So. Calif Forests to Close until Rain?

imported
#1

Early reports indicate that Friday and Monday the Cleveland, San Bernardino, and Angeles National Forests will raise their fire level ratings to “Extreme”. As I recall, under the rules published earlier this summer, an extreme fire danger level meanis that recreational activities, including hiking, will be forbidden in these areas.

Here are a few links to early reports:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/news/2004/09/firelevincrease.shtml
http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/10842487p-11760274c.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/the_valley/9741835.htm?1c
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20040923-0709-forest.html

The Angeles NF and San Bernardino NF websites don’t have anything relevant in their newsroom or front page postings, but the Cleveland NF website implies that the other two NFs will implement similar measures.

Craig “Computer” Rogers

#2

Correction: “Extreme” means, amother things, that sections of the forest might be closed to hiking, and you should check with local Forest Service offices daily. The highest fire danger level, “Critical”, is the one that means that the forest is completely closed.

Craig “Computer” Rogers

#3

I talked to Candice Hamilton in the Angeles National Forest
Supervisor’s Office, 1-626-574-5208. She confirmed that the Pacific Crest Trail is officially closed throughout the forest, except possibly for very short stretches that are immediately adjacent to an open county or state road.

Craig “Computer” Rogers

#4

Except where it was previously closed, the Pacific Crest Trail remains open in the San Bernardino National Forest. Source: I talked to Ruth Wenstrom in the San Bernardino NF Supervisor’s Office after reading the following press release:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/documents/092204fireupdate.pdf

“Know before you go”: please call a San Bernardino NF ranger station before beginning a hike in the forest.

Craig “Computer” Rogers

#5

The Pacific Crest Trail south of Boulder Oaks Campground (Interstate 8) is closed (except, presumably, for the portion of the PCT in Lake Morena County Park). This includes Hauser Wilderness. Additional restrictions may be imposed on a daily basis, so check with the local Forest Service office before hiking.

Here’s the latest PR release from Cleveland NF:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/news/2004/09/firelevel.shtml

From the release:

District offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00AM till 4:30PM.

For the Cleveland National Forest Supervisor’s Office dial (858) 673-6180.

For Alpine, Descanso, and Laguna Mountain Area contact the Descanso Ranger District at (619) 445-6235.

For Palomar Mountain, Henshaw, Ramona and Oak Grove areas contact the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250.

For the Ortega Hwy area, San Mateo and Corona area contact the Trabuco Ranger District at (909) 736-1811.

Craig “Computer” Rogers

#6

The Angeles National Forest reopened at 0600 today. Here’s a URL for their press release:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2004/news-2004-10-19-forest-closure-lifted.
+shtml

Chantry Flat, Crystal Lake, and “two areas containing
endangered species habitat” remain closed; I hope the PCT doesn’t pass through these! Note that the draconian (so to speak) fire restrictions remain in effect.

Here’s another article on the reopening, from which I’ll take the liberty of quoting one paragraph, which some readers may find of interest. Please, no open flames! (pun intended)

http://www.vvdailypress.com/2004/10982777987301.html

During the closure, which lasted 23 days, rangers cited
about 150 visitors or residents who violated forest rules
and restrictions. Half of those were cited for being 
illegally inside the closed sections, and 15 of them
owned cabins and lived full- or part-time on forest
land. All faced fines of at least $50, forestry 
officials said.

Regarding the Cleveland National Forest, I called their supervisor’s office. They will revoke their forest closure as of 1800 today. The person I talked to warned me that some roads in the area are closed due to flooding. I guess it’s hard to maintain the forest in an “EXTREME” fire hazard level during flooding.

Craig “Computer” Rogers

#7

Effective 30-Oct-2004 (apologies for the late reporting), the Angeles National Forest once again allowed campfires in developed camping areas, and gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel camp stoves anywhere (with a Calif. Campfire Permit, of course).

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2004/news-2004-10-29-fire-restrictions-reduced.shtml

Craig “Computer” Rogers