San Bernardino National Forest Closed

“From Bob Wood, Recreation Officer
Front Country Ranger District
San Bernardino National Forest:

"Just got the word that there will be a Forest-wide closure starting this Friday at 1200: The only areas remaining open will be within 1/4 mile of paved roads. The San Gorgonio Wilderness will be closed. The Girl Scout project at the San Bernardino Peak trailhead could go forward, but not the hike to the peak. The closure will stay in effect until there is substantian rainfall. That has been considered to be two inches in the past. I'm very sorry about that. You all have put in a tremendous amount of time on the project."

Attachment:

ORDER NO. 02-7

OCCUPANCY AND USE SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect the public, the following acts are prohibited within the San Bernardino National Forest. This order is in effect from October 4, 2002 through the end of the official fire season.

1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System lands within the San Bernardino National Forest, except for the areas listed below:

a. The Lake Hemet Recreation Area.

b. The Pineknot Campground.

c. The Aspenglen Picnic Area.

d. Developed recreation sites located within one-quarter mile of either side of the State Highways and County Roads.

e. The portion of Lytle Creek Canyon that is located within one-quarter mile of the Lytle Creek County Road.

36 CFR 261.53(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System road within the San Bernardino National Forest, except for the roads listed below:

a. The paved portion of Forest Service Road 3N14.

b. Forest Service Road 1N96 (Keller Peak Road).

c. Forest Service Road 2N99 (Bristlecone Road).

d. Forest Service Road 2N56 (Sheep Canyon Road).

e. Forest Service Road 3N06 (Lytle Creek Canyon Road) from its beginning point to the Lytle Creek Shooting Area.

f. Forest Service Road 2N58 (Middle Fork Road) from its beginning point to the closure barricade.

36 CFR 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the San Bernardino National Forest, except for the trail listed below:

a. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Hiking Trail.

36 CFR 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Owners or lessees of land within the closure area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their land.

2. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

3. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261,
Subpart A.

Done at San Bernardino, California, this 2nd day of October, 2002.

/s/ Max Copenhagen
________________________________
MAX COPENHAGEN
Acting Forest Supervisor,
San Bernardino National Forest

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571.”

“Bummer. We need some rain. We had a major event planned for Oct 12, but it got cancelled.

Guess I will have to go to the Sierras!!”

“I'll see you in the Sierras Phil. I'm thinking of heading up there this coming weekend and next weekend.”

“Sheet, those fines are steep. I think people who get caught selling dope are treated gentler.”

“wingding - where are you going?

I don't really have good winter gear, so I am not sure what to do.”

“Phil:

I'm up-in-the air for this weekend, but next weekend it sounds like were doing an overnight trip out of Onion Valley. I'll add you to the email loop on it incase you decide to join us. I don't think too much winter stuff is required yet. Just some warm clothes for the evening.”

“Date: November 8, 2002
San Bernardino National Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Partial Lifting of Forest Closure

Due to the arrival of much needed rainfall in the San Bernardino Mountains, Forest Supervisor Gene Zimmerman is partially lifting the Forest closure north of the I-10 freeway. As of noon on Friday, November 8, citizens are once again allowed to use this portion of the Forest. The San Jacinto
Ranger District will remain closed.

"I am pleased to be opening a portion of the Forest again," said Zimmerman. "I hope the rain continues. Our Forest is clearly in need of moisture, but Forest visitors need to remember that the Forest has been in a drought for 4 years. The vegetation is unlikely to recover with just one good storm. The danger of fire still exists in the Forest. Enjoy the Forest, but be careful out there."

The weather forecast for next week is predicting warm, sunny days, and possibly Santa Ana winds. Forest managers may be forced to re-close remote areas of the Forest, if the weather returns to a warm and dry cycle. In the meantime, Forest users are encouraged to enjoy the weekend and use the Forest responsibly.

Fire restrictions will still be in place. All campfires are banned. For further information about fire restrictions, including chainsaw operations, call your local Ranger Station.

Many recreation visitors have bought annual Adventure Passes in support of their National Forests here in southern California. These visitors, particularly the hunters, have been most highly impacted by the reduced use of their annual passes. Forest Supervisor Zimmerman has announced that all
annual Adventure Passes are automatically extended for 3 additional months if they were valid after September 1, 2002.

For information concerning the status of National Forest closures and restrictions on the Angeles National Forest, please call 626-574-5208 and Cleveland National Forest, call 858-674-2901.

For more information, contact the San Bernardino National Forest offices:

Big Bear Discovery Center 909.866.3437
Lytle Creek Ranger Station (including information about the Louisiana and Blue Cut areas 909.887.2576
Mill Creek Ranger Station 909.794.1123
Sky Forest Ranger Station 909.337.2444
Supervisor's Office 909.383.5770”

“Thanks Phil. I was just sitting here wondering if the recent rain would do it. Got some gear to test, so I can't wait to get up to the San Jac area.”

“YES, San G here I come.... Hmmm, what about Baldy?”

“didj - The letter said that San Jac is still closed. Only north of I-10 is open so far.”