A double-crested cormorant. Courtesy photo. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Get ready for a truly fascinating program about double-crested cormorants featured for the Redbud Audubon Society’s Thursday, Nov. 17, Zoom program starting at 7 p.m.
Double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) are seabirds known to use urban structures as nesting habitat.
The old east span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the eastern portion of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge have hosted the two largest colonies of this species in the region.
Scientist Meredith Elliott. Courtesy photo. Scientists Marc Rauzon and Meredith Elliott, who have studied these birds for three decades, will discuss their research which, among other things, shows the population dynamics of this resilient species.
Viewers will also learn about their efforts to study the Bay Area population of this adaptable, yet maligned, bird.
Rauzon was with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he studied sea birds and endangered marine mammals in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.
He is also an expert on the effects of invasive animals and plants on tropical islands. His latest book Isles of Amnesia (available on Amazon) details his experiences. Rauzon is also a research associate with Point Blue and a Geography professor at Laney College in Oakland.
Scientist Marc Rauzon. Courtesy photo. Elliott is a senior scientist at Point Blue Conservation Science and has worked on a variety of seabird monitoring and diet projects.
She supervises the Point Blue marine laboratory where data on marine food webs are collected. She is a program leader with the ACCESS Program, an at-sea monitoring program founded by Point Blue, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
To register for the program, click go to www.redbudaudubon.org and click on the link on the home page that will take you to the registration form.
Please register soon; the link will be sent the day of the program.
UKIAH, Calif. — With cooler temperatures and measurable precipitation, effective Tuesday the Bureau of Land Management has eased fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Ukiah Field Office in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Fire restrictions were originally initiated on June 24 to curb the threat of wildfire.
Public land visitors can again use campfires outside of developed campgrounds and posted recreation sites. Recreational target shooting may also resume in designated areas.
Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions for red flag warnings and fire weather watches to avoid shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions.
“Due to cooler fall weather conditions and declining fire danger, we are lifting seasonal fire restrictions,” said Ukiah acting Field Manager Leisyka Parrott. “While weather conditions are no longer causing high fire danger, we still urge everyone to Recreate Responsibly and help minimize fire potential when visiting public lands.”
The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildland fires when recreating on public lands.
Good fire-prevention safety tips include keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves.
California campfire permits are available free online or at BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.
Recreational target shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks.
Recreational target shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. More information on safe recreational target shooting is available on the BLM website.
For more information on preventing wildfires and additional tips for keeping campfires and target shooting safe, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or call the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000.
The field office can also provide additional information on public lands available for target shooting.
Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, will hold its 2022 membership election of officers on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The election will be held in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
Polls will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
A mask and a form of identification for participants will be required.
Horses and campers enjoying their Wings of Hope experience during a previous camp event. Courtesy photo. LAKEPORT, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County recognizes and addresses the unique ways children grieve and heal from a loss of a loved one.
Families with children ages 6 years and older who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives are invited to attend a one-day, free bereavement camp.
The camp is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon in Clearlake.
Camp activities are designed for healing in a fun and positive environment with equine therapy and a family art project.
Wings of Hope Bereavement Camps are offered periodically throughout the year and are facilitated by bereavement counselors and trained volunteers.
Most of us will experience the life-altering experience of losing a loved one: the death of a best friend, a parent, son or daughter.
These losses can be even more traumatic to children and youth.
These are powerful personal events that, if not dealt with effectively, can cycle into a landslide of life-changing events.
Preregistration is required for Saturday’s camp, and space is limited. For more information and to reserve space, contact Jennifer Nystrom by calling 707-263-6222 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Hospice Services of Lake County’s mission is to support and comfort people by providing the highest quality medical, emotional and spiritual care to help patients and their families navigate their end-of-life journeys.
For more information, call Hospice Services of Lake County, 707-263-6222. Visit the organization’s website at www.lakecountyhospice.org.
Janine Smith-Citron is development director for Hospice Services of Lake County.
Permits to cut Christmas trees in the Mendocino National Forest are now available. Mendocino National Forest photo. MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — The Mendocino National Forest has begun selling Christmas tree permits for the season online at Recreation.gov.
“Cutting your own Christmas tree on a national forest is a special experience for several reasons,” said Joseph Rechsteiner, acting forest supervisor for the Mendocino National Forest. “The Christmas Tree Program helps people connect to our public lands and helps families create treasured memories together. It also benefits forest health by removing the small-diameter, over-crowded trees and opening more areas for wildlife foraging for food.”
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search by forest name or use the interactive map to explore locations.
Be sure to carefully read the overview, need-to-know information and other guidelines prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will need to create or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
A permit must be purchased, limited to one per household.
On Recreation.gov, visitors have the option to purchase up to three trees. The cost for 2022 is $10 per tree, and with a $2.50 transaction fee. The number of permits is limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Permits are good through Dec. 31, 2022.
Persons must be at least 18 years old to purchase the permit. All Christmas tree permit sales are final; no refunds will be made. Christmas tree cutting will be allowed only in specific areas in the Mendocino National Forest.
