beyondnature1980

NEWS REPORT: The Legacy and Scandal of Dinuba’s Port of Ivory
​DINUBA, CA — The land at Avenue 430 holds a century of transformation, from the 1949 roots of the Ivory Pine Company—pioneers in logging prior to the Sequoia National Monument's 2000 preservation—to a modern industrial hub. However, this historic ground is now synonymous with a massive federal fraud case.
​Between 2015 and 2017, Richard Best Transfer Inc. (RBT), operating at the terminal alongside Miramonte Sanitation, became the center of a $4.8 million canola theft scheme. Owner Richard Best and associate Shawn Sawa were convicted of selling stolen livestock feed to fund luxury lifestyles. Following the scandal, the site was rebranded as the Ivory Choice Terminal under new ownership in 2021, marking a new chapter for this storied landscape.
www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/central-valley-corpor…

​#PortOfIvory #DinubaHistory #SequoiaNationalMonument #RichardBest #FederalFraud #BeyondNature1980 #CentralValleyNews

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2 days ago | [YT] | 3

beyondnature1980

Huge changes are coming to ‪@beyondnature1980‬ 🥾🏕🪓🌲📽️
​I’ve been spending time exploring the Richard L. Schafer Dam (formerly Success Dam) just outside of Porterville, and the transformation is incredible. With the $135 million spillway enlargement project now complete as of 2025, the lake’s capacity has jumped by 28,000 acre-feet!
​It’s not just a feat of engineering; it’s a whole new landscape to explore. From the massive new 10-foot weir to the expanded recreation areas, there is so much history and nature to uncover here.
​Coming up next on the channel:
I’m kicking off a new series of adventures right here in Lake Success, Porterville, California. We’ll be diving into:
​🥾 Hidden Trails: Exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills.
​🎣 Fisherman’s Paradise: Scouting the best spots for bass and crappie in the new high-water zones.
​🏗️ The Engineering: A closer look at how this dam protects over 60,000 people.
​Stay tuned for the first episode—you won't want to miss these views!
​What part of Lake Success should I explore first? Let me know in the comments! 👇
​#BeyondNature1980 #LakeSuccess #Porterville #RichardLSchaferDam #CaliforniaAdventure #NatureDocumentary #ExploreCA

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5 days ago | [YT] | 40

beyondnature1980

The Heart of the High Sierra: Nutmeg & Trimmer Dinkey road
​Nestled at the edge of the Dinkey Campground, the area around Nutmeg Campground and Forest Road 9 serves as a rugged gateway to some of the Sierra National Forest's most pristine landscapes. Rising high above the Kings River, this region offers a dramatic transition from oak foothills to towering pines. Interestingly, the nearby Dinkey Creek (and its famous campground) earned its name from a tragic 1863 incident involving a pioneer's brave dog named "Dinkey," who was injured while defending his owner from a grizzly bear. Today, that spirit of adventure lives on for those who seek the solitude of the backcountry. To see exactly how to navigate this terrain and find the best spots, check out my featured video:
https://youtu.be/dQB8_q_by1o?si=SDoHy...

#sierranationalforest #dinkeycampground #trimmerspringsroad #bigcreekroad

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1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 17

beyondnature1980

My new video exploring the hidden beauty of Bretz Mill Campground in the Sierra National Forest. If you love the sound of rushing creeks and the peacefulness of a secluded forest trail, this one is for you!
​Bretz Mill is a true hidden gem—a perfect spot to disconnect and soak in the natural history of the Sierras.
​Watch the full journey here: [Link to Video: https://youtu.be/H2901Bg2nu0?si=ZEg6S...
​Let’s Stay Connected!
​If you enjoy these nature escapes, make sure you’re following along on both platforms for more updates, behind-the-scenes shots, and scenic photography:
​YouTube: @beyondnature1980 (Subscribe for full explorations!)
​Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondnature1980?igsh=MzRlODBiNW… (Follow for daily nature photography.

