Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/97714
8A Daily News – Friday, December 7, 2012 Forest visitors reminded to use care Christmas tree cutters and other visitors to the Lassen National Forest are reminded to tread lightly and practice caution during their excursions to the Forest. The recent heavy rains have left many forest roads saturated so forest visitors must use care to avoid causing resource damage, such as creating ruts in the road with vehicle tires. Keep in mind that dirt roads that seem firm early in the day can become impassable later in the day if they thaw. Getting stuck in the mud not only causes environmental damage, but can also ruin an outing. Christmas tree cutting locations, especially in the higher elevations, can become inaccessible when storms hit. Favorite tree-cutting areas are often at these higher elevations, where fir trees grow. Winter visitors are advised to slow down, and to carry chains whenever stormy weather is possible. Visitors should also remain alert for rock or mudslides, downed trees, and icy conditions. If area conditions are too wet or appear unsafe, it's best to avoid the area. "Winter driving requires us all to be extra cautious, especially when traveling on the gravel and dirt roads found throughout the Forest," said Forest Supervisor Jerry Bird. By planning accordingly and taking a few precautions, visitors can help ensure a positive experience, as well as help prevent unnecessary impacts to natural resources. Individuals who are caught causing resource damage could be prosecuted, fined, and/or jailed. In addition, they could have to pay restitution costs for restoring damaged areas. Since weather and road conditions may change at any time, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on any trip. Information on highway conditions may be obtained by calling 1800-427-ROAD (7623). Preplanning should also include leaving a copy of your planned route and itinerary with a friend, neighbor, or family member. Visitors to the forest are urged to pack a winter storm survival kit. A good kit consists of a first aid kit, extra clothing and blankets, extra food and water, a fire-starting mechanism and cooking pot, a cell phone or two-way radio, and a tool kit. Tool kits should contain jumper cables, a tow rope, a flashlight, and a shovel. Vehicles should be fully fueled and in top mechanical condition. In the event that you do get stranded, do not panic. The person with whom you left your information should notify the authorities. You should remain with your vehicle since it's much easier to find a vehicle in the forest than a person on foot. The vehicle will also provide some shelter. While waiting for help to arrive, signal your distress by using emergency flashers and tying a handkerchief or flagging on the antenna or mirror. Be sure to keep the tailpipe clear while periodically running the engine for warmth. For more information about conditions and activities on the Lassen, call Almanor Ranger District, Chester, at (530) 258-2141. Winter weather increases heating-related fires The days are shorter, the outside temperature is lower, and in some places, it's cold, icy and snowy. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in weather and a time to think about home-heating safety. Improper use or poorly maintained heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire deaths across the country. In fact, half of all home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. "The cooler weather means an increase in usage of space heaters, fireplaces and other heating devices," said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, of CalFire. "Sadly, when not used safely, heaters and fireplaces can often lead to fires, injuries and deaths that could have easily been prevented." With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening. • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment such as a furnace, fireplace, woodstove or portable space heater. • Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters. • Always turn portable heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed. • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping. • Allow fireplace ashes to completely cool before disposing of them. Place in a tightly covered metal container at least 10 feet away from your home and any other nearby buildings. NEVER empty fireplace or woodstove ashes directly into a trash can. • Never use your oven to heat your home. • If using fossil fuel heating, install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms as well. For more information on safe home heating visit www.fire.ca.gov. Shasta Regional grant funds awarded The Shasta Regional Community Foundation Board of Directors has approved recommendations for funding from The McConnell Fund including a few Tehama County organizations. A total of $356,800 was awarded to 20 organizations in Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou,Tehama and Trinity Counties, bringing the total awarded