue overhaul of regulations that will jump-start Tahoe's tourism economy while also protecting its environment.
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Christmas tree permits sell out in Lake Tahoe, continue on BLM land in the Pinenut Mountains
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 12/10/2012 - 10:11amThe U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Christmas tree permits are sold out but tree cutting permits remain available on BLM lands in the Pinenut Mountains between Carson City and Yerington, the Clan Alpine and Desatoya mountains east of Fallon, and the Excelsior Mountains southeast of Hawthorne.
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Forest Service taking reservations for 2013 Lake Tahoe Winter Trek Express
Submitted by editor on Fri, 12/07/2012 - 2:50pmThe U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin accepting reservations for the 2013 Winter Trek Express program on Monday, December 17, 2012.
Teachers may reserve a spot by calling the Forest Service front desk at (530) 543-2694, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Winter Trek Express is a 5th-grade environmental education program that takes place at Heavenly Mountain Resort via the gondola. Forest Service rangers lead the class through the wilderness to learn snowshoe skills and discover winter adapting animals.
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Holiday tree permits go on sale in the Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by editor on Tue, 11/13/2012 - 11:47amThe U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of holiday tree permits the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 23. Permits cost $10 each (cash or check only, no credit cards) with a limit of two permits per family. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar in designated cutting areas and must abide by specific permit conditions for proper and responsible collection. Harvesting smaller diameter trees offers residents and visitors a traditional holiday experience while helping to thin the forest.
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Washoe Valley fire 50 percent contained; no homes lost
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 11/08/2012 - 2:26pmUPDATE 3:26PM: The fire burning in East Washoe Valley is 50 percent contained as of 3:22 this afternoon. Two out-buildings were destroyed, and no homes burned. Mutual aid firefighters called to fight the Lyon Fire, are now being relieved and remaining crews are doing mop-up, said Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charlie Moore.
The fire burned about 5 acres. As of 3:20 winds had considerably lessened and the fire is putting out a fraction of the smoke it had earlier in the day when it started at around 12:30, Moore said. Eastlake Boulevard is opened at Highway 395 south. Residents who were evacuated from the area can return to their homes and should have photo identification with them.
"The chances of the fire growing larger are quite minimal. There is little risk to structures and property and the rest now is left to mopping up," Moore said.
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Wardens arrest four in Lassen and Plumas counties
Submitted by Don Quilici on Sun, 11/04/2012 - 5:48pmA citizen tip about deer poaching turned into a multi-agency operation resulting in the seizure of poached wildlife, drugs and stolen guns and cars.
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) operation, which included assistance from U.S. Forest Service officers, California Highway Patrol officers and Lassen County sheriff’s deputies, resulted in four arrests.
The operation began Oct. 21 when DFG wardens received confidential information from a citizen and responded to the home of Charles Roger Godkin, 44, of Chilcoot, to investigate suspected deer poaching.
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Workshop for proposed South Shore Lake Tahoe Highway 50 realignment project set; public comment sought
Submitted by editor on Fri, 11/02/2012 - 6:45pmThe Tahoe Transportation District will host its second public workshop to discuss the US 50, Lake Tahoe South Shore Community Revitalization project, Wednesday, November 7, at Embassy Suites from 1-3 p.m.
The Lake Tahoe workshop will provide background on the project, outline goals and solicit input from individuals throughout the community. The open house format allows for members of the community to participant in the workshop anytime between workshop hours.
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Two more chipmunks test positive for plague in South Lake Tahoe area
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 10/26/2012 - 4:25pmThe El Dorado County Department of Environmental Health was notified this week by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that two additional chipmunks in the South Lake Tahoe area have tested positive for plague. One of the chipmunks was found in the Tallac Historic Site area and one was near the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
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Small-scale prescribed fire operations Friday, Sunday at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 10/25/2012 - 3:40pmU.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will conduct prescribed fire operations near Taylor Creek on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and on Alice Lane in the Meeks Bay area of the West Shore, Friday, Oct. 26. Each area is approximately one-quarter acre. On Sunday, Oct. 28, prescribed fire operations will take place in the Timberland area of the West Shore, weather permitting.
