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Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 20 July 2025

  
ORICK, Calif. – Staff from Redwood National and State Parks, the Yurok Tribe and the Department of Defense are collaborating this summer to repair, restore and enhance multiple facilities around the park in conjunction with the Air National Guard’s Innovative Readiness Training, or IRT, Program, which provides infrastructure construction training opportunities to Air Force units.

"This project exemplifies the power of partnerships and the impact of the Great American Outdoor Act and other federal funds," said Leonel Arguello, superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks. "Revitalizing these sites across the parks is not only preserving a piece of our past but also investing in the future of conservation. This partnership between the National Park Service, the Department of Defense, and the Yurok Tribe, will highlight our ability to collectively train, build, and serve the needs of our valued parks and promote the NPS mission of protecting and managing the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage."

Projects the team will work on include infrastructure improvements at the Wolf Creek Education Center, rehabilitation at the Kuchel Visitor Center, and Redwoods Rising restoration work.

Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members have completed winterizing two of the seven student cabins, added to the accessible trails around the campus, installed night sky appropriate lighting along trails, and assisted in the restoration of 30,000 acres of forest.   

“This project fulfills our annual two-week training requirement by offering high-quality, hands-on experience across multiple building trades,” said Major Josef Kallevig, the officer in charge. “Air Force Civil Engineers bring skilled craftsmen who work closely with our highly capable Yurok Tribe partners to mentor younger airmen and deliver lasting, high-quality results for the park and surrounding community.”

As part of their partnership with the National Park Service, the Yurok Tribe will provide oversight, materials, and specialized trades needed to complete these projects.   

The Yurok Tribe have an unmatched understanding of the landscape and broad working experience with the types of projects undertaken in this program, said Chairman Joseph L. James.
“As a tribe with veterans of every foreign war, we are excited to provide the best possible training for the 250 service members,” James said. “It is a huge privilege to share our unique knowledge and skills with those responsible for protecting our homeland.”
 
Redwood National and State Parks share in the perpetual stewardship of ancient coast redwood forests, waterways, and coastline on the homeland of Yurok, Chilula, and Tolowa peoples; for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of everyone; with a commitment to restoration of damaged landscapes.

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Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 20 July 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved the prepositioning of firefighting resources in Sierra and Plumas counties in response to critical fire weather conditions forecasted to impact Northern California starting Sunday, July 20, through Tuesday, July 22.
 
A total of nine fire engines, three water tenders, and one dispatcher are prepositioned in Sierra and Plumas counties. 

These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires. 

This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California’s wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate into major incidents.
 
Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened fire weather period. 

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services reminds the public to:

• Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag ready with essentials.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.

For more information on fire safety and preparedness, visit News.CalOES.ca.gov and Ready.ca.gov. 

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Written by: Caltrans

Published: 19 July 2025

Construction continues on Caltrans’ $43 million State Route 32 Rehabilitation Project in Chico to enhance safety, pavement conditions, and accessibility along a vital five-mile stretch through the city.

One-way traffic control with pilot car assistance is in effect 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for nightly paving operations. Crews will start work next week at West Sacramento Avenue ending at 9th Street by the end of the month. 

Motorists should expect brief delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible.

Daytime construction activities include electrical work and shoulder improvements at various intersections. These operations will not impact traffic flow. Crews are also installing temporary ADA-accessible curb ramps to maintain accessibility during construction at 5th, 8th and 9th streets.

Knife River Construction is the prime contractor. The project, which spans from Muir Avenue to the junction with State Route 99, began in April and is on track for completion by the end of the year.

Caltrans urges drivers to be alert for crews and equipment in the area, slow down through the work zone, and obey all posted signs for their safety and the safety of workers. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment or material availability, or other unexpected events.

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. 

Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.