Amador County – The U.S. Forest Service announced Monday that many roads and trails throughout El Dorado National Forest are blocked by trees felled last week by strong winds.

Public Relations Officer Frank Mosbacher said Forest Service personnel and visitors are reporting that many roads and trails in El Dorado National Forest are not passable due to trees that fell during recent high winds. As a result, travelers may find themselves on a road or trail that appears to be open but is impassable due to fallen trees.

Forest Supervisor Kathy Hardy said she is “concerned about the safety of forest travelers when they are traveling on any forest roads or trails.” She was “also concerned that people will attempt to drive around blocked routes and cause environmental damage. This week we are reviewing the situation and looking at our options. ”

Hardy says woodcutters with a fuel-wood permit can cut trees that are on the ground and blocking roads. The permits can be purchased at all El Dorado National Forest district offices. Currently, the seasonal closure of dirt roads and trails, due to wet weather conditions, is not in effect.

This could change with a major change in the weather or if too many routes are blocked by trees which cause unsafe conditions for forest visitors. Visitors should check the El Dorado National Forest Service website for seasonal road and trail closure information.

Delays in funding may have a long-term impact. Hardy said: “Our funding to pay for removing downed trees to open roads and trails is rather meager, to say the least.” She said Forest Service anticipates that “some roads and trails will remain blocked into next year and maybe beyond. Visitors will need to do their part in protecting forest lands by not driving around trees that are closing routes.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.