High Sierra Topix

rlown wrote: ↑Tue Sep 08, 2020 10:49 am Hmmm. I remember Yose doing them all the time, just to clear the underbrush..

The Creek Fire, burning on the U.S. Forest Service - Sierra National Forest is still well outside the park. However, in order to prepare well in advance for the potential of the Creek Fire crossing into Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Grove closed to all visitor use last night at 7 pm.

This closure was put in place to ensure that no one would be in this region of the park if the fire advances in the direction of the Mariposa Grove and the associated trail system. Yosemite fire personnel spent Sunday working on preventative protection measures on critical infrastructure in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and at South Entrance. Pictured is the historic Mariposa Grove Museum.

“Yosemite’s fire personnel are taking preventative measures now to protect critical park resources and infrastructure,” stated Dan Buckley, Yosemite Fire Management Officer. “By taking these preventative measures now we will be able to more effectively allocate fire resources in response to the Creek Fire.”

All entrances to Yosemite National Park are open with reservations required to drive into the park (https://go.nps.gov/reserve). Conditions may be hazy or smoky (https://fire.airnow.gov/?lat=37.6616227 ... 27&zoom=10).
For more information about the Creek Fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7147/.

Determination to Change
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Regulations

Consistent with applicable legislation and Federal administrative policies, and based upon a determination that such action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, aid to scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, equitable allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities, the Superintendent makes the following changes to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Regulations.

Regulation Change:
The following area is temporarily closed to all individuals:

Beginning at the south boundary of the Sequoia National Park with the intersection of the Great Western Divide, north along the Great Western Divide to Kaweah Gap, southeast to Chagoopa Plateau along the base of the Kaweah Peaks to the Kern Canyon, north to Junction Meadow and the Colby Pass Trail (not included), east along the High Sierra Trail (not included) to the John Muir Trail/PCT (not included), south along the PCT (not included) to the park boundary, and west along the park boundary back to the point of origin, as shown on the attached map.

This regulation shall not apply to the following:
• Emergency services personnel with law enforcement, medical, or SAR responsibility in the
closed area
• Firefighters and overhead personnel assigned to the Rattlesnake Fire or SQF Complex,
• Individuals with a valid wilderness permit who take the most immediate and direct route out
of the area, or
• Other individuals approved by the Incident Commander.

Previous regulations affected by this change:
The southern portion of this larger area was temporarily closed on September 4, 2020 at 0800 hours due to increased fire activity.

Reasons for change:
The Rattlesnake Fire is creating hazardous conditions for the public, including active flames, rolling rocks and logs, and snags. This area is currently affected or soon expected to be impacted by fire growth as the fire continues to spread.

Effective Dates:
The closure is temporary from August 8, 2020 at 0800 hours until the fire activity has subsided to a point at which there is minimal risk to the public, as determined by the Incident Commander.

Authority for adoption:
Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR, Part 1.5
_______________________________________________
Superintendent, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks