WELCOME
The Mendocino National Forest straddles the eastern spur of the Coastal Mountain Range in northwestern California, just a three hour drive north of San Francisco and Sacramento. Some 65 miles long and 35 miles across, the Forest's 913,306 federally owned acres of mountains and canyons offer a variety of recreational opportunities - camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, hunting, nature study, photography, and off-highway vehicle travel. more about the Forest »
National News
40th Anniversary Wild and Scenic Rivers Act »
The Forest Service manages 101 out of the 165 rivers that are included in the Wild and Scenic River System. California is home to 14 federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, for a total of 1,093 river miles. On the Mendocino National Forest, 35 miles of the Eel River were designated in 1981, and 21 miles of the Black Butte River were designated in 2006.
$500,000 is committed for More Kids in the Woods projects in 2008 »
The U.S. Forest Service recently agreed to offer another
half million in challenge cost funds to continue More
Kids in the Woods’ projects in 2008. By awarding funds
for a second year, the Forest Service continues its
efforts to improve children’s health, while closing
the widening gap between America’s youth and the outdoors.
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Extension »
The President's FY 2008 Budget for the Forest Service
includes a legislative proposal that would provide
a funding source for any future proposals to extend
the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Act of 2000 through 2011.
Regional News
Celebrating Wildflowers »
Many wildflowers of the California national forests
grow nowhere else in the world. From ancient rock
gardens to sagebrush steppes to squishy mountain ferns,
California's native plants are spectacular!
Features
Motor Vehicle Use Maps »
There are no areas on the Mendocino National Forest that
are open to cross-country travel. The Motor Vehicle Use
Map displays roads and trails that are open for
motor vehicle use by the public on the Mendocino National
Forest. The free map also displays public and private land
ownership, plus any seasonal closures or restrictions
by vehicle type.
New Wilderness
Act »
This legislation adds area to both the Yolla Bolly - Middle
Eel Wilderness and Snow Mountain Wilderness, and establishes
two new wilderness areas on the Mendocino National Forest,
the Yuki Wilderness and the Sanhedrin Wilderness.
Recreation Facility Analysis »
Many of the Mendocino's developed recreation sites were
built 30-50 years ago. Since then, visitor preferences
and demographics have changed. Some sites no longer serve
projected recreation demand; some facilities are in poor
shape and do not meet visitors' expectations. To respond
to these conditions and national direction, the forest
is implementing the Recreation Facility Analysis process
for developed recreation sites.
Motor Vehicle Route Designation »
Between 2005 and 2008, all national forests in California
will designate a system of roads and trails for motorized OHV use
that will enhance quality recreation opportunities, promote
public safety and protect natural resources. While all
national forests in California will be conducting the designation
process, each forest has different OHV management
standards already in place and will be charting the course
of their designation process independently.
January 9th Recreation Update »
General recreational news about the Mendocino National Forest, updated each
Friday through the summer recreational period and whenever there is new information
during the winter months.
Frog Field Cards »
Over the past decade, accumulated evidence indicates an alarming
decline in amphibian populations worldwide. The declines seem
to be particularly severe in the western United States.
This 5th series of cards display the native frogs and toads that have been some of the most affected in California.