MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest offices will close Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.

Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, Oct. 15, at all offices except for the Stonyford Work Center, which will close Tuesday, Oct. 15, and reopen Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Mendocino National Forest employees are beginning to winterize campgrounds across the forest.

Beginning Oct. 27, dumpsters will be removed at Plaskett Meadows campground on the Grindstone Ranger district. The campground is open year round, however, there will be no fees and no services through the winter.

Letts Lake remains closed under Ranch Fire Closure No. 08-19-03.

In addition, the pedestrian gate hours at the Chico Seed Orchard will change on Nov. 4. New hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week except on all federal holidays when the site is closed to the public.

The orchard is located at 2741 Cramer Lane in Chico and has a self-guided one-mile paved accessible nature trail. The trail area supports an abundance of wildlife including: birds, snakes, rabbits, squirrels, rodents, insects, and many other species. Butte County pet leash laws apply at the orchard.

Take a trip to the forest and enjoy the fall colors that are beginning to emerge. Remember that food, gas and lodging are not available on the forest road network or within forest boundaries.

Carry emergency equipment and appropriate maps in your vehicle. Cell phone coverage is not reliable in many areas of the forest. Check the weather forecast before heading out and be aware that conditions can change suddenly in the high country.