MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The Mendocino National Forest is revising the Mill Fire Closure Order to allow for foot traffic – hiking and walking – within the fire perimeter starting Saturday morning.
The Mill Fire started Saturday, July 7, 2012, and consumed more than 29,500 acres between the Letts Lake area and the community of Stonyford on the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest, as Lake County News has reported.
The area remains closed to motorized vehicles, including off-highway vehicles (OHVs), through May 31. However, managers are continuing to evaluate the stability of the area to assess when it will be safe for motorized.
“We are happy to be able to allow foot traffic into the Mill Fire Area,” said Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune. “This is a positive sign that the area is beginning to recover from the effects of this past summer’s fire. We are continuing to monitor the area for opportunities to once again restore access to the recreating public, including OHVs.”
The closure order is formally referenced as Order Number 08-13-03 and replaces Order Number 08-12-09. The order is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .
Violation of the 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.
The OHV trail system, which was heavily impacted by the fire, is gradually being restored by Forest employees and volunteers.
“The help we have received to date has been inspiring,” Tune said. “There is still a lot of work to do to restore the many miles of trail affected by the fire, but by working together we are confident OHV use will be able to return to the area soon.”
Volunteer opportunities are still available. If interested, please visit the www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino and select “Stonyford OHV Fire Closure” in the upper right corner, or contact Paige Makowski at 530-963-1328.
Visitors who plan on hiking in the area are advised to use caution and monitor weather conditions.
The area, including the Grindstone OHV trails, was heavily impacted by the Mill Fire this summer, adding to the risk of flooding and landslides as stormy weather continues this winter and spring.
Following are some additional safety suggestions for those recreating in the forest this winter:
- Plan your trip – check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, tire chains, shovel and any other supplies necessary for the activity. Call to check if the area you are planning to visit is still open and accessible.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave and are prepared for changing conditions in the mountains!
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
- Keep vehicles on designated roads and trails and be aware of changing weather and road conditions. Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources. If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, consider pulling over to hike or turning around and finding a different area.
For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .