Stage II Fire Restrictions in Effect, Again

As we have seen for the past few fire seasons the BLM has implemented Stage II fire restrictions for our launch site at Lucerne Valley. While the current fire danger is low, it is expected to increase rapidly now that humidity levels have begun to drop.

For Stage II restriction no open fires are allowed. Even for camp stoves and similar devices with a shut-off valve, a California Campfire Permit is required. The permit is free, but you must ensure it is issued and you have a hard copy in hand before lighting any such device.

Smoking is limited to an area where there is no vegetation within five feet, so basically the entire lakebed.

From the BLM Order, Number CAD-000-2019-01 (Fire Prevention Orders):

“Stage II Restrictions – Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind is prohibited, except campfires within approved fire pits and grills provided for in developed recreation sites; or campfires within the Imperial County Special Recreation Management Areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed and require a valid California Campfire Permit. Smoking is only permitted within an area that is clear of any vegetation for a minimum of 5 feet in all directions. “

Bay Area Rocketry

BAY AREA ROCKETRY WILL NOT BE ATTENDING THE APRIL 13TH LAUNCH!!!
 
If you need something place your order via the BAR website. BayAreaRocketry.com
Check “launch site pick up”.  Put “April ROC” in the instruction box. BAR will cover shipping cost and all orders will be sent together in a box to someone who can deliver it to the launch on Saturday.
He MUST ship by Tuesday so the order is received by Friday. For more information please contact BAR directly.

Looks Good For April!

Hi Everyone!

It finally looks like we’re going to be able to hold a launch! Weather looks good. The lakebed for the most part is dry.
The launch site and the access roads are not what we’re used to. PLEASE USE CAUTION AND GOOD JUDGMENT WHEN TRAVELING ON THE PLAYA.  The site is rough. Both roads in are pretty rough. Cambria road is best left for 4WD. The graded area just south of Granite road is not too bad. ROC road (the north/south road) is rough too. There are ways around the deep ruts.  If you know the back way in, it’s in pretty good shape.
We’ll be out there on Friday and hopefully mark the best way in with orange barricades or cones.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Mike Ostby,
ROC President

March 9th Launch Canceled

Hi Everyone,

The March 9th launch is canceled. Although we now have our FAA CoA (waiver) we do not have a dry launch range. I wish I had better news. The circumstances are completely out of our hands.
Our friends at Tripoli San Diego have Holtville Havoc scheduled for tomorrow and the weekend. Tripoli Las Vegas is holding Springfest March 15-17 if Jean Dry Lakebed is dry. Visit their websites for details.
Keep working on your build pile and keep your fingers crossed for April.  Also, start preparing for NSL 2019,  celebrating the Apollo program and the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 mission to the moon!
Mike Ostby,
ROC President

We have a Waiver!

We have our Certificate of Authorization (AKA FAA Waiver) for 2019 in hand. It is essentially the same as 2018. The standing waiver will be 14,500 feet above ground level. For NSL and the November ROCstock there is the potential for call-in windows to 19,000 AGL with FAA approval.