Sonora, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2014)…Active fire and fire suppression activity resulting from the El Portal Fire that started July 26 has caused unsafe conditions for public access in certain areas of the Stanislaus National Forest (STF).

The El Portal Fire, which started in the community of El Portal, CA, and is burning in Yosemite National Park (YNP) and the STF, poses risks to public safety in the way of: firefighters at work; unstable tree snags; burning vegetation; and large equipment and vehicles.

The El Portal Fire Closure, STF 2014-07 is in effect from Aug. 2, 2014, until the fire is declared “out.”

The closure area begins at the boundary line of the STF at its intersection with the boundary of YNP and Highway 140, then continues west along the north edge of Highway 140 to its intersection with the boundary of STF, then continues west along the STF boundary to Ned Gulch, then continues northeast along Ned Gulch to its intersection with Forest Road 1S12 and the STF boundary, then continues east and south along the STF boundary back to the starting point.  Please see Exhibit B for a map of the area.

The current Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is still in effect and available to the public at all forest and Ranger District offices as well as online at:
www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus.

To speak with a Visitor Information Specialist, please call: Stanislaus Supervisor’s Office at 209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD at 209-962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209-586-3234; or Summit RD at 209-965-3434.