MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Winter storms brought much-needed precipitation to Northern California but also caused problems in various areas of the Mendocino National Forest.
Work is being done to repair roads and service campgrounds but some recreation areas will be inaccessible over the Memorial Day weekend.
The winter storms left snow remaining in the high country – last reported around the 6,300 foot level – and resulted in several road closures being implemented across the forest.
Road closure information is on the forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices .
If forest visitors want to travel from Covelo to Willows, State Route 162 (turning into Forest Highway 7) is not passable yet. Also, be alert to logging activity on the M4 Road.
While there are many known hazards and closures, there may be other problems such as downed trees and rock slides that have not been identified yet as some areas are unsafe for employees to enter. High clearance vehicles are recommended for travel on the forest.
“Please be responsible and have a safe and enjoyable trip on the forest,” said Mendocino National Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson, who invites the public to get outdoors and experience the Mendocino.
However, it’s not all bad news. Road work is being done where it’s safe to have heavy equipment. The M10 Road is open with sections of one-lane traffic at times.
With the repairs on M10, employees were able to open Letts Lake and Mill Valley campgrounds. While some campgrounds remain unavailable, dispersed camping is allowed in those areas that are reachable under motor vehicle use rules.
Please note, the Red Bluff Recreation Area is full for the Memorial Day weekend.
The number of visitors in campgrounds and on trails generally increases over the Memorial Day weekend. Please plan ahead and be properly prepared for your trip.
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Remember that cell phones are unreliable in many parts of the forest. Be aware that weather can change very quickly and plan accordingly.
Visitors are encouraged to check with local offices for information about current conditions before traveling to the forest.
There are no fire restrictions at this time; however, the fire danger has increased to the moderate range. Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside designated recreation sites.
Permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/ .
Remember to always practice fire safety and follow these campfire guidelines:
· Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
· Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
· Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
· Never leave your campfire unattended.
· Never build a campfire on a windy day.
· To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making
sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.
· Every campfire will be put DEAD OUT before leaving it.
OPEN
Grindstone and Upper Lake OHV areas, Letts Lake campground, Mill Valley campground, Pillsbury Lake campgrounds, Eel River campground, Red Bluff Recreation Area, Traveler’s Home trail, Bloody Rock trail, Thomes Gorge trail, Bear Creek Campground, Grizzly Flat Dispersed Camping Area, Whitlock, Sugarfoot, Black Bear and Del Harleson.
CLOSED
M5 Road: From southern intersection with Forest Trail No. 85303 then north to its northern intersection with Forest Trail No. 85303.
M1 Road: From a point about 4.4 miles northeast of the Eel River Work Station to the seasonal gate closure on Boardman Ridge.
FR 17N06 Boundary Road: From FR M10 1.6 miles to Summit Springs Trailhead.
FR 17N02 Letts Valley Road: From FR 17N09 to junction with Miner Ridge trail.
FR 20N59 Bowman Ridge Road: From FR 20N01 to junction with FR 20N85.
Forest Service offices will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
For more information, check the forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino , Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF/ , Twitter @MendocinoNF or call 530-934-3316.
Mendocino National Forest offers updates on recreation, roads and safety for Memorial Day weekend
- Lake County News reports
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