Fourth of July Festivities in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes has an action-packed schedule of fun, family-friendly events this July 4 holiday weekend and on Independence Day. Check out the Mammoth Lakes 4th of July map to see where all the holiday fun is happening around Town and visit the Mammoth Lakes Tourism blog for a comprehensive list of things to do this Fourth of July. Enjoy many of our traditional events such as The Village at Mammoth Fireworks on July 2, Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, the Footloose Freedom Mile, the annual 4th of July parade through town, and Pops in the Park (Shady Rest Park), compliments of Chamber Music Unbound and the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast. And finally, shop for local treasures at the art show in the parking lot of Footloose Sports and for the grand finale, Independence Day wouldn’t be complete without a fireworks show at Crowley Lake. The 17-minute show features over 700 fireworks and is the perfect way to wrap up the holiday. To listen in to the soundtrack to the 4th of July Crowley Lake Firework Show, tune in to KMMT at 106.5 or 104.9 FM on your radio or visit MammothFM.com to listen in via the online stream.

Inyo National Forest wishes visitors a safe Independence Day

Celebrating July 4 festivities outdoors is a time-honored tradition throughout the United States, and the Inyo National Forest is happy to welcome so many outdoor enthusiasts this upcoming weekend. As you gather and explore please remember that fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands – every forest, every campsite, every day. More than 90 percent of all wildland fires are human caused. This, coupled with drier than normal conditions, increases the odds of forest fires igniting. Across the Inyo National Forest, vegetation moisture levels have been dropping rapidly, and just this week the Southern California Geographic Area went to Preparedness Level 3. To ensure a fun weekend, check the Inyo National Forest’s website for important alerts on sites and trails. Have backup destinations in mind in case an area is closed or overcrowded.

Remember, fire restrictions are in effect on the Inyo National Forest. Campfires are now only permitted in designated, developed campgrounds listed Exhibit A and Recreation Residences/Pack Stations/Range Permittees and Resorts listed in Exhibit B. As always, the USDA Forest Service reminds everyone visiting a national forest to recreate responsibly to prevent wildfires – including noting fire restrictions, carrying tools to extinguish a flame, and reporting fires by calling 911.

Get to fun faster when you fly to Mammoth Lakes this summer!

This season, air service to Mammoth Lakes is expanding to offer more reliability and better connections through the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport, 40 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes, on United Airlines. Fly with Advanced Airlines from Hawthorne (HHR) or Carlsbad (CLD) directly into Mammoth Lakes this summer between June 16 and September 12, 2022. United Airlines is offering flights into the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop (BIH) this summer. Fly June 4 through June 19, via San Francisco on Saturdays and Sundays or fly June 24 through September 5, via San Francisco daily except Saturdays.

The Parcel Construction Update

Phase 1 of The Parcel affordable housing project, aka “The Sawyer”, saw some significant milestones the last couple of weeks! Construction crews have installed security fencing around the entire site and have been busy working on excavation of foundations for both buildings, installing steel reinforcement and formwork, and placing concrete for Building A footings and columns. Material for new public utility infrastructure has been delivered to the site and trenching for the utilities in the new roads will be starting in the coming weeks. Phase 1 (“The Sawyer”) incudes 81 apartment units within 2 buildings, at several affordability levels and with a variety of unit sizes between studio and 3 bedroom, as well as a community space, childcare facility, and a public park. Anyone interested in living at The Sawyer can contact the Town’s developer, The Pacific Companies, at (855) 452-8250 for additional information and to be placed on the waiting list.

Be Prepared in an Emergency

Make sure you and your family know who to call and what to do in an emergency situation. The Town encourages everyone to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. Disasters can strike at any time without warning. The Town of Mammoth Lakes recommends you do the following to be prepared this summer.

Visit the NEW Mono County Readiness, Response and Recovery Portal
Register for Code Red
Get Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Alerts
Camp Like a Pro in the Eastern Sierra
Visit the Town of Mammoth Lakes Emergency Information page

Bicycle Rules of the Road

The Mammoth Lakes Police Department is sharing some of the most important bicycle laws in the California Vehicle Code. For instance, did you know that bicyclists must act like cars, ride with the flow of traffic and that riding on sidewalks in Mammoth Lakes is allowed? Click here to view the 10 rules to help keep you safe the next time you're on your bike or driving with cyclists on the road.

Town Meetings

July 6 - Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board Meeting at 1:00pm
July 6 - Town Council Meeting at 4:00pm
July 11 - Mammoth Lakes Housing Board Meeting at 6:00pm
July 13 - Planning and Economic Development Commission Meeting at 2:00pm
July 20 - Town Council Meeting at 4:00pm
Visit the Town's website for meeting agenda's and to watch the meeting's live. Meetings held in Suite Z (Minaret Village Mall).

Stay Informed with Town News Delivered to Your Inbox or Phone!

The Town manages several informative and timely e-newsletters and public service announcements to increase community awareness and comprehension of Town activities, programs, projects, and services. Please click here to opt-in – its fast and easy, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter @TownofMammoth and through our local media partners.

Around Town...

June 29-July 17: Mammoth Shakespeare Festival
July 1: Air National Guard Band - Shady Rest Park Pavilion at 5:00pm
July 2: Air National Guard Band - Shady Rest Park Pavilion at 3:00pm
July 1-4: Mammoth Lakes Arts on the 4th
July 4: Pops in the Park and Air National Guard Band at 2:00pm
July 4: Independence Day Festivities
July 8-9: Giddyup Country Music Event
July 15-16: Mammoth JazzFest
July 22-24: Mammoth Reggae Festival
July 29-30: Villagefest
July 29-31: Mammoth Lakes Open Air Arts and Crafts
Click here to view the Mammoth Lakes Events Calendar

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month!