​Question for you: What is your favorite "hidden gem" spot to hike or relax? Let me know in the comments! 👇
​#SierraNationalForest #BretzMill #Campground #HikingAdventures #BeyondNature1980

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1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 27

beyondnature1980

Let’s take a deep dive into the industrial heart of the Dinuba/Reedley area and the stories behind the land on Avenue 430. 🚜🌲
Dinuba's Timber Roots: The 1949 Sawmill Story
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK...
​If you’ve driven past the massive industrial complex near the old rail spurs, you’re looking at a site with over 75 years of history. This was originally the home of the Ivory Pine Co., established in 1949. For decades, it was a powerhouse sawmill that defined the local timber industry.
​Today, that same land is shared by two very different stories: a multi-generational family legacy and a high-profile federal criminal case.
​The Guy Family Legacy: Miramonte Sanitation ♻️
​A massive portion of the old Ivory Pine site has been revitalized by Miramonte Sanitation Inc., a family-owned staple in the Valley since 1969.
​The Leadership: Founded by patriarch Don Guy (President), the company is a true family operation. Don’s sons, Mark Guy and Tim Guy (Vice President), lead the daily operations alongside the next generation, including Skyler Guy.
​The Transformation: They’ve turned parts of the historic sawmill grounds into a state-of-the-art composting and green waste facility. It’s incredible to see how the Guy family has transitioned this land from the timber era into a hub for modern environmental recycling.
​The "Canola Caper": Richard Best Transfer Inc. (RBT) ⚖️
​On the same property, a much darker story has unfolded. Richard Best Transfer, a defunct transloading company, was recently exposed in a massive federal fraud investigation.
​The Owner: Richard Best (along with COO Chuck Littlefield).
​The Crime: Richard Best recently pleaded guilty to a scheme that stole approximately $4.8 million worth of canola (livestock feed). Between 2015 and 2017, Best and a co-conspirator diverted thousands of tons of product, sold it off, and used the money to fund a lifestyle of luxury homes, expensive cars, and private karate lessons.
​The Consequences: While his co-defendant was sentenced to prison this month (December 2025), Richard Best is set for federal sentencing on March 2, 2026, where he faces up to 20 years behind bars.
​It’s wild how one piece of dirt holds so much local history—from the Ivory Pine saws of 1949 to the Guy family’s 50-year business, and finally, a federal fraud case that rocked the local agricultural community.
​Do you remember the old Ivory Pine sawmill in its prime? Or have you seen the massive composting mountains the Guy family has built out there? Share your thoughts and memories below! 👇
​#CentralValleyHistory #DinubaCA #ReedleyCA #IvoryPineCo #MiramonteSanitation #GuyFamily #RichardBestTransfer #BeyondNature1980 #LocalIndustry #ValleyNews

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 10

beyondnature1980

Heading: Hidden Gems at Millerton Lake! 🌊🏔️
​I just uploaded a new Short featuring the incredible views along Friant Dr and Sky Harbour! There’s nothing quite like the landscape overlooking Millerton Lake—it’s definitely one of the most scenic spots in our area.
​I’m curious, how many of you have hiked Pincushion Peak or spent a weekend out here? It’s easily one of my favorite escapes!

Click on video captures the majestic Millerton Lake and Table Mountain San Joaquin River Trail.
​If you enjoy seeing the beauty of the Central Valley and beyond, make sure to hit that like button and stay tuned to ‪@beyondnature1980‬​ for more! 🌲

​#MillertonLake #Friant #SkyHarbour #BeyondNature1980 #CentralValley #NatureVibes #CaliforniaLiving

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

beyondnature1980

I explored a fascinating, seemingly forgotten cabin 🌲🏚 tucked away near Bretzmill Road in the historic Shaver Lake area. This isn't your average abandoned shack—it's entirely constructed with shingles and appears to be a time capsule from the 1980s or possibly earlier!
​Join us as we respectfully investigate this relic of the woods. Did a lumberman build it? A hunter? A hermit?
​The history here is deep: The surrounding area is the site of the legendary Bretz Mill, founded by pioneer Joseph Simon Bretz in the 1880s, which played a crucial role in the central California logging industry. Could this cabin be a small, later echo of that pioneering spirit?
​Subscribe to ‪@beyondnature1980‬ for more abandoned places, nature exploration, and deep dives into forgotten history!
​📍 Location: Bretz Mill Road, Shaver Lake Area, CA
🪚🔨🪓Structure: Abandoned Shingle Cabin
​#Shorts #Abandoned #AbandonedCabin #BretzMill #BretzmillRoad #TimeCapsule #1980s #Cabin #ShingleCabin #History #CaliforniaHistory #UrbanExploration #ForgottenPlaces #BeyondNature1980

