Volunteers help restore recreation areas damaged by Ranch fire in Mendocino National Forest
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – A group of volunteers signed on to some tough, dirty work last week to help clean and restore the Stonyford off-highway vehicle area and campgrounds on the Grindstone Ranger District that burned in the 2018 Ranch fire.
During the week-long project, 32 volunteers cleared 40 miles of trail, installed 26 barriers in Mill Valley Campground, removed over 80 yards of burned barriers and rebar and installed 30 signs and trail markers. The volunteers contributed a total of 196 hours
“It’s hard work but very satisfying to know that we are making a difference for future generations to enjoy this area,” Grindstone OHV Program Manager Sarah Ridenour-Chamberlin said.
Grindstone District Ranger Christine Hill added, “The volunteers did an outstanding job and we are very appreciative of their hard work. Thank you all so much.”
The Ranch fire is the largest wildland fire in California history at 410,203 acres; around 288,000 acres are on the Mendocino National Forest.
The fire burned through the southern portion of the forest, damaging the entire off-highway vehicle trail system, destroying or compromising culverts and bridges and impacting campgrounds, day use areas, trailheads and signage.