Annual Seasonal Closure of Eldorado National Forest Dirt Roads and Trails Begins January 1
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest
100 Forni Road; Placerville, CA 95667
Date: December 12, 2008
Contact: Frank Mosbacher
Release: Upon Receipt Phone: 530-409-1080
Annual Seasonal Closure of Eldorado National Forest
Dirt Roads and Trails Begins January 1
Placerville, CA…..It’s time for winter visitors to the Eldorado National Forest to begin
thinking about the annual closing of dirt roads and trails that begins on January 1 and
extends through March 31.
“This is the first year the annual seasonal closure of dirt roads and trails will go
into effect,” said Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. “This may be
news to some people, however, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to the thousands of people
who participated in the travel management decision making process that occurred over
the past three years.”
This decision only affects dirt roads and trails. More than 600 miles of paved and
graveled roads and trails will generally continue to be open during this time period.
“The seasonal closure occurs during the months that have historically been the
wettest of the year,” said Villalvazo. “Our intention is to reduce environmental damage
caused by rutting and erosion; to reduce damage to drainage structures, such as rolling
dips; and to help protect water quality.”
Villalvazo says that the seasonal closure can be extended if wet-weather
conditions warrant.
