Pleased to see river reopened

It might have been done a little sooner, but finally people will be able to enjoy the Tule River above Springville once again. Sequoia National Forest rescinded its order denying access to the river since early May. The order was made at the request of Sheriff Mike Boudreaux after three people lost their lives in the fast flowing river in April and May.

A huge snowpack changed the normally tranquil Tule River above Springville into a raging torrent and after the three deaths, and the risk to rescuers, much of the river from the Stairs to Springville was closed. There were no more deaths.

Now, the river has returned to a more normal and gentle flow and visitors can get back to both Lower and Upper Coffee Camp, as well as the stairs and other spots along the river. For many, the river is the way they get to enjoy our national forest and we are pleased to see they can now get back to the river.

However, people need to still be aware of the dangers of the water — that it is still moving fast and it is still very cold.

Another important factor is to be aware of the fire danger along the river. Officials definitely want visitors to obey the fire restrictions just put in place and also for those visitors to be good stewards of the land they are enjoying. If you have garbage, take it out with you.

Best advice is to wear a life vest when getting into the water, especially the children.