February 18, 2023 - SONORA, California – Officials with the Stanislaus National Forest are aware of an unauthorized ice rink at Pinecrest Lake and is recommending visitors to the popular recreation site avoid using the skating rink in an overwhelming concern for public safety.

“Growing up in Wisconsin, I spent plenty of time playing hockey, broomball, ice fishing and more. However, here in California, with changing temperatures and on reservoirs, I don’t trust the ice, and therefore strongly recommend that you avoid the ice as well – the last thing I want is fun to end in tragedy,” said  Stanislaus National Forrest Supervisor, Jason Kuiken.

In addition to potentially unstable and unknown ice conditions, Kuiken said Pinecrest’s remote location could potentially hamper any response from emergency services further increasing the risk to visitors.

The Stanislaus National Forest is currently working with Pacific Gas and Electric, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license holder for the lake, to determine the best course of action.

This is a developing story and more updates will be provided as they become available.

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Source: Stanislaus National Forest