The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino National Forest:
High winds and heavy precipitation throughout January and mid-February — coupled with past wildfires — have brought heavy damage to two areas in the Mendocino National Forest. Out of concern for public safety, forest officials are closing National Forest System trails designated for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on the Upper Lake Ranger District and the Deer Valley Campground. The closure is in effect from Feb. 15 through June 30, per Forest Order 08-24-07.
“The Upper Lake District has experienced severe wildfire, including the 2018 Ranch Fire, back-to-back winters where annual average rainfall is exceeded in just a few weeks, and hurricane-force winds recorded at weather stations,” said Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster.
Winter storms and the forest’s post-fire conditions resulted in extensive damage and downed trees. Trails are unsafe for public use, with additional concerns of possible resource damage from riding around obstacles on trails. Downed trees and stump holes are making travel impossible and unsafe.
“Right now, we wouldn’t be able to get emergency vehicles into the area in the event of an accident or search and rescue,” McMaster said.
More fire-damaged and live trees are expected fall as saturated soils may no longer be able to support the weight of the trees. Future storms and snowmelt may also cause additional damage to roads and trails.
“The post-fire conditions of the forest combined with these strong winter storms are challenging. I want to commend our OHV recreation program and volunteers who are actively working to assess damage and restore safe, sustainable access to our campground and trail system,” said McMaster.
“Protecting trails now gives us time to repair and recover from the storm damage sustained during this wet winter.”
Last year volunteers mobilized to help the Forest Service reopen trails after a storm damage closure. Several volunteer work days are planned for this spring, weather permitting. Those interested in volunteering can email sm.fs.mendopao@usda.gov for more details.
Forest orders and updates can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices.
