Palomar Mountain News

 Here is information on the Forest Service’s “Friends” program for a park in LA perhaps it could work here?  Who is interested in rolling with an idea like this?

From: Robert Gonsett

“Friends” Formation Update and June Volunteer Opportunities

Date: Fri, 27 May 2011 12:28:54 -0700
Subject: “Friends” Formation Update and June Volunteer Opportunities
From: Angeles Volunteer Coordinator <friendsoftheangeles@gmail.com>

Angeles National Forest Volunteer,

Thank you to all who attended our April 2011 Ranger District “Sensing Sessions”, hosted in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, to determine interest in the formation of a “friends” type of organization for the Angeles National Forest (ANF).  Over 80 people participated discussing the role(s) that a “friends” organization could serve to address current and long-term needs of the ANF and of our forest community (including you, our dedicated volunteers).  Key ideas that surfaced in discussions across all three Ranger Districts were the need for improved volunteer coordination, greater funding for existing groups and programs, increasing education and outreach to forest users and the greater L.A. community, and better information sharing and communication across the forest.  Next steps include the creation of an online portal for communication (a link will be sent out early next month to all those listed in our ANF volunteer database).  Also, a second series of meetings is being planned for summer 2011 to continue to gather your input as we move towards the formation of a “friends” type of organization.  Updates are posted on ANF website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles.

ANF is now recruiting volunteers to participate in our 2011 Invasive Plant Species Removal project scheduled to take place on Sundays from June 12, 2011 to October 30, 2011 between the hours of 8:30am to 3:00pm (excludes Sundays on holiday weekends).  Expect moderate to strenuous work, as volunteers are needed to remove highly invasive, non-native plants by hand and with pick axes.  See attached volunteer notice for complete information on how to sign up and participate safely and/or send your name and dates you are interested in participating to friendsoftheangeles@gmail.com.

“Forest Aid: Angeles – from ashes to action” – our massive volunteer effort to aid the recovery of the ANF, conducted by our partners TreePeople, is moving from the annual Tree Planting calendar (which took place from March to May 2011), to the annual Tree Care calendar, taking place on Saturdays and Sundays from June to October 2011 between the hours of 9:00am to 1:00pm.  If you are interested in participating visit:  www.forestaid.net  to sign up.

Mark your calendar with the following forest-related dates:

·         June 11, 2011, Saturday

National Get Outdoors Day – A fee-free day in the ANF to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun; and Operation Super Canyon Sweep – 8:00am to 3:00pm beginning at the OHV area of San Gabriel Canyon, contact bhwetherby@aol.com for further information;

·         June 22, 2011, Wednesday

Volunteer Meeting – San Gabriel River Ranger District

6:30pm, ANF SGRRD Office, 110 N. Wabash Avenue, Glendora, CA 91740

·         June 28, 2011, Tuesday

Volunteer Meeting – Santa Clara/Mojave River Ranger District

7:00pm, United Methodist Church, 1543 Barbara Street, Wrightwood, CA 92397

·         July 20, 2011, Wednesday

Volunteer Meeting – Los Angeles River Ranger District

7:00pm, ANF Supervisor’s Office, 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006.

ANF volunteer programs are open to all individuals and/or groups that are interested in assisting the Forest Service accomplish its mission.  Please join us at one of our volunteer meetings as we work towards improving our volunteer coordination.  Lastly, enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and remember to recreate on the forest safely, “leaving no trace” behind.

Thank you for your on-going support,

Suzanne Avila

Volunteer Partnership Program

Angeles National Forest

(626) 574-5224 office

(626) 297-4195 cell

savila@fs.fed.us