Author: Harold Draper

Trans-Baikal, Stanovoy, and Greater Hinggan

April 3, 2017

Dinosaurs with feathers, the world’s largest forest fire, and the Vitim comet explosion Map coordinates: 50 to 60 degrees north, 112 to 126 degrees east Countries: China (Inner  Mongolia, Heilongjiang); Mongolia (Eastern); Russia (Amur, Buryatia Republic, Irkutsk, Sakha Republic, Zabaykalsky). This area includes the watersheds of the Vitim, Olekma, and Aldan Rivers (tributaries to the … More Trans-Baikal, Stanovoy, and Greater Hinggan

Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 4B: Reservoirs, Trails, Wilderness

March 5, 2017

Reservoirs and Hydroelectric Power Projects This section includes federally authorized hydroelectric projects, reservoirs located on federal lands, and reservoirs constructed by federal agencies. Because of the large number of hydroelectric developments in the Sierra Nevada, reservoirs are listed by river basin. Kaweah River Crystal Lake, Southern California Edison (N36º26’ W118º34’) is a storage dam for Kaweah … More Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 4B: Reservoirs, Trails, Wilderness

Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 4A: Sequoia and the Southern Sierra

February 4, 2017

Sierra Nevada forests Part 4A: Sequoia and the Southern Sierra The southern Sierra Nevada includes the dramatic canyons of the Kern River and the tallest peaks culminating in Mount Whitney. This area is dominated by Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Sequoia National Forest. Westward-draining streams are part of … More Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 4A: Sequoia and the Southern Sierra

Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 3D: Trails and Wilderness Areas of the Yosemite Vicinity

January 6, 2017

  National Trails System Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail extends 2,600 miles from Canada to Mexico, passing through some of the most scenic areas in California. The Sierra Nevada section provides a tour of wilderness areas. In the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the trail passes Devils Postpile National Monument (N37º38’ W119º5’), … More Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 3D: Trails and Wilderness Areas of the Yosemite Vicinity

Sierra Nevada forests, Part 3C: Reservoirs of Yosemite Region

December 10, 2016

The review of the central Sierra Nevada ecoregion surrounding Yosemite National Park includes a paragraph on the other national park system unit and then continues with the reservoir systems, mostly used for hydroelectricity. The review continues next month with the national trail system and wilderness areas. National Park System Yosemite National Park, California, is described … More Sierra Nevada forests, Part 3C: Reservoirs of Yosemite Region

Sierra Nevada Forests, part 3B: National Forest System

November 11, 2016

The National Forest system in the Yosemite area includes Stanislaus National Forest to the north, Sierra National Forest to the south, and Inyo National Forest to the east. Toiyabe National Forest to the northeast was previously described in Part 2 in the Tahoe-Eldorado region. Within these forests are special areas including the Mono Basin National … More Sierra Nevada Forests, part 3B: National Forest System

Sierra Nevada Forests, part 3A: Yosemite

October 4, 2016

The discussion in the next series of posts focuses on the area around Yosemite National Park, including the adjoining national forests. This post describes the Yosemite World Heritage Site. Yosemite World Heritage Site There is one World Heritage Site in the Sierra Nevada forests ecoregion. Yosemite National Park, California, is 748,000 acres carved by the … More Sierra Nevada Forests, part 3A: Yosemite

Sierra Nevada Forests, part 2E: Tahoe-Eldorado Local Sites

September 3, 2016

Part 2E describes state and local sites. Donner Memorial State Park is described under National Historic Landmarks. Emerald Bay State Park is described under National Natural Landmarks. Mother Lode Antelope Valley Wildlife Area, California, is 5,600 acres in two units on the south side of Sierra Valley. Vegetation is sagebrush and Jeffrey pine. The Antelope … More Sierra Nevada Forests, part 2E: Tahoe-Eldorado Local Sites

Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 2D: Mother Lode trails, wilderness areas, and wild rivers

August 1, 2016

Part 2D describes the national trail system, wilderness areas, and  wild and scenic rivers in the Tahoe-Eldorado area of the Sierra Nevada forests.   National Trails System California National Historic Trail The Beckwourth Trail, Walker River-Sonora Route, Carson Route, and Truckee Routes of the California National Historic Trail cross the Sierra Nevada ecoregion. In addition, … More Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 2D: Mother Lode trails, wilderness areas, and wild rivers

Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 2C: Hydroelectric Reservoirs of the Mother Lode

July 21, 2016

Part 2C continues with hydroelectric reservoirs in the Mother Lode including the Bear, Cosumnes, Mokelumne, Truckee, and Yuba Rivers. The American River was previously described in part 2B. Bear River Alta Forebay, Pacific Gas & Electric (N39º13’ W120º47’) receives water from the Towle Canal (North Fork American River watershed) and regulates water entering the penstock … More Sierra Nevada Forests, Part 2C: Hydroelectric Reservoirs of the Mother Lode