Angeles National Forest News!

[Wrightwood]

[Nolena]

Any recent info. on the road to Lupine?

[FIGHT ON]

Any recent info. on the road to Lupine?

I was able to drive their easily two weeks ago in my ford f150... I could see how a car (might) have a problem but I think one could still make it.

[Nolena]

Considering the thunderstorm activity today, we hiked elsewhere. Had we been able to drive all the way to Lupine, a good rain might have made it difficult to cross the stream on the way back.

[FIGHT ON]

Considering the thunderstorm activity today, we hiked elsewhere. Had we been able to drive all the way to Lupine, a good rain might have made it difficult to cross the stream on the way back.

Oops, I thought you were talking about Guffy.

[RobertW]

[Wrightwood]

[snowave]

Big Pines Ranger (Information) Station now has a Facebook page!

The page was created to make another resource available to the public/community for information, news and photos about the local area. I also encourage interaction with questions, comments, forest experiences, etc.

So... look us up under "Big Pines Ranger Station, Angeles National Forest" on Facebook!


Disclaimer: While the ranger station is operated by the Forest Service, the Facebook pages' views, opinions, etc. expressed do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the Forest Service or the Angeles National Forest.

[Bob C]

Here's their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Pines-Ranger-Station-Angeles-National-Forest/181185338620103

[RobertW]

Michael "Todd" Cook, known as "Smokey" to many of his friends, will be leaving the Big Pines Ranger Station.  After serving as the Visitor Information Assistant there since 2007, he is transferring to a new assignment.  Although he will be missed by all the volunteers working out of the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center and the Big Pines Station, we are excited for him and wish him well in his new assignment.

Details can be found in the April edition of the "Big Pines Volunteer Newsletter":

     Volunteer Newsletters

[lcadder]

     With Todd Cook's departure, the Angeles National Forest and those of us that volunteer there, are losing a good friend.  Those of us that man Grassy Hollow Visitor Center have benefited from an increased spirit of cooperation since he came to Big Pine, and will always appreciate the changes in the last few years.  We will miss him greatly.
     Todd, we all wish you the best on your move, and your new adventure.

[snowave]

Thank you!  I appreciate that very much.   

[Jim Wilkins]

Todd is one of the good guys and will be missed.  He was very knowledgeable about our area and patiently would share the information that the visitors need to enjoy the forest in any time of year.  There were times that he seemed to have the patience of a Saint but he always managed to get the information across.  People that come to our National Forests expect to find someone like Todd...a "Forest Ranger" who cares about the land and shares that enthusiasm.  The folks on the other side of the country will benefit from Todd's being there.  Good luck, Todd and enjoy some of that incredible fishing in your new forest!

Jim

[InTheWood]

He will be very hard to replace. Thanks for all the help over the years!

[RobertW]

First we lose Micheline to Idaho.  Now we lose Todd to Washington.  What have the National Forests in the great Northwest got that we don't have?  Oh yeah, no traffic, no people, no snowplayers, solitude, peace and quiet, etc.,  LOL!

BTW, we are losing Jim Rough as well.  After spending decades around these parts for the USFS, he's retiring this month

[Elk]

Good point about Jim Rough... he will be greatly missed by many (some who don't even know it yet). Besides being a great person, the camps have relied on his knowledge of the water systems and other insights for many years. He is definitely an asset to ANF and those of us down here at the camps and we will miss him.

[snowave]

  What have the National Forests in the great Northwest got that we don't have?  Oh yeah, no traffic, no people, no snowplayers, solitude, peace and quiet, etc.,  LOL!

You forgot... LOTS OF WATER!     If I still suck at fishing after a year of living up there, I can't use the excuse of having no water around anymore!

Thanks for the kind words, Jim and InTheWood! 

[RobertW]

Blue Ridge Road has been graded and is clear for vehicle traffic.  However, by Forest Service Order, the road will remain closed to public vehicles until Memorial Day weekend.  The reason for this is that there will be heavy activity as part of a fuel reduction project.  The "Fenner Road" between Vincent Gap and Big Rock Creek is now open.

[Wrightwood]

Dear Angeles National Forest Volunteers:

The Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association (ANFFLA) will be holding the following fire lookout trainings during the month of May, 2012, for NEW VOLUNTEERS.  All sessions will be held at the Los Angeles River Ranger District (12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342).

Class 1:  Orientation.  May 9th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, or May 12th from 10:00 am to 12 noon.  In this class, we let the interested volunteers know who we are and what we expect if they volunteer for ANFFLA.

Class 2:  Interpretation/Natural History.  May 12th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm or May 17th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. In this class, we talk about the history of the mountains and some tips on how to interact with the public.

Class 3:  Operations.  May 19th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is an all-day class, in which we teach the new volunteers how to use the belt weather kit, how to use the Osborne Fire Finder, and how to use the HT radio.  We go over safety, lighting, and so much more.

If you are interested in attending any of these sessions, please notify Pam or George Morey, Fire Lookout Coordinators, 909-744-9510 ext. 125.
OR visit the ANFFLA website at http://www.anffla.org/training/

Thanks for your continued interest in volunteering on the Angeles National Forest!

Kathy Peterson
Volunteer/Partnership Coordinator
Angeles National Forest

e-mail: rdobroman@juno.com

[lolly]

This morning parking in our usual place, the overlook on Table Mountain Road, often called the East Table Mt. Road or "JPL" road, we came upon  the leftovers of a ceremony.  This was probably a ceremony for abundance and many good things.  It would be an honor to be able to participate in these types of ceremonies and I'm sure no one would object to the point of the ceremony.   HOWEVER   The items left included: styrofoam plates, lots of fruit,  three dried fish, a slab of meat, bottles of water, streamers and lots of wrapped candy. Three of us picked this stuff up and put it in the Big Pines garbage can.      These types of items were found up at the overlook last year as well.  It is disrespectful of our forest, dangerous for all wildlife and pets, and illegal to litter.  Please if you are reading this and know who might be responsible, please let them know it is expected and proper to pick up after yourself when you are finished with your activities.