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Lake Tahoe boaters beware: Asian clam control project at Emerald Bay
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 10/11/2012 - 4:16pmBoaters heading to Lake Tahoe in the next six weeks may experience a short delay when entering Emerald Bay due to an Asian clam control project that will be taking place there.
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Lake Tahoe may have elevated risk for plague after chipmunk tests positive
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 10/10/2012 - 12:49pmThe U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is advising visitors to its recreation sites to take precautions against plague after a chipmunk found at Taylor Creek Visitor Center tested positive for the disease. Acting on the recommendations of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Forest Service and its concessionaire have posted extensive signage in the area of Taylor Creek Visitor Center, the Tallac Historic Site, and Camp Richardson Resort explaining how the disease is transmitted, the symptoms and how to prevent infection.
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Some Forest Service facilities at Lake Tahoe to close for season
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 4:13pmThe closure of some U.S. Forest Service recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin has begun. Campgrounds and day-use areas traditionally close around mid-October. While forest roads typically close around mid-November, you may consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map for specific dates by going here. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center will remain open through October, according to a news release.
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Lake Tahoe Asian clam control project taking place at Emerald Bay
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 1:04pmA team of partners from the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program is scheduled to begin implementation of the largest Asian clam control project in the history of Lake Tahoe on October 15, with plans to treat an area of up to 5 acres at the mouth of Emerald Bay.
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Fire at Elks Point Road near Highway 50 at Lake Tahoe fully contained at 2.6 acres
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 4:25pmUPDATE 8PM: The U.S. Forest Service reports Friday night that the fire burning on the Douglas County side of Lake Tahoe on public land off of Elks Point Road has been contained at 2.6 acres. Cheva Heck, spokeswoman for the Forest Service, said local government resources assigned to the fire are being released. An engine will remain at the fire site overnight. The cause of the fire is under investigation. "We have no reports with lightning or problems with power lines. The fire is believed to be human caused," she said.
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Ninth Circuit Court upholds Lake Tahoe Angora Fire project analysis
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/20/2012 - 4:12pmThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed Thursday a district court ruling upholding Lake Tahoe area environmental analysis for the Angora fire area fuels reduction project.
The Angora Restoration Project was designed to protect wildlife habitat as well as reduce long-term wildfire risk to Lake Tahoe area communities. Two environmental groups, Earth Island Institute and Center for Biological Diversity, tried to stop arguing it would harm the black-backed woodpecker.
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South Lake Tahoe teens to represent U.S. at the International competition in Moscow
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 12:03pmSouth Tahoe High seniors Emily Barnett and Tyler Myers will travel to Russia to present their field research project, “The Effects of Fire and Forest Thinning on the Biodiversity of Understory Plants in the Lake Tahoe Basin,” at the 9th Annual International Junior Foresters’ Competition. Their project was selected by the U.S. Forest Service International Programs office in Washington DC to represent the U.S. in the upcoming competition.
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Wilderness area proposal would harm regional economy says public Pro-Access group
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 3:29pmWith the comment period ending Thursday, August 30, the newly formed Sierra Pro-Access Group is asking outdoor enthusiasts to write against a U.S. Forest Service alternative plan that proposes creating new wilderness areas that would shut down some of the locals' most beloved recreation areas on public land around the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The economic effects on the Lake Tahoe Basin could be devastating, the group says, shutting out what clearly has been public access for not only snowmobiles, but mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and 4-wheel ATVs.
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Outdoors with Don Q: Go high to have fun, fish and stay cool
Submitted by Don Quilici on Thu, 08/09/2012 - 5:39amIt’s that time of the year again. This is my annual reminder that if you’re someone like me, summer’s sweltering heat is not much fun. I do not like the summer months.
