Release Date: Apr 15, 2014
Contact(s): Public Affairs Office, (209) 532-3671 ext. 244

Sonora, Calif.… Along with the opening of seasonal roads, the Stanislaus National Forest (STF) is opening several campground/Day Use Areas, sections of the Tuolumne River and Roads and Trails within the Rim Fire Closure Area.

Rim Fire Closure STF 2014-1 Exhibits A, B, and C replaces Rim Fire Closure STF 2013-15, and is in effect April 14 to Nov. 18, 2014, or until further notice as conditions allow.

Since day three of the Rim Fire, hazard tree assessment and removal work has been ongoing at recreation sites. Additional requirements have involved filling in stump holes, replacing signs, barriers, picnic tables and marking boundaries in order to clearly mark recreation areas from burned areas or unsafe areas for visitors.

Though the following areas are now open, many areas will not open at this time due to ongoing public safety concerns. Caution signs have been installed at all the open recreation sites. Visitors are encouraged to read the information and be aware of existing hazards at the following sites:

• Andresen Mine Trailhead (remains only accessible by shuttle service).
• Carlon Day Use Area (Upper, Lower, and Carlon Falls Trailhead)
• Cherry Creek Launch at Holm Powerhouse (remains only accessible by shuttle service).
• Dimond O Campground
• Lost Claim Campground
• Lumsden Campground
• Lumsden Bridge Campground
• Merals Pool Boat Launch
• Middle Fork Day Use Area
• Rainbow Pool Day Use Area
• Rim of the World Vista
• Sweetwater Campground

*Camping at the campgrounds is allowed beginning April 25 starting with the opening of Fishing Season.

The Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River can now be accessed at its intersection with Cherry Creek Boat Launch near Andresen Trailhead, then west to Merals Pool Put-In, then west tothe western forest boundary. Previously the area was only accessible via shuttle.

“Seasonal roads open today. Some roads, primarily on the Summit Ranger District, may still be gated due to snow and muddy conditions,” said Sue Warren, Travel Management Planning Specialist. “These roads will open in the next couple of weeks.” Contact your local ranger district office for current forest and road conditions before traveling on the forest.

The current Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is still in effect and available to the public at all forest and Ranger District offices as well as online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/stanislaus/maps-pubs/?cid=FSM91_057724&width=full

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3796679.pdf