Trump's cutbacks to Sierra National Forest leave wilderness areas vulnerable to damage | Opinion
Briefly

Wilderness rangers in the Ansel Adams Wilderness ensure the preservation of untouched landscapes while maintaining trails and monitoring wildlife. Working without mechanized tools, they hike daily, performing tasks like clearing debris, packing out trash, and interacting with visitors to enforce regulations. Their work contributes significantly to the conservation efforts for rare species and the natural beauty of the area. Despite the challenges posed by recent budget cuts and job losses, their dedication remains vital for safeguarding these wilderness areas for future generations.
We move every day - we're backpacking. We wake up and whatever we see that day that needs to be addressed, we address it.
Wilderness rangers frequently act as one-person trail crews. Due to regulations prohibiting the use of mechanized equipment, trees that fall across trails must be cleared using hand saws.
They document sightings of threatened and rare species, such as the Yosemite toad and Pacific fisher, and report those findings to biologists.
Some have the authority to issue citations for specific violations, including the destruction of natural habitats.
Read at Sacramento Bee
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