Sierra National Forest
Credit: Sierra National Forest file photo
April 29, 2020 - On March 25, 2020, Regional Forester Randy Moore issued a Closure Order No. 20-02 for all developed recreation sites across all National Forests in the Region including the Sierra National Forest (SNF). This closure order is likely to be in place through the middle of May. Additional details will follow later this week.
The USDA Forest Service’s highest priority is ensuring our employees, local communities, and visitors remain safe as we support mission critical functions for the people and communities we serve.
Areas that are closed for visitor use are developed recreation areas in the forest such as campgrounds, picnic areas (including all tables, bbq/fire pits), bathrooms, and water stations, paved parking areas, and boat launch ramps.
This closure does exclude hiking trails, areas that function as a trailhead for dispersed recreation, and dispersed camping. When choosing parking locations for your recreation please do so with care. Choose a location that is clear of the roadway, and not causing damage to forest resources.
While these specific areas remain open for use, we recommend complying with local and state guidance and not traveling for your recreation needs.
If you do plan on visiting the SNF please be aware that:
• YOU SHOULD AVOID HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES - Law enforcement and/or search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High-risk activities such as backcountry activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided.
• NO TRASH removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste www.int.org
• ALL TOILET FACILITIES are currently closed – please plan accordingly. All human waste and tissues should be placed in a plastic bag and taken with you – LEAVE NO TRACE www.lnt.org.
• AVOID Large Gatherings - If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location
Forest officials would like to provide these TREAD LIGHTLY principles to ALL visitors to the National Forest:
T – Travel Responsibly, obey the rules of the road or trails
R – Respect the Rights of Others, please practice physical distancing
E – Educate Yourself, know before you go… www.lnt.org
A – Avoid Sensitive Areas – do not create your own trails, or parking areas.
D – Do Your Part – call ahead to determine where you can go. View the forest webpage www.fs.usda.gov/sierra to become informed, use the interactive map to locate your destination.
Closing any site for any reason is not one we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopening closed sites.
Thank you for your cooperation. For specific details, on areas that are closed please look to our webpage www.fs.usda.gov/sierra. Or, please contact one of our forest virtual offices.
• Bass Lake Ranger District Office – 559-877-2218, open Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm.
• High Sierra Ranger District Office – 559-855-5355, open Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm.
• Forest Supervisors Office - 559-297-0706, open Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm.
Source: Sierra National Forest
