Cherry Lake - Credit: USDA file photo

September 20, 2020 - SONORA, California – The Stanislaus National Forest is reopening again to public access after the Pacific Southwest Region rescinded its regional closure order.  The regional order signed by Regional Forester Randy Moore has expired.

This forest order restricts activities on the forest to limit fire risk while allowing visitors to enjoy visiting day use sites and allows camping in some developed campgrounds. Fire restrictions remain in effect at all elevations on the forest, which prohibit using any ignition sources, including campfires, propane or gel-fuel stoves and smoking materials.

Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken signed Forest Order STF-16-2020-19, Temporary Camping, Occupancy and Use Restrictions, which prohibits recreational target shooting and dispersed camping in the moderate and high fire hazard areas on the forest, but opens the forest for day use between sunrise and sunset, and authorizes some camping in some developed campgrounds.

The current forest order outlines authorized activities on the forest based on the three fire hazard zones normally in use for fire restrictions. Refer to the forest order map for hazard area locations.

In addition, hunters with valid California Fish & Wildlife permits and tags are authorized to hunt in permitted zones. Be aware that campfires and campstoves are not authorized anywhere on the forest. Know where your permitted zones are before you travel to the forest.

High Fire Hazard Area (Zone A, generally lower elevation; red areas on map) prohibits:

Visits to day use areas from dawn to dusk are authorized.

Moderate Fire Hazard Area (Zone B, generally mid elevation zone; beige areas on map) prohibits:

Low Fire Hazard Area (Zone C, generally high elevations; green areas on map)

For additional information about the revised forest order, visit the Stanislaus National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus.
Source: Stanislaus National Forest