All articles tagged with #state parks
A New York State Parks worker has died while battling a wildfire, highlighting the dangers faced by those combating such blazes. The incident underscores the risks involved in firefighting efforts and the need for safety measures to protect personnel.
California State Park officials are seeing an increase in visitors at alternative locations due to the closure of Big Sur's Highway 1 following a road slip-out. Despite large signs indicating the closure, an average of 600 cars daily continue to drive along the closed highway, with about 50 attempting to travel to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. The closure has led to economic impacts, prompting park rangers to increase staffing at alternative locations. All bookings for parks south of the slip-out have been canceled, and the reopening of Big Sur parks depends on the road repair and access to non-essential travel.
The Shapiro administration released safety tips and resources for the upcoming solar eclipse in Pennsylvania, with nearly 435,000 residents in the path of totality. Multiple state departments are preparing for the event, including traffic management and safety measures. Drivers are advised to plan ahead, exit the highway to view the eclipse, and be cautious of increased pedestrian traffic. State parks are recommended for eclipse viewing, and visitors are reminded to bring necessary items and plan for potential crowds. Unnecessary travel is advised to be delayed or rescheduled, and residents can stay updated on traffic via PennDOT news updates.
Four Pennsylvania state parks are in the path of the April 8 total solar eclipse, offering a chance to witness the rare event. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encourages visitors to plan ahead due to expected large crowds, with some parks possibly closing if they reach capacity. Visitors are advised to make reservations, arrive early, and prepare for limited cell reception and varied weather conditions.
The newly formed Oil and Gas Land Management Commission in Ohio is set to decide on Monday whether to open two state parks and two protected wildlife areas to oil and gas drilling. The commission will discuss and potentially take action on 10 applications to allow drilling in these areas. The decision would only establish that mineral rights are available for bidding, with the identity of the winning bidder remaining undisclosed until later. The move has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the potential environmental impact and the authenticity of public comments supporting the leasing process. Environmental activists and organizations have been campaigning against the drilling, while the gas industry is eager for the opportunity.
Several state parks and beaches in California have been closed in anticipation of Hurricane Hilary, a Category 1 hurricane expected to make landfall on Sunday evening. The closures are due to concerns about flooding and debris flows, with 2 to 6 inches of rain expected. The state is actively monitoring the storm's impacts and providing real-time updates on closures. Officials have advised the public to stay out of the ocean during the storm.
Three state park swimming areas in Connecticut, including Cockaponset State Forest, Wadsworth Falls State Park, and Wharton Brook State Park, were closed due to high bacteria levels. The closures were a result of heavy rainfall, and while the state parks remained open, only the swimming areas were impacted. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection tests for indicator bacteria to evaluate the potential for water contamination.
Pennsylvania state officials are raising awareness about the dangers of ticks in the state's 124 state parks and over 2 million acres of forest land. In 2021, Pennsylvania reported 2,900 cases of Lyme Disease, with the state recording some of the highest totals in the country. Officials emphasize the small size of ticks, about the size of a poppy seed, and the difficulty in spotting them, making them a significant transmitter of Lyme disease. Residents are encouraged to use tick repellents, tuck in shirts and socks, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Several campsites and state parks in California, including 26 state parks, are partially closed for Memorial Day Weekend due to snowpack and damage assessment. Visitors are advised to respect the closures for their own safety and avoid parking on the side of the roads. South Lake Tahoe is an option for those wanting to relax, but officials are expecting a crowd. The Lake Link shuttle service offers free transportation to the South Shore beaches, trails, entertainment, and nightlife to locals and visitors from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
California is experiencing a superbloom after one of the wettest winters on record, with hillsides exploding with color and wildflowers visible from space. While the spectacle draws visitors, parks are urging people to stay on designated trails and take only photos, not flowers, to avoid damaging the delicate blooms. The superbloom is expected to last until early May and will be good to better-than-average depending on location, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Lawmakers in Hawaii are considering legislation that would require tourists to pay for a yearlong license or pass to visit state parks and trails, in an effort to help pay for the impact of tourism on the state's unique natural environment. The fee would be a first of its kind for any US state and would follow the example of other tourism hotspots that have imposed similar fees or taxes. The legislation says proceeds would go into a "visitor impact fee special fund" managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.