A Nearly Sunken Treasure -- Basalt Formation at Devils Postpile National Monument, California Canvas Print

The geologic story of Devils Postpile began millions of years ago as continents formed, through about 100,000 years ago when the basalt columns were exposed by glaciers.

But it's political history began in 1864, when President Lincoln signed the legislation that put Yosemite under the control of the State of California with the condition that it be held for public use, resort, and recreation. It was the first time the federal government set land aside for preservation, and the area included what is now Devils Postpile National Monument. When Yosemite was granted National Park status in 1890 it included this area, but when the US Forest Service was created in 1905 lobbyists for mining, grazing, and logging interests fought to strip land from Yosemite and transfer it to the Forest Service. This is because that agency's mission was to allow regulated resource extraction and would open up that land to mining and logging. President Theodore Roosevelt signed off on the transfer, and...

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog