Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/27/2020

 Northwest:

--A Eugene-based woman set the Oregon Pacific Crest Trail speed record by completing all 455-miles of the trail in just seven days. To read more, click here.

--And speaking of fast, an ultrarunner ran the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier in under 17-hours. To read about it, click here.

--Global News is reporting on a wildfire in British Columbia: "A large area of land to the east and south of Penticton is now restricted to essential travel until mid-October. The B.C. Wildfire Service issued a restriction order at noon on Friday to protect public safety and avoid interference with fire control." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--From Squaw Valley: "After extensive research into the etymology and history of the term “squaw,” both generally and specifically with respect to Squaw Valley, outreach to Native American groups, including the local Washoe Tribe, and outreach to the local and extended community, company leadership has decided it is time to drop the derogatory and offensive term “squaw” from the destination’s name. Work to determine a new name will begin immediately and will culminate with an announcement of a new name in early 2021. Implementation of the name change will occur after the winter season concludes in 2021." To read more, click here.

--The Sierra Wave is reporting that, "On three separate days (July 24, August 18, and August 19) the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), U.S. Air Force National Guard Unit, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) CAMP Team # 3 and 4 eradicated 42,306 illegal marijuana plants from three locations off public lands within Inyo County. Street value is estimated to be between $84,612,000 and $169,224,000." These backcountry grow operations are sometimes boobytrapped. Climbers and hikers are encouraged to stay away from them. To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--3 News Las Vegas is reporting that, "A reward is available to catch the vandals who painted graffiti on a gateway sign at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area last week. Black paint was found on the sandstone gateway sign the morning of Thursday, Aug. 13, said a spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management." To read more, click here.



--8 News Now is reporting that, "Advocates for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are working to secure funds to pay for projects — and to say 'thank you' at the same time. Save Red Rock’s 'Attitude of Gratitude' campaign allows anyone to send thank-you notes to Nevada’s US senators and representatives, who unanimously supported the Great American Outdoors Act." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The Associated Press is reporting on how some redwoods survived wildfires in a California state park. Check it out, here.

--The Rapid City Journal is reporting that, "a Michigan man admitted to illegally climbing Mount Rushmore after he was found “on top of George Washington’s head,” court records show. Ayman Doppke was fined $1,500 after pleading guilty Thursday at the federal courthouse in Rapid City. Prosecutors dismissed charges of disorderly conduct and violating an area closure." To read more, click here.