MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The Mendocino National Forest is inviting public comment on a proposal to issue a special use permit to the United States Geological Survey for a geophysics study on the southern end of the forest.

This study, proposed and conducted by the USGS, would collect geophysical data at 10 sites on the MNF, including some in the Berryessa-Snow Mountain National Monument.

The goal of the study goal is to improve public safety by gaining scientific knowledge of the Clear Lake Volcanic area.

The temporary install of magnetotellurics and seismic measuring devices would require an estimated four cubic feet of soil disturbance at each site.

Hand shovels would be used to dig holes, bury parts of the devices, and then fill the holes after device removal.

The magnetotellurics devices would remain on forest lands for 24 to 48 hours and the seismic devices would remain for up to 30 days. In addition to geologic mapping, the USGS would collect hand-sized rock samples. The study may start this summer.

If you have questions or would like to comment on this proposal, please contact Ryan Mikulovsky, forest geologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or submit written comments to Ryan Mikulovsky, Mendocino National Forest, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA, 95988.