MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST – The Mendocino National Forest Closure Order for the Yuki and Sanhedrin Wildernesses will be lifted Monday, August 18 at 6 a.m.

The wilderness areas were closed June 27 due to wildland fire activity and in the interest of public safety. The closure was initially supposed to go through the end of the 2008 fire season, which traditionally ends in October with the first rains.

“The fire activities have stopped and conditions have improved in the Yuki and Sanhedrin Wildernesses enough that Forest visitors can enjoy the many recreation opportunities available in these scenic wilderness areas,” said Upper Lake and Covelo District Ranger Lee Johnson. “However, there are still a couple months of active fire season and this summer’s fire activity affected this area. We are asking visitors to use caution in these areas and to respect the fire restrictions that are still in place. Public safety is our highest priority.”

There is inherent risk in any outdoor activity. Visitors should be aware of the hazards involved in recreating in wilderness areas. In particular, watch for dead trees or tree branches – commonly known as snags – that could break loose or fall. In burned areas a tree may still look alive but the base of the tree could be burned and possibly pose a threat of falling, particularly in windy conditions.

For more information, please contact the Upper Lake Ranger District at 707-275-2361, the Covelo Ranger District at 707-983-6118 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino.

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