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Modoc National Forest
Where the West Still Lives
California's northeastern corner is a stunning vacation destination with diverse landscapes including volcanic Cascades, scenic Warner Mountains, forests, range, and the Devils Garden.
The Modoc National Forest is situated in the Pacific Southwest Region of the US Forest Service, which oversees a whopping 20 million acres of majestic National Forest land in California. Not only that, but they also lend a helping hand to state and private forest landowners in California, Hawaii, and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. Can you believe it? Eighteen national forests call this region their home, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts. And guess what? This incredible region is commonly known as Region 5, or R5 for short.
Permanent Forest Supervisor Announced for the Modoc National Forest
ALTURAS, Calif., January 21, 2025- The Modoc National Forest is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Bielecki as the new Forest Supervisor. Chris brings 25 years of experience with the Forest Service, having supported projects across numerous National Forests in various regions throughout his career. For the last nine years, Chris has served as the Engineering, Lands, Minerals, and Recreation staff officer on the Modoc National Forest while also assisting with various programs, including wild horse management, wildfire management, and the development of a Forest partnership program.
Chris grew up in California and started his career with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in 1999, working on the Sierra National Forest trail crew. Shortly after, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Humboldt State University and a Master of Forestry in Forest Engineering from Oregon State University. Over the years, he has advanced through the engineering ranks while supporting some of the nation’s largest vegetation and landscape projects, including the White Mountain Stewardship Project in USFS Region 3 and the Quincy Library Group effort in USFS Region 5. In addition, Chris worked with the TEAMS Enterprise Unit (Timber Experts & Measurement Services) for many years. He initially contributed part-time before joining permanently, working on projects across more than 50 different national forests. Chris also enjoys teaching; he was involved with the Sale Area Layout & Harvesting Institute (SALHI) cadre for many years, where he played a key role in modernizing the program and developing the current Logging and Roads Institute (LARI). This program has successfully trained over 1,000 aspiring forest operations specialists across multiple agencies. Chris, along with his wife Amy and their pets, resides outside Alturas, California, with views of the Modoc National Forest in all directions. They cherish their time outdoors, often hiking, cycling, camping, and exploring, frequently accompanied by their dogs.
Chris stated “I’m thrilled to be staying at Modoc National Forest and embracing this new role. Most importantly, I look forward to collaborating with tribes, partners, local governments, and organizations dedicated to this landscape.”
Please join us in congratulating Chris on his new role with the Modoc National Forest.
Chris will begin his new role for the Modoc National Forest on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Plan Your Adventure on the MDF
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Follow the Trail
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OHV Riding
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Camping
Large, destructive wildfires are often the big story. Firefighters and firefighting aircraft come from across the country. The images, the action, the fast-moving flames threatening Small Town USA, appear on your screens.
But there is another big story taking place across the country. Communities, Tribes, and Federal agencies are coming together to confront the crisis and reduce the risk. The USDA Forest Service recently announced further support for the agency’s strategy to confront the wildfire crisis. An additional $500 million to expand work, reducing wildfire risk to communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources.
The Modoc National Forest is a part of this strategy to reduce wildfire risk to communities and their residents, not just on the national forest but across a 10-million-acre area—the Klamath River Basin.
Modoc National Forest Supervisor Chris Christofferson said, "The Klamath River Basin is a biodiversity hotspot that once support one of the largest salmon and steelhead runs on the west coast. It is a privilege to take part in upland restoration activities that will reduce the risk of catastrophic fire. National funding through the Wildfire Crisis Strategy has allowed us to implement thinning and fuels reduction projects. We have also been able to identify critical forested areas on the Medicine Lake volcano and beginning planning restoration activities. The entire Klamath River Basin is connected, and our actions up-stream will support the return of healthy fish populations and communities down-stream.”
Watch this five-part video series as we explore the work already being done on the Modoc National Forest and other areas across the landscape. We spoke with foresters, scientists, residents and our partners about the factors contributing to the wildfire crisis, how to make communities and forests more resilient, protecting watersheds and about how together we’re getting the work done. https://fast.wistia.com/embed/channel/bzasnm32ls?wchannelid=bzasnm32ls
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Devil’s Garden Wild Horse Info
The Devil's Garden Wild Horse Territory spans an impressive 500 square miles of rugged terrain, nestled right outside of the town of Alturas, California. The largest wild horse territory managed by the US Forest Service.
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Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscapes
The Forest Service launched a 10-year strategy called "Confronting the Wildfire Crisis" to address the immediate threat of wildfires to communities. This strategy includes a significant investment and aims to increase forest health treatments. The agency will collaborate with states, Tribes, and partners to protect critical infrastructure, communities, and improve the resilience of forests.
Features
Cedar Creek Interpretive Trail
Get to know the Warner Mountains by exploring its vegetation zones - The white fir zone and the sage steppe and juniper woodland zone.
We invite you to explore the entire trail in every season!
Be Bear Aware
Black bears are common throughout California including the Modoc. Drought years can increase human-wildlife conflicts, but there are many ways you can prepare for and prevent harmful encounters.
Spotlights
Fire prevention poster contest
Modoc National Forest wants to thank CALFIRE, Modoc County Public Health, Alturas Fire Department, Adin Fire Department and BLM
Campgrounds Shutting Down Water Systems For the Season 2023
Modoc National Forest Campgrounds Shutting Down Water Systems For the Season
Discover the Perfect Trail at Modoc NF
Many people visit the Modoc National Forest year after year for richness of outdoor recreation opportunities. Get familiar with the many sites available for the upcoming season.
The Modoc National Forest and Friends Annular Eclipse Viewing Event a Success
The Modoc Ring of Fire Event on October 14, 2023, brought hundreds of people to gaze at the rare astronomical event in the community of Alturas, CA, in Modoc County.