Latest news with #StateParks
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
California State Parks doesn't want you collecting sea glass or agates at the beach
(KRON) — California State Parks, which manages more than 340 miles of California's coastline, is asking the public not to collect any sea glass, agates or other rocks found at state beaches. Although the state has a rich history of rockhounding, and allows beachgoers to collect a limited amount of rocks or minerals per day, California State Parks is encouraging the public to 'leave no trace.' 'California State Parks' mission is centered on the protection of the state's natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations,' California State Parks told KRON4. 'As such, we encourage visitors to 'leave no trace,' and generally do not promote the collection or removal of natural resources, including items like agate or sea glass, from park lands.' Montara State Beach reopens following shark attack Rockhounding regulations, which are listed on the California State Parks website, permit collecting up to 15 pounds of 'mineral material' per day, at approved locations. 'Tools and equipment may not be used in rockhounding, except gold pans,' the California State Parks website reads. 'Rocks or minerals gathered may not be sold or used commercially for the production of profit. One person may gather no more than 15 pounds of mineral material per day. Historic and prehistoric or archeological specimens may not be gathered. In state recreation areas, rockhounding is limited to beaches which lie within the jurisdiction of the department and within the wave action zone on lakes, bays, reservoirs, or on the ocean, and to the beaches or gravel bars which are subject to annual flooding on streams.' Although rockhounding is promoted at specific California State Parks beaches, like Agate Beach in Humboldt County, the hobby is strictly prohibited at protected sites like Glass Beach in Mendocino County. A spokesperson with California State Parks told KRON4 that the department does not recommend any specific beaches for collecting agates or sea glass. 'State Parks cannot recommend any beaches for finding sea glass or agate hunting as the natural scenery are integral parts of the ecosystem and natural community,' the State Parks spokesperson said. 'Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden as they are protected by federal and state laws. The department encourages the public to take only pictures and memories.' Timelapse: Northern Lights visible in Sonoma County California State Parks manages 280 parks, 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. More than 68 million people visit California's State Parks annually. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Body of missing airman recovered from lake in New Mexico
The body of a U.S. Air Force member was recovered from a lake in southern New Mexico on Monday, two days after the airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base went missing at the popular recreation spot, military authorities said. The member of the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron went missing at Elephant Butte Lake on Saturday. The individual has not been identified publicly under procedures for notifying next of kin, said Lt. Daniel Fernandez, a spokesperson for Kirtland. An investigation into the death was underway by state authorities overseeing Elephant Butte Lake State Park, a popular getaway between Albuquerque and El Paso, Texas. State Parks spokesperson Sidney Hill said there are no indications of foul play. The body was transferred to the state Office of the Medical Investigator to determine the cause of death. At a boat ramp on the lake Monday, military personnel including members of the 351st and an Air Force rescue squadron formed two lines for a dignified transfer of the remains from a boat. The lake otherwise was busy with Memorial Day revelers. A long list of agencies participated in the search for the missing airman, including New Mexico state police, a local fire department, New Mexico State Park rangers and a team from the 306th Rescue Squadron out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
27-05-2025
The body of a missing airman is recovered from a lake in New Mexico
ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. -- The body of a U.S. Air Force member was recovered from a lake in southern New Mexico on Monday, two days after the airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base went missing at the popular recreation spot, military authorities said. The member of the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron went missing at Elephant Butte Lake on Saturday and hasn't been identified publicly under procedures for notifying next of kin, said Lt. Daniel Fernandez, a spokesperson for Kirtland. An investigation into the death was underway by state authorities overseeing Elephant Butte Lake State Park, a popular getaway between Albuquerque and El Paso, Texas. State Parks spokesperson Sidney Hill said there are no indications of foul play. The body was transferred to the state Office of the Medical Investigator to determine the cause of death. At a boat ramp on the lake Monday, military personnel including members of the 351st and an Air Force rescue squadron formed two lines for a dignified transfer of the remains from a boat. The lake otherwise was busy with Memorial Day revelers. A long list of agencies participated in the search for the missing airman, including New Mexico state police, a local fire department, New Mexico State Park rangers and a team from the 306th Rescue Squadron out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Safe Boating Week in New York starts tomorrow
NEW YORK STATE (WWTI) – The impending start of summer means plenty of New Yorkers will be on the water. National Safe Boating Week begins tomorrow and runs through May 23. The event is a campaign sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council and provides an opportunity to spread the message of boating safety and encourage boater education. During the season, boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear a life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. NYS raising awareness of boating under the influence The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) begins its recreational boating season to coincide with National Safe Boating Week. As the 2025 boating season begins, safety on New York waters remains our top priority. Our Marine Services team has been working hard to ensure boaters are prepared before heading out. Brianna's Law plays a vital role in promoting responsibility and saving lives on the water. State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons One the newest things for state boaters is that Brianna's Law is in effect Brianna's Law as of January 1. The law requires safe boating certificate for all motorized boat operators, regardless of age. Brianna's Law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl who died in a boating accident on Long Island when a boat ran into her family's cabin cruiser in August 2005. The law was phased in over several years and gradually expanded to include all operators by the start of this year. Since the law was enacted, 213,637 have taken the course and, in the first four months of this year, more people have earned a certificate than all of 2024. As part of this special week, the state reminds kayakers and other paddle craft operators that they are boaters too. In addition to a properly sized U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, paddlers must also carry a sound signaling device, such as a whistle, on board. Kayaks, canoes and row boats can be hard for larger boats to see. Paddlers are advised to stay close to shore, wear bright colors, and consider using reflective paddle stickers or a flag to increase your visibility to other boaters. Boaters can also request free reflective paddle stickers by sending a self-addressed, stamped legal size envelope to: NYS Parks Marine Services Bureau Safety Stickers Albany, NY 12238. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sword-wielding man evading capture sets fire to popular SoCal campsite
A sword-wielding Woodland Hills man was arrested after allegedly setting fire to a popular Southern California campsite while running from deputies, officials confirmed Thursday. It happened on Wednesday evening, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, near El Capitan Canyon Resort. Deputies and State Parks employees responded to reports of a man exhibiting 'odd behavior' in the area around 5:15 p.m. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Simon Khalili, saw law enforcement approaching and tried to drive away, according to the sheriff's office. However, as Khalili was trying to flee via a dirt access road, his car got stuck. The suspect instead attempted to continue fleeing on foot, running off into the nearby canyon. 'Deputies paused their pursuit into the dangerous terrain and minutes later, a fire erupted in the brush where Khalili fled within State Parks property,' the sheriff's office explained in a release. It was around this time that deputies purportedly learned Khalili was also armed with a sword. Firefighters responded to the scene and, under a 'force protection plan' where they were shielded by deputies, crews were able to approach the flames while Khalili remained an active threat nearby. Santa Barbara County Fire provided footage of the water drops and announced forward progress had been stopped at 7:41 p.m., and that the flames burned about 1.1 acres of land in total. Khalili ultimately surrendered to authorities, and the sheriff's office said he was transferred to State Parks' custody for the arrest. State Parks booked Khalili at the Main Jail for a felony charge of arson as well as the following list of misdemeanors: trespassing, brandishing a weapon and negligent fire setting. As of Thursday night, officials said Khalili is being held on $75,000 bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
