Most of Rough Fire area reopened
Most recreational areas impacted by the Rough Fire or damaged during winter storms on the Hume Lake Ranger District in Giant Sequoia National Monument will be reopened within a week or two.
Some roads and trails will continue to be closed where hazardous conditions exist that couldn’t be weakened.
“In addition to hazards resulting from the Rough Fire, the Southern Sierra Nevada continues to suffer from one of the largest tree mortality events in recorded history,” stated District Ranger Carol Hallacy. “The priority on the Sequoia National Forest is dealing with threats to public and employee safety posed by standing dead trees. Actions continue to mitigate hazard tree danger to recreational facilities, along roads, trails, powerlines, and administrative facilities.”
Some of the roads and other sites that will continue to remain closed include Forest Road 13S58, 13S70, 13S92 plus most secondary roads north of Millwood and south of the Chicago Stump. An area closure remains in place north of Converse Basin along Forest Road 13S21.
Trails closed in and near the Monarch Wilderness include the Kanawyer, Evans Grove Loop, and Deer Meadow Trails 30E04 and 30E05. Hazard trees, snags, and heavily eroded soil resulting from the Rough Fire are a threat to public safety along these routes. Forest Road 13S25 leading to Kennedy Meadow Trailhead is closed and an area closure is in place north of Forest Road 13S44, east of Forest Road 13S05.
The Davis Road (FS12S01) remains closed where it intersects with the road to Delilah Lookout (FS12S19) north to Trimmer Springs Road (M2) due to washouts from winter precipitation. This road will remain closed until specialized equipment can be brought in for repair next summer.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work with our available equipment and staffing to get these District recreational opportunities open to the public once again,” said Hallacy. If more site specific information is needed, call the Hume Lake Ranger District at 3382251 during business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.