Wednesday, 03 October 2007 23:56
Eldorado National Forest Fire Restrictions Lifted
Fire restrictions
were lifted in the Eldorado
National Forest Tuesday, October
2. Visitors can once
again use wood and charcoal fires as well as stoves and lanterns outside of
developed campgrounds as long as they possess a valid
California Campfire Permit and follow
the permit regulations. Despite cooler temperatures and recent storms, fuel
conditions in most of the forest are still dry,” said Bob Patton, fire
management officer. “Visitors should make sure they scrape down to mineral soil
for at least five feet in all directions around the campfire ring to remove
burnable materials. They also need to remember to extinguish their
campfire with water and possess a shovel. If the wind is blowing don't build a
campfire."
Woodcutting is allowed year round with
a valid "personal use" woodcutting permit. Woodcutters are advised to
obtain their wood early in the fall as the majority of national forest roads
will be under snow or be too wet to travel on during the winter. Due to a 2005
court order, wheeled motorized vehicles in the Eldorado
National Forest can only be operated
on motorized roads and trails that are shown as open on the free-of-charge "Motorized Vehicle
Restriction" map which is available at Eldorado National Forest
offices. For more information on woodcutting or recreation opportunities,
contact any Eldorado National Forest Ranger Station or visit the website
at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado .
