Sierra National Forest
Credit: FWS file photo
June 5, 2020 - CLOVIS, Calif., – Sierra National Forest (SNF) officials announce opening of more developed recreation day use and picnic sites adding to the current list of open sites, and issue Forest Order No. 05-15-00-20-05 SNF Developed Recreation Site Closures through June 18, 2020. Forest officials have been working closely and consulting with state and local Public Health officials for direction in a phased approach to safely opening recreation sites on the forest.
As of June 5, 2020 - the following recreations sites have met the criteria for opening safely:
Bass Lake Ranger District:
• Wishon Boating Site
• The Falls Picnic Site
• Lakeside Picnic Site
• Rocky Point Picnic Site
• Denver Church Picnic Site
• Little Denver Picnic Site
• Pine Slope Picnic Site
• Willow Cove Picnic Area
• Recreation Point Picnic Site
High Sierra Ranger District:
• Huntington Lake Boat Launch Site
• Billy Creek Picnic Site
To see the full Forest Order No. 05-15-00-20-05 SNF Developed Recreation Site Closures, and the list of closed areas please go to our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sierra. This Forest Order will remain in effect until June 18, 2020.
The order does not close trails, trailheads, and general forest areas, and dispersed camping remains available and open for public use and enjoyment. Information on individual recreation sites, hiking opportunities, and fire restrictions are available by calling your local Sierra National Forest office.
Forest and California Land Management (CLM) crews have been working at what normally would take approximately two to three weeks to prepare and open a campground and prepare picnic areas for the season, this year we have been given an added twist to this preparation with response to COVID-19. Preparation work includes removing hazard trees, brushing and sweeping the roads, cleaning sites, fire rings, and restrooms, and turning on and testing water systems. The SNF and CLM are working hard to expedite this work and the opening of sites, while meeting very specific health and safety standards.
We continue to recognize that enjoying nature to promote mental and physical health comes at a time when access is vital to the public. As we continue work to reopen more campgrounds and picnic areas providing full access, we ask that visitors be patient.
We would like to also remind our visitors that all SNF offices remain physically closed during this time however, we do have staff working virtually to assist with your information needs.
Office hours and phone contacts as follows:
• High Sierra Ranger District... 559-855-5355, Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Bass Lake Ranger District... 559-877-2218, Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Forest Supervisors Office... 559-297-0706, Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
If you do plan on visiting the SNF please be aware that:
• Trash removal is currently offered in select locations – please pack out all trash and waste
• Some toilet facilities maybe currently closed – please plan accordingly www.lnt.org
• Avoid high-risk activities – search and rescue operations may be limited, these activities include water activities on the many rivers, streams, and lakes, and wilderness backpacking located on the Sierra National Forest. Water safety tips
• Campfire Restrictions are in effect – Forest Order No. 05-15-00-20-06 COVID-19 Fire Restrictions
• Avoid crowds - if an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location
To remain informed on SNF recreational activities during COVID-19 and this transition please follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sierra , Facebook at www.facebook.com/SierraNF , and Twitter at www.twitter.com/SierraNF . Pages are updated as current information is received.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.
Source: Sierra National Forest
