Sonora, CA…Regional Forester Randy Moore signed Regional Order 20-22, extending fire restrictions for all California national forests due to the extreme fire danger.  Fire restrictions remain in effect through Oct. 22 at all elevations on the Stanislaus National Forest, which prohibits campfires and smoking materials. Visitors may use a portable lantern or a stove using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel within open developed recreation sites.

Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken signed Forest Order STF-16-2020-22, 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 keeps the forest open for day use between sunrise and sunset and allows camping in open developed campgrounds.  The forest order remains in effect through Nov. 15, 2020.  Visitors are encouraged to check the forest web page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus for information about fire restrictions and recreation activities that are allowed under the forest order.

Visitors considering using generators while camping are asked to abide by the following requirements:

• Generators are allowed in open developed campgrounds, as long as campers follow posted quiet hours. A list of open campgrounds can be found on the web page.
• All generators must be fitted with appropriate, functional spark arrestors
• Generators are allowed in dispersed camping areas open under Forest Order STF-16-2020-22
• Generators are NOT allowed in any wilderness area due to prohibition of motorized/mechanized items

In addition, hunters with valid California Fish & Wildlife permits and tags are allowed to hunt in permitted zones. Be aware that campfires and campstoves are not allowed when dispersed camping or for wilderness camping.  Know where your permitted zones are before you travel to the forest.

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