I am an outdoors person who dearly loves the cold, frost, ice and snow of winter, and I absolutely and totally wilt at this time of the year.
I am miserable and grouchy during hot weather months, especially August.
To be honest, I dislike the weather anytime it gets past 80-85 degrees.
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Public Meeting for Winter Planning at Lake Davis
Submitted by Don Quilici on Sun, 07/29/2012 - 8:25amThe Plumas National Forest, Beckwourth Ranger District would like to invite you to a meeting to help identify a Winter recreation trail system for the Smith Peak/Lake Davis area. The meeting will be held on July 31st at the Beckwourth Ranger District conference room at 10:00 am. We will review the map proposed by the public for motorized and non-motorized trails within this planning area.
The district started public collaboration on this project in January of 2012, public meetings were held on January 26 and March 7.
Our work includes;
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July 4 at Lake Tahoe means no fireworks allowed, holiday booze ban at Nevada and Zephyr Cove beaches
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 1:10pmThe U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit reminds residents and visitors to help protect public safety and our environment during the Fourth of July holiday.
Keep wildfire prevention in mind during Fourth of July celebrations. Possession of fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
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Fire restrictions announced in Humboldt-Toiyabe
Submitted by admin on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 6:32amThe U.S. Forest Service has announced fire restrictions in the Carson and Bridgeport ranger districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in western Nevada and eastern California.
Don Q's Fishing Report for week of June 6
Submitted by admin on Fri, 06/08/2012 - 10:41amALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fish are active and conditions are perfect.
The surface temps are averaging 59 degrees, and climbing to 61.5 degrees by midday. Clarity is very good, to 13.5 ft. Still cool enough on the surface to still be holding some nice Kings on the west side. 2 salmon were caught trolling Almanor West up to 2 lbs.
Trolling has been more effective than bait fishing deep holes and should remain that way until surface temps really spike. Like above 65 degrees.
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Pilot Lake Tahoe bus program to link Incline Village and Sand Harbor
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 06/06/2012 - 4:45pmA new bus service at Lake Tahoe that will run from Incline Village to Sand Harbor Beach State Recreation Area will begin this month.
A collaboration of the Tahoe Transportation District, the Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Highway Patrol and Washoe County School District will inaugurate the East Shore Express, a pilot Park and Ride bus service beginning June 15 and will run to Sept. 3, 2012.
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Keep Tahoe Blue Volunteer Weed Pull
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sun, 06/03/2012 - 3:19pm
Event Date:
June 28, 2012 (All day) Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the U.S. Forest Service for a weed pull on the evening of June 28th in Rabe Meadows near Stateline, Nevada. Volunteers will be helping to remove invasive weeds that are threatening Tahoe’s native plant species and wildlife habitat. Learn about invasive weeds and how to properly remove them. If you would like more information on volunteering for this event please call 530-544-5388, or email events@keeptahoeblue.org.
Proposed Forest Service plan could affect entire Sierra Nevada
Submitted by admin on Sat, 06/02/2012 - 7:20amA wide-ranging plan to manage of more than 150,000 acres of forest surrounding Lake Tahoe could be precedent-setting for the entire Sierra Nevada range, according to a coalition of conservation groups.
Don Q's Fishing report for week of May 30
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 05/30/2012 - 1:48amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This fishing report is for the week of May 30 to June 5, 2012.
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Fire restrictions go into effect tomorrow
Submitted by admin on Mon, 05/28/2012 - 3:31pmSeasonal drying conditions, increasing daytime temperatures and a number of human-caused fires have prompted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District Office and the Nevada Division of Forestry’s Sierra Forest Fire Protection District to announce the implementation of fire restrictions on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at 12:01 a.m., and lasting until further notice.
Fishing Report through Memorial Day weekend
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 1:11amMemorial Day weekend will make for near-perfect conditions for fishing in Nevada, Northern California, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams now through the holiday weekend.
