In today’s newsletter,

• Navigating fire season

• Exploding tortoises

• Death on the Half Dome

• Don’t lose your shoes in Death Valley

On the topic of wildfires, Outdoor Alliance, a national non-profit that advocates for outdoors enthusiasts, published a report last year that lays out policy recommendations for helping to address forest fire threats that impact outdoor recreation.

They are currently running a letter-writing campaign to encourage elected leaders to support laws to enact some of these changes. They have a form on their website that makes it easy to send a letter to your representative.

U.S. Forest Service Halts Arrowhead Water Operations in San Bernardino Mountains

Want some of that sweet, sweet San Jacinto Mountains water to drink? Soon, you won’t be able to get it from a plastic bottle. The U.S. Forest Service has the owner of Arrowhead Water to cease drawing water from the San Bernardino Mountains.

Exploding Tortoises Save…Tortoises

One of the biggest threats to the Mojave desert tortoise is ravens. Thanks to humans and the waste (food) we leave around, more ravens are now eking out a life in the desert. The ravens also eat baby desert tortoises, putting intense pressure on these highly threatened creatures.

Biologist Tim Shields and his team are deploying non-lethal technologies to stop the ravens from eating the wee turtles. One example is fake baby tortoises that “explode” and teach the birds a lesson.

Are the Yosemite Half Dome Cables Safe Enough?

The tragic death of a 20-year-old college student has reignited a longstanding debate over the safety of the cables that have allowed thousands of hikers to climb Half Dome over the past century.

I Know Nothing! Tourists Shoot Up Joshua Tree with Paintballs

Three German tourists were caught shooting up Joshua Tree National Park with paintballs last weekend and each face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Somehow, this seems quaint compared to people spray painting graffiti on rocks in the park, tearing up the desert driving off-road illegally, and chopping down Joshua Trees.

Don’t Lose Your Shoes in Death Valley

A visitor to Death Valley National Park lost his shoes and suffered second-degree burns on his feet at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. It was so hot in the park that the rescue helicopter couldn’t land, and the man had to be transferred to a higher elevation before being evacuated to receive medical attention. The Park Service issued a news release on the matter…for which we are grateful.

Reminder: Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year and visible with the naked eye in Southern California, will peak between August 11 and 13. The California Park Service put out a press release with some tips — and pleas — for people heading to a state park to watch the sky fall. 🔭Upcoming Events

The Swiss Army Knife of Camp Toilets

The new GottaGo portable toilet from Australian company, Joolco, is the Swiss Army Knife of camp toilets. It can be used in three ways: as a chemical, bag, or composting toilet. Unlike chemical or bag toilets, GottaGo separates urine and solid waste by splitting the bowl into two compartments, which has some advantages.

GEAR DEALS

SPOT satellite comms devices: All devices $50 off.

Zero Breeze Camping Airconditioners: Up to 25% off.

POV: Under the Bucket Drop at California’s Park Fire

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