Stanislaus NF issues temporary closure for Deer Valley Road to protect Yosemite Toad habitat

SONORA, California, (May 30, 2025) – To protect resources, including the federally listed Yosemite Toad and its critical habitat, Acting Forest Supervisor Jim Junette has issued a forest order temporarily closing Forest Road No. 8N02 (Deer Valley 4WD Road) in the Calaveras Ranger District. This temporary closure will close public access by motor vehicle from its intersection with Hwy 4 to the Eldorado and Stanislaus National Forest boundary from June 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

Deer Valley Road is closed seasonally from December 15 to April 15 consistent with the Forest's Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). This year, deep winter snow kept the MVUM seasonal road closures in place through May 31. Toad breeding season is expected to last for six weeks following the spring snow melt, with the snow now adequately melted, toad breeding and movement is expected to end about July 11, 2025, consistent with the expiration of the corresponding ENF order. 

Maps and the full forest order can be found here

For more information please contact Forest Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin Cossel at Benjamin.cossel@usda.gov or 209.288.6261.