Placerville, CA… Holiday weekends are always an active time for human caused fire starts, and an important reminder that fireworks are prohibited on public lands – every forest, every campsite, every day. Campfire restrictions are currently in effect due to severe drought conditions and will remain in effect for the duration of the 2021 fire season.
“It is important that we all take responsibility to prevent human caused wildfires”, said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “Visitors need to know that all types of fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge in a National Forest. Citations will be issued for violations.”
Most of the recreation facilities in the forest will be open except Hell Hole Campground due to the extensive amount of hazard trees. Westpoint, Yellowjacket, and Camino Cove Campgrounds are closed this season for renovations and another 6 miles of paved bike trail is being constructed on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir this year. As always, the Eldorado National Forest reminds people to plan ahead before visiting national forests and other public lands, and to recreate responsibly, including packing out your trash, use good social distancing in crowded areas, and only park in designated areas. Check out these highlights of the “Things to Know Before You Go” when visiting the Eldorado National Forest.
- Fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands: Regional Order #20-04 can be viewed at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/regionalfireorder.
- Fire Restrictions are in effect: Due to the severe drought conditions, wood and charcoal fires are NOT allowed in the Eldorado National Forest outside of designated campgrounds. For more information on restrictions and exemptions view Forest Order #03-21-11 and the list of designated campgrounds (Exhibit A) at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/enf/forestorders. Visitors can help by educating others about fire danger and reporting abandoned or illegal fires to 911 or to the nearest Ranger Station.
- 2021 California Campfire Permit: This permit is still required for gas or propane fires at this time. These permits are free and can be obtained online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.
- Recreation Site and Road Conditions – Reservations are generally full on weekends and there is limited first come, first served sites available so have a backup plan. Some trails and roads still have many downed trees from last winter’s windstorm, such as the Red Peak Trail and the upper end of Caples Creek Trail. Current campground and road conditions status can be viewed at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/enf/currentconditions.
- Maps: Motor vehicle use on the Eldorado National Forest is allowed only on the designated routes displayed on the free Motor Vehicle Use Map that is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/enf/mvum or can be downloaded from Avenza at www.avenzamaps.com. Visitors planning to camp outside of developed campgrounds must park their vehicle on or within one vehicle length of a system route while avoiding parking on dry vegetation.
More information on recreation opportunities and fire restrictions is available on the Eldorado National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado. Visitor information is available from either our virtual or in-person locations from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm:
- Placerville/Pacific Ranger District – 916-500-4712. Monday through Saturday.
- Forest Supervisor’s Office: 530-303-2412. Monday through Friday.
- Georgetown Ranger District: 530-334-6477. Monday through Friday.
- Amador Ranger District: 209-259-3774. Monday through Friday.
- Crystal Information Station. Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. In-person.
- Carson Pass Information Station: 7 days a week. In-person.
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The U.S.D.A Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
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