US Forest Service Denies "Let it Burn" CA Wildfire Policy - Op-Ed
Sierra National Forest seeks public input for 2023 California Off-Highway Vehicle grant funding
CLOVIS, Calif. March 7, 2022— The Sierra National Forest (SNF) is requesting public input for the California 2022 State Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program application cycle. As part of the grant process, the SNF is requesting public comment on the draft applications submitted to the State. This Public feedback will be considered as final applications are prepared.
Beginning March 8, 2022, the SNF's grant applications (3 total) will be available for review and comment at: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov. The Forest’s OHMVR grant applications for Ground Operations and Law Enforcement Patrol grants will be available for public review and comment until May 2nd, 2022.
To review and comment on application proposals drafted by the Sierra National Forest, please go to this link: 2023 State Off-Road Vehicle (OHV) grant funding.pdf. Current application proposals reflect needs informed by prior years, upcoming projects being planned, and comments from a December OHV Stakeholder meeting.
Written comments may be submitted beginning Wednesday, January 5, 2022 to: Sierra National Forest, Attn: Jody Nickerson-Powell, 1600 Tollhouse Road, Clovis, CA 93611 or email: jody.nickerson@usda.gov. Comments regarding the OHV funding proposal should be received by end of day Monday, February 7, 2022. (see full press release).
Sierra National Forest Closures for select recreation sites, roads and trails
The Sierra National Forest (SNF) has updated its Closure Order for select recreation sites, roads, and trails. Forest Order 05-15-00-22-05 will be effective on April 30th through May 27, 2022. This order supersedes Forest Order 05-15-00-22-03.
Tree mortality continues to be a significant issue on the Sierra National Forest. Federal, State and County governments are working closely with citizens and private industry to mitigate these hazards and create more resilient forests. Over the last 5 years the Forest Service and private industry have treated thousands of acres which has significantly reduced some of the threats from hazardous trees. While overall the treatments are effective, they are outpaced by a contributing number of factors. Besides the threat from falling trees, there is the potential for catastrophic wildland fire. The combination of blocked roads and fire could be deadly to anyone trying to evacuate.
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-05 Sierra National Forest Recreation Site, Road and Trail Closure This Order supersedes Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-03 This Order is effective from April 30th, 2022 - May 27, 2022.
See full closure order click link: Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-05 (Order)
See full Record please click link: Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-05 (Record)
Entering or using the Developed Recreation Sites on the National Forest System, being on the National Forest System Roads, and being on the Natioal Forest System Trails lands within the Sierra National Forest
Closure Area as listed here in (Exhibit A)
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-04 – Food and Refuse Storage
The purpose of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-04 is to provide for public safety and to protect natural resources by prohibiting the possession or storage of any food or refuse within a developed recreation site, in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access. This Order will be effective from April 1, 2022, through April 1, 2024. I will consider terminating the Order early if conditions change.
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-04 – Food and Refuse Storage: (Order)
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-22-04 – Food and Refuse Storage: (Record)
Be safe when visiting the Sierra National Forest
If you plan on visiting the SNF we ask that you practice, and maintain, responsible/safe recreational practices, at all-times including:
Research road conditions and make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready;
Avoid areas with dead standing trees, look up before you choose a trail, park your car, or set your camp, always be aware of your surroundings;
Avoid large gatherings and maintain your physical distance while recreating;
Let family and friends know your plans, destination and return home, in the event of an unexpected emergency. Remember cell service in the Forest may not be available;
Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use;
All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly, do you part.
For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe for everyone’s use.
Personal Firewood Cutting
Sierra National Forest Personal Firewood cutting Season is April 1 - November 30, 2021. To learn more about this season please follow this link toPERSONAL FIREWOOD CUTTING
SNF District Offices have reopened for in-person services...
High Sierra Ranger District: (559) 855-5355 - ex.0, or 3300/3301...
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Closed Sat, and Sun. (Face Coverings are Required)
Bass Lake Ranger District: (559) 877-2218 - ex.0
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Closed Sat, Sun and Holidays. (Face Coverings are Required)
Forest Supervisors Office: (559) 297-0706
Hours: Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Closed Sat-Sun and Holidays. (Face Coverings are Required)
MAPS: You can purchase Sierra National Forest Visitor Maps through our partner organization, Three Forests Interpretive Association (3FIA). The 3FIA web site is now fully functioning to sell maps click here: www.3forests.us
The Sierra National Forest-Bass Lake Ranger District is initiating an environmental analysis of the proposed FY 20 Madera County Roads Buffer Fuels Treatment Project.
