Six Rivers National Forest

Home > Newsroom > 2008 News Releases > September Releases > Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness to Open September 15 on Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests

News Release:
Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness to Open September 15 on Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests
[Shield]: US Forest Service

US Forest Service
Six Rivers National Forest

Contact:
Julie Ranieri
(707) 441-3673
jranieri@fs.fed.us

Eureka, September 12, 2008

The Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forest Closure Order for the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness will be lifted Monday, September 15 at 6 a.m. For visitor safety, the portion of the Wilderness on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest will remain closed until further notice due to the number of snags along trails.

The Wilderness area was closed June 26 due to wildland fire activity and in the interest of public safety. The closure was initially effective through the end of the 2008 fire season, which traditionally ends in October with the first rains.

The Forest Supervisors are happy that hunters and other recreational users will be able to enjoy the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness this fall before the rain starts. However, the public is reminded that until there is significant rain, we are still in an active fire season and this area has already been affected by fire. Visitors are asked to use caution in these areas and to respect the fire restrictions that are still in place.

There is inherent risk in any outdoor activity. Visitors should be aware of the challenges associated with recreating in wilderness areas, including:

  • Falling dead trees or tree branches – commonly known as snags – especially in windy conditions. Note that trees in burned areas may still look alive, but could be unstable after being burned.
  • Weak and unstable spots on the forest floor from burned out stumps and roots.
  • Slippery conditions from ash, needles, and other debris, particularly when wet.
  • Flash floods and mudslides in burned areas without vegetation.

Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations and the potential for precipitation, especially at higher elevations. Campsites should be located away from burned areas, areas that may be subject to falling or rolling debris or trees, or beneath cliffs or steep slopes. Visitors are also asked to help protect forest resources by remaining on designated roads. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available for the Mendocino National Forest.

For more information, please contact the Six Rivers National Forest Mad River Ranger District at 707-574-6233 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers; the Mendocino National Forest Covelo Ranger District at (707) 983-6118, Grindstone Ranger District at (530) 934-3316 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino; or the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Supervisor's Office at (530) 226-2500 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity.

[Printer] Printable Version
 
 
 
 
USDA logo which links to the department's national site. Forest Service logo which links to the agency's national site.