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 26

beyondnature1980

​A Look Back at ‪@beyondnature1980‬ 🌲🥾⛺️🏕🌲🌲🌲
​Wow, time flies! It’s been 2,934 days since I started the channel on November 25, 2017! Thank you all for being a vibrant part of this journey.
​This year, my top video was:
📽️ "Camping Sierra National Forest: Chevy Cruze..."
​Views: 2,141
​Watch Time: 19 Hours
​New Subscribers: 4
​Audience Shoutout! 🌍
​It's fascinating to see who's watching!
​Top Subscriber Countries: Vietnam 🇻🇳, Bangladesh 🇧🇩, and the United States 🇺🇸. (A massive thank you to our global community!)
​Top Viewing Age Groups: 55-64, 45-54, and 65+. (Keep enjoying the outdoors, everyone!)
​Most Active Days: Wednesday, Tuesday, and Monday. (We'll try to keep the new content flowing around these times!)
​I appreciate every view, like, and comment. What kind of outdoor adventures or nature topics would you like to see next on the channel? Let me know below! 👇
​#beyondnature1980 #Camping #SierraNationalForest #NatureLovers #OutdoorAdventures #GrazingTrails #ChevyCruzeCamping #GetOutside #ExploreNature #CampingLife #Vietnam #Bangladesh #MyYearOnYouTube2025

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 3

beyondnature1980

Hey beyondnature1980 community! I’m still buzzing from our recent drive down from the Huntington Lake Road Junction, through the Kaiser area, and down to Shaver Lake on Highway 168.
​This route isn't just a scenic drive; it's a journey through California history. Up at Huntington Lake, it’s humbling to remember that the deep basin was first used by the Western Mono people, and later by early European ranchers and loggers in the late 19th century. The sheer scale of the vision held by those early settlers, particularly figures like Henry E. Huntington and engineer John S. Eastwood, is mind-blowing. They realized the potential of Big Creek, harnessing the 4,500-foot elevation drop to create the massive Big Creek Hydroelectric Project starting in 1909. These pioneers and engineers moved mountains, literally, building the network of dams and tunnels that created Huntington and Shaver Lakes—earning it the name "the hardest working water in the world."
​The whole drive down, you're literally tracing the path of that history, moving from the high alpine start to the community of Shaver Lake, which itself was built on a foundation of logging before becoming a crucial piece of the hydroelectric puzzle. What an incredible legacy left by those early builders!
But the true reward is the stillness I found once I stopped. I pulled off the road, brewed a steaming cup of herbal tea, and just watched the dense, towering forest. It was the perfect moment to reconnect and truly feel that 'beyond nature' calm. Driving through this area, you're constantly reminded of the logging and hydroelectric history, but stopping allows you to appreciate the enduring, quiet beauty that remains.

​I found a video that might interest you, focusing on the historical heart of this region:
​The Wild True Story of Huntington Lake and the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project
https://youtu.be/-S9AqzASSAM?si=mQOGQ...

​#HuntingtonLake
​#ShaverLake ​#Hwy168
​#CentralCalifornia ​#HighSierra
​#KaiserPass ​#FresnoCounty ​#HistoricCalifornia ​#BigCreek
​#EarlySettlers ​#MountainAdventure
​#CaliforniaRoadTrip
​#ForestTherapy ​#Nature
​#OutdoorAdventure ​#MountainView

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1 month ago | [YT] | 27

beyondnature1980

‪@beyondnature1980‬​ 🌲🥾🏕🏞🛶🪵🪓🪚🌲🌲🌲
sharing a postcard from the High Sierra! My old video captures the incredible, tranquil beauty of Courtright Reservoir. Look at those granite peaks reflecting perfectly in the water!
​If you need a 2-minute digital detox and escape, tap below to watch the full, stunning video. 👇
​ESCAPE HERE:
​#CourtrightReservoir #BeyondNature1980 #SierraNationalForest #NatureEscape #MountainViews ​#BreathtakingViews
​#MountainViews ​#Scenery
​#Nature ​#Wilderness

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 6