The Eldorado National Forest is preparing for one of the biggest recreation weekends of the year. All recreation facilities in the forest will be open.

“It is important that we all take responsibility to keep wildfire out of the forest”, said Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. “Visitors need to know that all types of fireworks are illegal in a National Forest. Citations will be issued for violations.”

Due to the severe drought conditions, wood and charcoal fires are not allowed in the Eldorado National Forest outside of designated campgrounds. Gas or propane fires are allowed with a 2014 California Campfire permit at this time. These permits are free and can be obtained at any U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFire), or Bureau of Land Management office. Visitors can help by educating others about fire danger and reporting abandoned or illegal fires to 911 or to the nearest Ranger Station. The Eldorado will be staffing extra patrols and patrolling after dark over the weekend.

Motor vehicle use on the Eldorado National Forest is allowed only on the designated routes displayed on the free Motor Vehicle Use Map that is available at all Eldorado National Forest offices. Visitors planning to camp outside of developed campgrounds must park their vehicle on or within one vehicle length of a system route.

More information on recreation opportunities and fire restrictions is available on the Eldorado National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado