On the Trail - Your Weekly Dose of Outdoor News and Wild Inspiration
Week of January 6, 2025
President Biden establishes two new National Monuments in California
While the creation of a National Park is a long and involved process, under the Antiquities Act of 1906 the President can established a National Monument on land that is already federally owned. President Biden did exactly that this week by establishing two National Monuments: Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California, and the Sattitla Highlands National Monument in Northern California. Both locations are sacred to native tribes who supported this effort. But not everyone was in favor of the creation of these National Monuments: solar and geothermal energy interests pushed against the limitations that the new National Monument status would create.
The Mercury News provides a good overview of the controversy.
Missing Australian hiker found alive after nearly 3-week search
Hiker Hadi Nazari was found alive and in good health this week after being missing in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park since late December. Nazari was supposed to meet up with friends after a short camping trip. When he didn’t arrive as planned his friends became alarmed, sparking a nearly two-week long search for the missing hiker. Nazari survived by sheltering in a hut until he was discovered by hikers this week.
He released a statement to the public after his rescue:
"I would like to thank everyone who has wished me well in my recovery and prayed for me," he said.
"I am very grateful for the rescuers and volunteers involved in searching for me, may God bless them all."
"I cannot thank everyone enough."
Australian 9 News has additional information, including photos from the rescue.
What happens to the wildlife during a fire?
As wildfires continue to ravage California, many are wondering: What happens to the wildlife that calls these fire-prone areas home? Newsweek published an interesting piece this week on the behavior of wildlife during a wildfire. The article itself is short and sweet, but the real gold is in piece from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service linked within the article which has some great information about what wildlife do during a fire, and what happens after the fire. That piece is a few years old, but it is a very relevant read right now.
Find it here at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website.
Very interesting pieces, thank you for sharing!