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the essential and powerful role local park and recreation professionals play in building stronger, more vibrant and more resilient communities all across the country and here in Mammoth Lakes. This July, we are bringing attention to how important it is to rise up and support the field of parks and recreation, because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes Parks and Recreation Department is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and identities to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and environmental resilience, as well as bringing the community closer through a variety of programs and services. Join us for FREE swim days at the Whitmore Pool, the annual beach volleyball tournament at Shady Rest Park, Men’s and Coed Softball tournament at Shady Rest Park and register for any of our signature or contracted parks and recreation summer camps.

Volunteers Needed!

Mammoth Lakes Recreation is involved with and supports several local stewardship programs and encourages you to do the same! There's plenty of work to be done to keep our town, trails, and waterways clean and well maintained, and plenty of ways to be involved. Minimal commitment is required, but the rewards are supreme! Each of the programs below offer a way for residents, second home-owners and visitors to join the team and take part in keeping our outdoor recreation sustainable. Learn more about: Trashy Thursdays, Adopt-a-Trail, Summer of Stewardship and Tangle Free Waters.

Community Recreation Center (CRC) Update

Hamel Contracting Inc. and the subcontractor, JT2/Craft were back on site this week – with the two cranes to install more of the prefabricated Sprung beams. Once the crews complete the erection of 11 of the 24 large arches, they will install the fabric membrane through the building’s aluminum frame then horizontally stretch and tension the fabric with a 10-ton hydraulic jack and ram. Finally, the crew will install cable bracing and plumb the aluminum arches. Once the membrane is tensioned, it will not need to be re-tensioned throughout the duration of its lifespan. Look for weekly #crcupdates on the Town's Facebook page and check-out the weekly Time-Lapse video of construction activity. Temporary park closure: For the duration of construction for the new Community Recreation Center, the Mammoth Creek Park playground, restrooms and parking lot will be CLOSED to the public.

Park, Facilities and Trails Update

Please click here to view the status of our parks, facilities, MUP’, sidewalks and Shady Rest DiscGolfPark. Please respect our parks and facilities by taking care of your trash, pick-up after your pet and keep your dog on a leash. Thank you!

Work for the Town of Mammoth Lakes!

The Town of Mammoth Lakes is looking for a variety of temporary seasonal and full-time employees to join our dedicated team. Competitive salary and benefits package plus the opportunity to live, work, and play in the beautiful Eastern Sierra! Apply online.

Police Department Services...

Police Reports: File Police Reports Online including Hit and Runs, Lost Property, Vandalism/Graffiti and more.
CCW permits: Mammoth Lakes residents can apply online.
Vacation Check: If you plan to be out of Town for an extended time and would like Officers to check on your residence, please fill-out this online form.

Fire Restrictions in The Eastern Sierra

Effective Monday, June 6, 2022 the Inyo National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office implemented fire restrictions on all Federal lands under their jurisdiction. Seasonal fire restrictions for the Eastern Sierra Region are being implemented in close coordination with other state and local county agencies. The following restrictions will be in place on both agency lands:

No Campfires, briquette/charcoal barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or barbeques at designated developed recreation sites. Dispersed campfires such as rock rings, will no longer be allowed.
No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter barren of all flammable materials.
No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).

The State of the Inyo: June 30, 2022

Mammoth Ranger District
Roads open: Mammoth Scenic Loop, Reds Meadow Road, Lakes Basin Road and Old Mammoth Road to the Lakes Basin.
Roads closed: None
Campgrounds open: Minaret Falls, Upper Soda Springs, Reds Meadow, Pine City, Lake Mary, Lake George, Coldwater, Twin Lakes, Old Shady Rest, Pine Glen Group, Sherwin Creek, New Shady Rest, Mammoth Mtn. RV Park (private), Crowley (BLM).
Campgrounds closed (scheduled to open on July 8): Agnew Meadows Horse, Agnew Meadows Group, Pumice Flat Group.

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center & Devils Postpile Ranger Station: OPEN

Please Leash and Pick-up After Your Dog

The Mammoth Lakes Police Department has again increased education and enforcement efforts in high-use areas within the Town’s Municipal Boundary. These areas include our many parks, multi-use paths and developed recreation areas, such as Shady Rest Park. Click on the interactive map to view these high-use areas. “We have always had a leash law, typical of most cities in our state,” stated Chief Davis. “The goal of enforcement is to gain compliance. Enforcement can be as simple as a friendly warning or may escalate to a citation, just like all the other laws we enforce.” Officers will be citing owners with dogs off leash at Shady Rest Park and throughout Town. Read More…

Flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Drones in Mammoth Lakes

Whether you're a new drone pilot or have years of experience, rules and safety tips exist to help you fly safely in the national airspace. Visit the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) website to determine which type of drone user you are and what rules and regulations apply to your specific situation and region. Anyone flying a drone is responsible for flying within FAA guidelines and regulations. That means it is up to you as a drone pilot to know the Rules of the Sky, and where it is and is not safe to fly. In most situations, its legal to fly a drone in areas within and around the Town of Mammoth Lakes municipal boundary. Click here to view a flight map that shows "no fly zones" in red and "ceiling height restriction" on flying drones in gray along with FAA Rules and Regulations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).