Free Republic

A hiker is missing after jumping into the ocean at Wilder Ranch State Park on Tuesday morning, leading to a search and recovery mission. "We got a call of an individual that jumped from the cliff into the water. Approximately 75 foot drop into the water," said Eric Bither, CAL FIRE battalion chief. The hiker, who ventured away from his group, jumped into the water near Wilder Beach. Witnesses reported he was close to getting out. "He was witnessed trying to climb the rocks and get out and, probably at that point, swell came in, which was very high today....

California state parks have announced prescribed burns for Wilder Ranch State Park starting Nov.25 through Sunday, Dec. 3, depending on conditions. Some trails will be closed temporarily for public safety, including portions of the Eucalyptus Loop, Old Cabin and Long Meadow Trail. According to park officials, the burn will be for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, wildlife habitat improvement and other ecological benefits. Officials say the prescribed burn will enhance the health of the forest by removing duff, leaf litter and fuel buildup and restore essential nutrients to the soil and reduce the chance of wildfires. The burns will...

California State Parks will be doing more than a week of prescribed burns at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz. The burns will take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. starting Wednesday, Oct. 27, and will run through Friday, Nov. 5. Proactive monitoring and patrol will continue throughout the burns. The burns are not only to reduce wildfire risk, but to enhance the health of the grassland by removing dead brush, leaves, and roots, which will, in turn, restore essential nutrients to the soil. People throughout Monterey Bay can expect to see smoke lingering until the burns are...