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Topaz Ranch Estates at 4,400 acres; homes destroyed revised at 2, 17 structures burned
Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/22/2012 - 4:39pmDouglas County officials scaled back the number of homes burned in the TRE Fire on Tuesday night to two homes from seven, however, 17 outbuildings were destroyed and the fire burning in south Douglas County at Topaz Ranch Estates has grown to 4,400 acres.
Sgt. Jim Halsey of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported the clarification in a news release. The fire continues to move in a northeasterly direction, away from homes in the Topaz Ranch Estates residential area.
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Lake Tahoe Science Conference highlights environment, economics, research
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 05/21/2012 - 5:53pmMore than 350 scientists, environmental policy makers and economic stakeholders will discuss Lake Tahoe and its environmental and economic future at the annual Tahoe Science Conference “Environmental Restoration in a Changing Climate” May 22 to 24 at Incline Village.
The conference, this year being held at Sierra Nevada College, features a scientific poster session and the opening of “Visualizing Change, a photographic exhibition,” on Tuesday evening followed by two full days of seminars and workshops covering more than 20 topics in three main areas:
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Lake Tahoe agency kicks off Fire Awareness Week with activities
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 05/17/2012 - 2:16pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is encouraging local residents and part-time homeowners to become “wildfire aware” by taking advantage of public education activities during Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Week happening May 26 to June 3.
“With the fifth anniversary of the Angora fire coming up, this is a good opportunity for our community to discuss the importance of wildfire awareness,” said Joanne Marchetta, Executive Director of TRPA.
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Nevada and Sierra fishing report for week of May 16-22
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 11:53amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of May 16-22, 2012.
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Fishing Report For the week of May 9
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 12:09amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of May 9, 2012.
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Outdoors with Don Q: Fishing The California Alps
Submitted by Don Quilici on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 11:43pmIt’s that time of the year to pick up your copy of a widely-distributed and widely-read annual publication known as “Fishing The California Alps.”
That outdoor newspaper is your personal guide to the fishing, camping, sightseeing and vacationing world in our general area and it has many, many pages of in-depth information provided by lots of experts in their specific areas of knowledge and experience.
Be sure to use this 2012 edition as your handy and ready-to-use guide on what, when, where and how to enjoy the Great Outdoors.
Read the rest of this story
Fishing report for week of May 2-9
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 05/02/2012 - 12:11amHere is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of May 2-9.
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Fishing report through May 2
Submitted by Don Quilici on Wed, 04/25/2012 - 4:25pmHere is this week's fishing report and a reminder that Saturday, April 28 is the Opening Day of California lake, river and stream fishing. This report covers water ways throughout Northern California, the Sierra, Nevada and Southern Oregon. To learn more about opening day or to get a California fishing license, go here.
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Leaders look to name South Lake Tahoe area peak in memory of fallen U.S. soldiers
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 04/11/2012 - 3:19pmAt the urging of Congressman Tom McClintock, R-Calif., a committee has been formed to find an unnamed mountain peak seen from South Lake Tahoe that will be dedicated to fallen U.S. soldiers from the area.
Congressman McClintock's office approached the U.S. Forest Service about opportunities for a memorial. Forest Supervisor Nancy Gibson came up with the idea of naming an unnamed peak as one of the options for a memorial on National Forest System lands.
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Eastern Sierra Back Country Fishing Guide
Submitted by Don Quilici on Tue, 04/03/2012 - 5:16pmThe Eastern Sierra Back Country Fishing Guide is designed to provide anglers with a quick, informative and accurate account of the distribution of fisheries in back country high elevation lakes.
This guide does not address front country waters, defined as lakes and streams that are accessible by vehicle.
The individual lake information is based on DFG surveys conducted from 2001 to present, with some surveys dating back to 1995.
More than 3,000 lakes have been surveyed for fish and amphibians and related habitat features.
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