When heading out to the forest to cut a Christmas tree, officials remind visitors to follow these important tips for a safe and enjoyable experience:
• Plan your trip and check the weather forecast. • Bring plenty of warm clothes, water, food, tire chains, shovel, a saw or axe to cut your tree and a tarp and rope to bring it home. • Keep vehicles on designated roads and be prepared for changing weather and road conditions. Be aware of safety hazards when traveling through a burned area. • Remember cell phone service may be unavailable, so carry emergency equipment in vehicles. • Cut the tree early in the season before favorite cutting areas can’t be reached because of snow. • Make sure you are cutting a tree on the Mendocino National Forest within the designated Christmas tree cutting area and not on other federal, state or private lands. • Cut the tree as close as possible to the ground and leave as short a stump as possible. • Print your permit and make sure it is visible on your vehicle dashboard. If you purchase a permit in-person at one of our offices or vendors, you will receive a tag that needs to be tied to your tree when you transport it home.
Permits can be also purchased by mail or in person at the Willows or Upper Lake Ranger Stations. If purchasing in person, individuals can purchase one permit per household and one tree per permit. Several local vendors will also be selling Christmas tree permits.
Officials recommend that visitors call ahead to check hours and availability at the following offices and vendors:
Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office 825 N. Humboldt Ave. Willows, CA 95988 Telephone: 530-934-3316
Upper Lake Ranger Station 10025 Elk Mountain Road Upper Lake, CA 95485 Telephone: 707-275-2361
Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Road Covelo, CA 95428 Telephone: 707-983-6118
Sacramento River Discovery Center 1000 Sale Lane Red Bluff, CA 96080 Telephone: 530-527-1196
Upper Lake Grocery 160 E. Highway 20 Upper Lake, CA 95485 Telephone: 707-275-2380
M&M Feed 74540 Hill Road Covelo, CA 95428 Telephone: 707-983-6273
Keith’s Family Foods 76201 Covelo Road Covelo, CA 95428 Telephone: 707-983-6633
Covelo Volunteer Fire Department 75900 Covelo Road Covelo, CA 95428 Telephone: 707-983-6719
More information about Christmas tree permits is available online.
Caltrans will suspend most work on Northern California highways on Thursday, Nov. 10, and Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans crews to respond to emergency situations.
— Road work at Route 281 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.
— Road work will occur in Kelseyville at the Kelsey Creek Bridge from Bello Hill Road to Stahli Road on Thursday, Nov. 4. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
— Bridge work at Robinson Rancheria Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.
Highway 175
— Bridge work in Cobb from Humboldt Drive to Bottle Rock Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.
— Bridge work in Cobb at Estates Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Highway 1
— Utility work will occur at Iverson Road on Friday, Nov. 4. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.
Highway 20
— Road work near Road 10 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.
Highway 101
— Slide removal at Pieta Creek Bridge continues. Northbound lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to five-minute delays.
— Bridge work at the Crawford Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.
— Bridge work near Henry Station Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
— Road work continues in Ukiah at Route 222. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.
— Fence work in Ukiah at the East Perkins Street Overcrossing continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.
— Bridge work in Ukiah from the Presswood Overhead Bridge to the Hensley Creek Undercrossing continues. Lane Closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.
— Road work south of Willits continues. A lane closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area.
— Culvert work at Road 307 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.
— Tree work will occur in Leggett near the Route 1 Jct on Friday, Nov. 4. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
Highway 128
— Paving work in Boonville from Mountain View Road to Hutsell Road will occur on Friday, Nov. 4. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.
Highway 162
— Bridge work at Crawford Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
— Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
Highway 271
— Road work in Leggett at the Caltrans maintenance facility will conclude on Friday, Nov. 4. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.
DEL NORTE
Highway 101
— Roadway excavation from Parkway Drive to Wilson & Burtchell will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. In addition, a full southbound onramp closure at the Washington Boulevard Overcrossing will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
— Utility work near Dr. Fine Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
Highway 199
— Electrical work near the Collier Tunnel Rest Area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Highway 96
— Guardrail work from Pearch Creek Bridge to the Siskiyou County line will begin on Monday, Nov. 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.
Highway 101
— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. A northbound onramp closure will also be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route.
— Bridge work near Myers Flat will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. A full southbound on ramp closure will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Excavation and concrete work from St. Louis Road Overcrossing to Georgia Pacific Road will continue. One-way traffic control and lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. A full closure of the southbound on ramp at the Route 299/101 Interchange will occur weekdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists should follow signage and use an alternate route when necessary. Lane closures from the St. Louis Road Overcrossing to Mad River Bridge will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate10-minute delays.
Highway 255
— Utility work will occur from Pacific Avenue to Dean Avenue on Tuesday, Nov. 8. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.
— Utility work from Jackson Ranch Road to Pacheco Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.
— Utility work from ‘V’ Street to ‘K’ Street will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
Highway 299
— Falsework installation from Route 200 to Route 101 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Landscape work from Chezem Road to east of Circle Point will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m.to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Construction from Willow Creek to Old Three Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
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