Forest Service extends closure of most recreation sites through May 15

The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, announced that most developed recreation sites, including those on the Six Rivers National Forest, will remain closed through May 15.

The order does not close trails, trailheads and general forest areas; these areas remain accessible for public use. Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available by contacting your local national forest office, including those on the Six Rivers National Forest.

Outdoor recreation can be beneficial to mental and physical health, but must be practiced safely. In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, we continue to ask visitors to recreate locally.

If you do plan to visit the Six Rivers National Forest, please be aware that:

• No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste;

• All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly;

• Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited – avoid high-risk activities; and

• If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location.

Closing any site for any reason is not an action we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen closed sites.

For additional information on closed areas on the Six Rivers National Forest, visit the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/srnf or contact any forest office, leaving a voicemail during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.):

• Gasquet Ranger District / Smith River National Recreation Area, Gasquet – (707) 457-3131

• Orleans / Ukonom Ranger District, Orleans – (530) 627-3291

• Lower Trinity Ranger District, Willow Creek – (530) 629-2118

• Mad River Ranger District, Mad River – (707) 574-6233.