VALLEJO
Forest Services reminds visitors — use good judgment ahead of fire season
With much of California in drought conditions, please remember that any accidental spark while visiting California’s national forests could escalate into a wildfire. Unsafe recreational shooting practices, unattended campfires, and sparks from a loose chain on a vehicle are just a few of the causes for hundreds of wildfires that start every year in California’s forests.
More than 90 percent of all fire starts are human caused. So, use good situational awareness and plan ahead to help prevent these unintended fires. Read posted campfire, parking, and camping restrictions, and always be mindful of local wildfire conditions when enjoying the national forests.
Also carefully consider the type of ammunition you use while recreational shooting. Exploding targets, incendiary rounds, and tracers are prohibited on national forests. They can be highly destructive and easily ignite surrounding vegetation. Fireworks are never permitted on any national forest.
Accidentally starting a wildfire can have legal ramifications and force the closure of a forest—impacting recreation for all of us. If a wildfire does accidentally start, keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and extra water on hand. Immediately call local authorities or dial 911.
Additional tools and resources are available on the Recreate Responsibly website at www.recreateresponsibly.org.
We appreciate your cooperation and commitment in ensuring our national forests stay safe and sustainable for everyone’s use.
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LAKE COUNTY
Save Our Water urges Californians to turn off sprinklers, let nature do the watering
Spring storms are on the horizon, so we’re urging Californians to turn off their sprinklers this week. Following the driest start to the year in over a century, the small weather system expected to hit in your region will not provide enough relief to our state’s severe climate driven drought.
Saving water is critical at all times of the year, even when it rains. Save Our Water is sharing easy and actionable tips to use in your drought and water conservation coverage.
Water Saving Tips for Rainy Weather:
- Turn off your irrigation system. When the forecast calls for rain, let nature do the watering and make sure to turn off your irrigation system.
- Allow soil to dry between rain and watering. Be careful to not overwater your trees, especially drought-tolerant species.
- Install drip irrigation & add a smart controller. Installing a drip irrigation system and a smart controller can save 15 gallons each time you water.
- Use mulch. Save 20–30 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water by using mulch.
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LAKEPORT
Preschool Summer Preschool
Lakeport Christian Center Preschool/Daycare is accepting applications for their Summer Program which begins on June 20. Hurry! Spots fill up fast.
Summer Program will include:
* Water Fun
* Friday Field Trip to the Park for Story Time with Miss Barbara from the Library
* Science Experiments
* Volcano making
* Dinosaur Fossils
* Wednesday ice cream parties
* Thursday Movie Days
* Crafts
* Baking
* Educational games
* Much more
For more info stop by the facility at 175 C street, call 707-262-5520 or visit online at www.lcchub.com
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LAKE COUNTY
Staying safe while Cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms are present
As temperatures begin to rise, regional health and water resource officials are reminding residents and recreationists to be cautious if they are planning activities on local lakes and streams, now and throughout the summer. Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in all freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems.
The toxic chemicals produced by these algal blooms are referred to as “cyanotoxins.” Exposure to these toxins causes sickness and other severe health effects in people, pets, and livestock. Sensitive individuals, including young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk of adverse health effects attributable to cyanotoxins.
Individuals are most often exposed while swimming or participating in other recreational activities in and on the water.
If you are concerned you have symptoms resulting from exposure to cyanotoxins, immediately contact your health care provider or call County of Lake Health Services at (707) 263-1090. Please inform them of the timing and details of this exposure. If you see or think you see a cyanotoxin bloom, please contact Water Resources at (707) 263-2344 or Environmental Health at (707) 263-1164. Anyone can report a cyanotoxin bloom or receive additional information at the California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal online at: www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/.
Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae is not to be confused with green algae (i.e., phytoplankton), which is beneficial, non-toxic, and always present in Clear Lake.
The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians who maintains these water monitoring sites around the lake, is already seeing caution levels of cyanotoxins this season. If you would like to post a sign at your beach or ramp, please contact Water Resources at (707) 263-2344.
To find the most current information on Clear Lake’s water quality and if a cyanotoxin bloom is occurring, visit the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ cyanotoxin monitoring webpage online at www.bvrancheria.com/clearlakecyanotoxins.
For additional information about cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms, please visit the County of Lake’s Cyanobacteria Webpage: www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/WaterResources/ClearLake/Cyanobacteria.htm
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