There are so many boards that have information about the High Lakes. Much of that information is confusing, or downright inaccurate. One of the boards I used to frequent even had a post saying "High Lakes CLOSED".
I went in, renewed my membership to correct that false information and hopefully clear up a lot of confusing. I've "even heard from a few on this board who are confused.
Here is what I wrote there, but it applies to all boards, even here.
"There is so much misinformation so far in this thread, I felt obligated to break my disappearance from here to clarify some of it."
"The High Lakes OHV area IS NOT CLOSED."
What did get closed by an "emergency forest order" effective July 12 is:
The trail to Saddle Lake - due to user abuse and destruction, by going OFF the trail.
The trail below Bear Lake past Frying Pan Falls and Creek - working on this issue
The trail out past Grassy Lake that went down towards Rock Creek Crossing - not sure yet of all the reasons, but feel it is Cal-Fire related when they fought the Storrie Fire several years ago. Also working on this one. This and the one above it closes all access EXCEPT for that from Lott Lake "T"."
"There is a Route Designation process going on, like there is in every N.F. in the country, and they are all on different schedules, Lassen N.F. is starting phase 3 of a 5 phase (roughly a year, each phase) program, so this isn't anything new. It has just caught the attention of those who wheel more than they read papers, and check USFS web sites, and some / many / all users are really upset."
"What everyone NEEDS to know is that the High Lakes is a closed unless marked open area (and has been since 1976) ... One must stay ON open trails, and never go up into the Rock Garden, or off any trail, except into established camp areas. Pay attention to the red stakes, and signs, and stay on the marked-open trails, have proper registration, don't drink and drive, and you'll be fine."
"Fire permits are required, (even for stoves) but fire safety must be enforced, but fires are still OK, there, even though the entire forest is under a no fire order.."
"There is daily LEO and F.S. presence there, now, something that should have happened for the last 15 years! Tickets are being written with possible $ 175.00 to $ 5000.00 fines for going into the Rock Garden by the stair steps, for registration issues, for leaving trails, for open containers, and all of the usual laws we should all obey, all the time, anyway."
"The USFS is NOT our enemy, but our PARTNER in providing recreation by law, AND taking care of the environment, at the same time, a challenge most of the time."
"There is a TON of information not available many other places in the Land Use forums at:
http://www.4x4trailfinders.com"
"That having been said, adios, again."
"Ken"
