Annual Muir's March targets Hetch Hetchy

Until his last breath, naturalist John Muir fought against the construction of Hetch Hetchy Dam in Yosemite National Park.

Muir lost that battle, but in recent years the movement to restore Hetch Hetchy Valley to its natural state is gaining stream.

Those interested in joining the restoration effort are encouraged to participate in the fourth annual Muir's March, which this year has expanded to include six guided backpacking trips in the Yosemite backcountry from July 29 to Aug. 4. Hikes are one, four and seven days.

The treks are open to anyone who can raise a predetermined amount of pledge money to support the nonprofit Restore Hetch Hetchy. Details: muirsmarch.org or (415) 956-0401.

Hansen Ranch Mountain Bike Race

When: Sunday

Where: Hansen Ranch, Clovis foothills

A brand new mountain biking race? You betcha.

Race promoter J.P. Sickler recently persuaded the private owner of a 350-acre horse ranch to let him hold mountain bike races there. More races are expected to follow in the coming months.

All classes will use the same 3.5-mile course that includes singletrack, doubletrack and rolling cross country. Fees range from $20 to $35, plus $5 for parking. Cash prizes will be awarded in expert classes. For details and directions, go to sickpromotions.net.

News & notes

• Southern California Edison began refilling Shaver Lake this week after it was drained during the winter for dam maintenance. Water levels are expected to return to normal by late spring, when Shaver will be stocked with 60,000 pounds of catchable and trophy-sized trout.
• Speaking of Shaver, fishing guides Jack Yandell and Dick Nichols will give a talk about the lake's history, fishing techniques and the restocking effort at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at Herb Bauer Sporting Goods in Fresno.
• Yosemite National Park will host an online webinar at 1 p.m. Friday to discuss the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan and answer hikers' questions about this year's permit process. Go to yose.webex.com to view the webinar. Read and comment on the plan at parkplanning.nps.gov/halfdome.
• China Peak received about 2 inches of snow from Tuesday's storm, and mostly sunny skies are forecast through the weekend. Overnight snowmaking continues when conditions allow. Details: skichinapeak.com.