Sierra National Forest
Credit: Sierra National Forest file photo
March 27, 2020 - CLOVIS, Calif. – USDA Forest Service appreciates the public’s interest in outdoor recreation, particularly in light of current events. The Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest Service, in response to the recent statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, is joining the cause to aggressively mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by closing developed recreation facilities on our National Forests statewide.
As a result, the Sierra National Forest and California Land Management began closing campgrounds and developed recreation sites on Sierra National Forest lands on March 26, 2020.
Closures of developed recreation facilities are being put in place until at least April 30th, in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart. This is not a decision we make lightly, but we feel it is important in order to put everyone’s safety first.
While designated recreation sites will be closed, the general Forest area including the extensive trail system will remain open and available to the public. Hiking and walking outdoors are widely considered beneficial to maintaining one’s health. It is the intent of USDA Forest Service to maintain trail access to the extent practicable.
Your personal responsibility is critical to ensuring public safety and preventing further restrictions. We ask that you consider whether your personal participation in outdoor recreation at this time would pose an unnecessary risk to others as we all work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our National Forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.
California Land Management, who holds a special uses permit to operate the campgrounds will begin to process refunds for reservations made during this early part of the season for those sites that they manage on the Sierra National Forest.
To receive more information from California Land Management you can contact them at:
California Land Management Services Corporation
Tel: (650) 322-1181 or Fax: (650) 322-1194
Email us at: info@clm-services.com or through their Website: http://www.clm-services.com/
To remain informed on Sierra National Forest activities during this time please follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sierra, FaceBook at www.Facebook.com/SierraNF, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/SierraNF.
These sites and pages will provide updates as information and changes received regarding the Coronavirus COVID-19 takes place.
Source: Sierra National Forest
