Los Padres National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

Date: August 29, 2008

Forest Service to Lift a Portion of Fire Closure in Monterey County at Midnight Tonight

The Forest Service will reopen National Forest lands south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in Monterey County, effective at midnight tonight. With the exception of a few facilities along the Big Sur Coast, and the Arroyo Seco Campground and Day Use Area west of Greenfield, all National Forest lands north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road will remain closed to public entry. The closure has been in place since the wildfire emergencies earlier this summer.

In addition to National Forest lands south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, the following Forest Service facilities are open to the public:

• Kirk Creek Campground
• Plaskett Creek Campground
• Arroyo Seco Campground
• Arroyo Seco Day Use Area
• Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area
• Mill Creek Day Use Area
• Sand Dollar Day Use Area
• Jade Cove Beach Day Use Area
• Willow Creek Day Use Area
• San Carpoforo Beach Day Use Area

Nacimiento Campground and Ponderosa Campground, located along the south side of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, are open.

According to Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez the continued closure north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is needed due to ongoing hazards associated with the Basin Complex and Indians wildfires.

"There is still residual fire in many remote areas within the fire perimeter and there are other hazards as well such as falling trees and rockslides," said Hernandez.

Visitors to Los Padres National Forest are reminded that wood and charcoal fires and recreational target shooting are currently prohibited in all areas of the forest. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building or designated Campfire Use Site. For more information, contact the Forest Service office in King City at (831) 385-5434.

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