Sonora, CA…Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken signed Forest Order STF-16-2020-04, which replaces the current area and road closure order. The order identifies the high-elevation roads on Calaveras and Summit Ranger districts that remain under seasonal closure. The order is effective from May 2, 2020 through June 30,2020. Seasonal_Closure_STF-16-2020-04_Order and maps signed

In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, we continue to ask visitors to recreate locally. Although most lower-elevation roads are open, visitors are reminded that all designated recreation facilities remain closed until May 15, as outlined in the regional closure order 2020-03.

“We understand that outdoor recreation can be beneficial for your health, but it must be practiced safely,” Kuiken said. “We encourage you to recreate close to your home and to comply with local and state guidance to not travel for your recreation needs.”

Some roads and trails are opening for the first time this season, so visitors are cautioned to watch for hazards such as downed trees or fallen branches. “Forest crews are beginning their inspections of these roads and trails, so visitors may find some gates still closed,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Beth Martinez. “Our crews are just now getting back out into the forest, so we ask that people be patient and responsible, maintain social distance and watch out for potentially dangerous situations.”

The forest will begin issuing fuelwood permits in mid-May. Because the ranger district front desks will not yet be open to the public, the forest is designing a process for requesting a permit by phone, Martinez said. “We will post more comprehensive instructions about how to request a permit on our web page by May 15.”

If you do plan on visiting the National Forest, please be aware that trash removal services are unavailable at this time and toilet facilities are still closed. Please plan accordingly and pack out all trash and human waste. Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited, and if an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Thank you for helping to keep the Stanislaus National Forest safe and clean, and for preventing further restrictions by recreating responsibly.

The forest order prohibits motor vehicle use on the National Forest System roads listed below. This prohibition does not apply to over-snow vehicles on National Forest System Road Nos. 5N01, 4N12, 5N40Y, 7N09, 7N23 and 17EV485, when there is a minimum of 12 inches of snow on the road.

Calaveras Ranger District
Forest Road No. 7N01
Forest Road No. 7Nl 7
Forest Road No. 8N12
Forest Road No. 8N02
Forest Road No. 8N01
Forest Road No. 7N93
Forest Road No. 7N09
Forest Road No. l 7EV485
Forest Road No. 7N23
Forest Road No. 7N02

Summit Ranger District
Forest Road No. 4Nl 2 (Herring Creek Road)
Forest Road No. 5N01 (Eagle Meadow Road)
Forest Road No. 5Nl l
Forest Road No. 5N40Y
Forest Road No. 4N34 (Gooseberry Road)
Forest Road No. 4N47

Please keep health, safety and the environment in mind when visiting National Forests. 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.

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