MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST – The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail system on the Upper Lake Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest will be closed to vehicle traffic for six days, beginning the morning of Saturday, April 3.

The closure order covers only the Upper Lake Ranger District and is scheduled to lift the morning of Friday, April 9, conditions permitting.

The OHV trails on the Grindstone Ranger District are still open.

The closure is the result of rain and snow this week that have left trails muddy and, in some places, covered by more than a foot of snow.

Additional storm systems in the current forecast are predicted to bring more rain and snow to the Upper Lake Ranger District and trail system.

Using the trails in their current condition would result in damage not only to the trails, but would also impact other resources including soils, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

“We recognize this is a popular weekend for recreation on the Forest, particularly for OHV enthusiasts,” said Forest Supervisor Tom Contreras. “We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation with the temporary OHV trail system closure. By closing the trails now and preventing further damage, we are reducing the risk of longer closures for costly repairs and restoration efforts. Waiting for conditions to improve and the trails to dry out will help us continue to provide quality recreation areas for OHV riders.”

The Emergency Trail Closure for the Upper Lake Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest is formally referenced under Order Number 08-10-03.

Violation of this closure order is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino.

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