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SACRAMENTO – As part of a nationwide effort to encourage the public to buy and burn firewood locally, CAL FIRE and the California Firewood Task Force kicked off a public outreach campaign in September to inform campers, wood cutters, arborists, and the general public about the risks of long-distance movement of firewood.
“Firewood can carry insects and pathogens that may or may not be visible, making it impossible to know if you are transporting an invasive pest from one location to another when moving it, said CAL FIRE’s Don Owen, chair of the California Firewood Task Force. “Once an invasive species is established in a new area, it can do a lot of damage environmentally and economically as the trees in those areas have no natural defenses to fight off pest attack.”
The multi-pronged campaign includes surveying camper knowledge about invasive species and firewood in areas affected by the goldspotted oak borer (an invasive beetle in San Diego County likely brought into the state on firewood), providing firewood posters to campgrounds and parks for posting in public locations, mailing information to industry professionals, and offering educational Frisbees and playing cards to campers as a way to facilitate one on one interaction with campers while also providing them with useful information.
“As we increasingly become a global community, the movement of invasive pests and pathogens is becoming more frequent. Buying and burning wood locally is a simple way to help minimize the chances of spreading invasive species, and it is something everyone can do with little impact,” continued Owen, “The feedback gathered through the surveys will be useful for developing our long-term outreach campaign, helping us insure that we reach out to our audience as effectively as possible.”
Made up of state, federal, and local agencies as well as non-profit organizations, the California Firewood Task Force was established in November 2010 by the California Forest Pest Council.
For more on the Buy It Where You Burn It campaign visit www.firewood.ca.gov.
KELSEYVILLE, CA – Sid McCloud and Patti Lyndall are the owners of Blazing Sun, another quilt block that joins the Lake County Quilt Trail.
Located on the northern corner of Third Street and Main, Kelseyville, the Brick Tavern was established by pioneers in 1872.
A popular tavern since Gold Rush days, it was also an important stage stop near Clear Lake and a Post Office. GPS location: 38° 58’ 39” N, 122° 50’ 15”W.
Blazing Sun falls into the category of quilts relating to nature. Facing due east, nestled into a vine that hugs the historic brick building, the quilt block greets each new day with colors as beautiful and striking as the sun itself.
The Lake County Historical Society put its No. 10 marker on the building in 1961. The marker can be seen on the front wall between the Brick Tavern and Puesta Del Sol restaurant.
The Virginia Creeper vine framing the quilt block turns red in the fall and greens up again each spring.
The owners smile and state that locals believe if the creeper was ever removed the building would collapse in a matter of minutes. The new quilt block is sure to lend support to the historic structure.
The Lake County Quilt Trail project is nearing completion of Phase II. Anyone considering adding a quilt block to the trail can find details at the new website: www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or contact Bethany Rose, 707-263-5744.
Clear Lake High School student Logan Kessinger – a big fan of both the Giants and Lincecum – has entered the Red Bull Ultimate video contest on Facebook.
The contest requires fans to send in a short video of themselves imitating Lincecum's unique pitching style.
The video contest winner gets a trip to spring training, and also gets the chance to try to hit balls pitched to them by Lincecum.
Kessinger entered his video and was selected among the contest's top 10.
The public voting period is under way until Oct. 15.
To watch Logan Kessinger's video and to vote for him, visit https://apps.facebook.com/promotionshq/contests/142674/voteable_entries/30611029.
Winners will be announced on Oct. 15 at the end of the voting.
- Roberta Lyons
Lake County Land Trust dinner hosts Giusti Oct. 8
Giusti is the Lake County director/advisor of forest and wildland ecology for the UC Cooperative Extension.
He has 35 years of experience working in Northern California’s terrestrial and aquatic systems.
His talk is entitled: “Sustainability – How can one word have so many meanings?”
As Giusti explains, “sustainability” is the buzz word of today and can be used to address a multitude of topics. Greg will provide his unique view of the concept and how it may apply to the workings of the Lake County Land Trust.
With 35 years of experience working in Northern California’s wildlands, Giusti has a wealth of knowledge and experience about the issues facing Lake County and California.
He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers on a variety of topics related to forest and aquatic systems.
Giusti serves as chair of the Lake County Invasive Species Council and is a member of the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. Greg and his wife, Kathy, live in Kelseyville and have two grown children.
The annual dinner starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. where guests enjoy Lake County wines, bidding on fabulous items at the silent auction table, and listening to the tunes of local musicians Tom Nixon and Doug Kauffman.
Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and is being catered by “Ciao Thyme,” offering both chicken and vegetarian fare. Also, the Land Trust’s “Supporter of the Year” will be honored.
Tickets for this fun event, proceeds of which support the Lake County Land Trust, are just $60 per person and include wine.
The public is warmly invited, reservations and prepayment are required which can be accomplished by calling 707-262-0707 or by emailing
The Lake County Land Trust is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve Lake County’s valuable natural habitats.
The trust owns and operates the Rodman and Rabbit Hill Preserves, and is active in several current conservation efforts.
Go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org for more information.
Families are invited to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween on Main Street concluding at 4 p.m. with a costume contest on Museum Square.
The event is free of charge.
Maps indicating trick or treat locations are available at participating businesses or at the Lakeport Main Street Association desk in the lobby of City Hall at Second and Park Streets.
Participating businesses include Anchorage Inn, Angelina’s Bakery & Espresso, Angie’s Lake County Cleaners, Bank Of America, Bicoastal Media (KNTI, KXBX, Q106), Business Design Services, Peggy Campbell, CPA, Campos Casuals, Chase, City Center Realty, Coldwell Banker Towne & Country, Game Shop, Golden Pear Wellness Spa, Lakeport English Inn, Main Street Bicycles, Main Street Gallery, Main Street Gifts, Main Street Pizza, Mallard House, Pak ‘n Mail, Flowers by Jackie, People Services Thrift Store, Ralph’s Shoe Repair, Regency Inn, Roy’s Backyard BBQ, Sanducci’s Cottage, Shari’s Secret Garden, Skip’s Sweet Shoppe, Soper Reese Community Theatre, Employees of Lake County Special Districts, Strings & Things, Totally Vein, Traditions, Watershed Books, Westamerica Bank and Your One Stop Party Shop.
This event is sponsored by the Lakeport Main Street Association, a group of merchants, property owners and involved citizens who are working to build a better downtown Lakeport.