from the Shasta Regional Community Foundation to almost $12 million since its inception in 2000. The following organizations in Tehama County were awarded funding: • Tehama County Education Foundation - $6,200 for students and community art display equipment • Tehama District Fair $18,085 to renovate and repair stall area • Metteer Elementary School $19,800 for the kindergarten play- ground equipment • Red Bluff Joint Union High School District - $27,000 to purchase one van for their teen pregnancy/teen mother program • Northern Valley Catholic Social Services - $8,145 for furniture and therapeutic equipment for their counseling center For more information about future deadlines and other funds of the Community Foundation visit: www.shastarcf.org. Christmas Bird Count The 113th Audubon Christmas Bird Count is coming to Red Bluff 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. The annual bird count gives information on population trends of bird species in the winter all over the North America. The local count circle is 15 miles in diameter and includes Hog Lake, Bend Recreation Area, the cemetery, Canal Street, Red Bluff Recreation Area, Dog Island Park, Adobe Road, Paskenta Road, Reeds Creek Road, Antelope Valley and Foothill Drive. The group will meet in the Antelope Holiday Market parking lot, 460 Antelope Blvd., for assignments in the morning and again for dinner and compilation at M&M Ranch House at 645 Antelope Blvd. The public is welcome and encouraged — all birders from beginners to experts — to participate. If anyone has a boat and wants to bird part of the river, it would really boost the count. Call Karen at 347-1687 to RSVP. Dress warm, bring a lunch and water. This is a rain or shine event. TOPS club meets Mondays TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Red Bluff meets every week on Monday at 8:30 a.m. at First Christian Church, located at 926 Madison St. Visitors are always welcome- preteens, teens, and adults – male and female. First meeting is free. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization with thousands of associate chapters in the United States and Canada. Members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise, motivation, and more at weekly meetings. For details, call Nancy Mark at 530-347-6120 or Loretta Bloxham at 530-527-7541 visit www.tops.org or call TOPS Headquarters at 800932-8677. Wreaths Across America The Wreaths Across America program is based on an age-old tradition. Holiday wreaths have long been associated with joy, triumph, honor, remembrance and eternity. The event will take place at noon Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo. Master of Ceremony will be NCVC Administrator Stephen Jorgensen, presentation of colors by California National Guard, National Anthem by Graycee Winton, West Cottonwood Jr. High School, Pledge of Allegiance by 3rd and 4th grade Leadership Team, North Cottonwood School and invocation by Pastor Rod Brayfindley, of First United Methodist Church A presentation will be given by West Cottonwood Jr. High School — A Time to Remember by Faith Laughlin; A Time to Honor by Marcus Kuchle and A Time to Teach by Jared Zambrana. Speakers will include Michael Coffey, USAF (Ret) and Taps will be performed by Josh Weyand, Enterprise High School. The California National Guard will retire the colors to close the ceremony. For more more information or to make a donation, call Steve Jorgensen at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery at (530) 396-2429 or Tom Riley at (530) 246-3426 or Riley3426@charter.net. Gateway hosts pilot career day Are you interested in flying? Ever considered a career in aviation? Plan to attend the first Pilot Career Day on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Gateway Science Museum. This event is free for high school students and will feature local military aviators, representatives of the North Valley Aviation Association, commercial pilots, agricultural fliers and rescue personnel. Experts in the field of aviation will be on hand to discuss the industry and to offer advice and exclusive opportunities to high school aviation enthusiasts. All high school students in attendance will also receive free tickets to enter our exclusive Pilot Day giveaway. At 2:30 p.m., free transportation will be provided to Ranchaero Airport for a helicopter rescue demonstration courtesy of Enloe Flight Care and Butte County Sheriff's Department. Limited free transportation will be provided between the museum and Ranchero Airport for our high school visitors. Museum visitors of all ages are encouraged to "fly in" on Dec.15 to explore our "Take Flight" hands-on exhibit, interact with professional pilots and receive valuable information about professions in aeronautical fields. Standard entry fees of adults: $6, children and students: $3, children under 3: free, will apply, but remember, high school students get in free on Pilot Career Day. For more information, call 530-898-4121 or visit www.gatewayscience.org.