SNF closes camping areas above Springville
The Western Divide Ranger District in Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest announced Wednesday that several dispersed camping areas above Springville are now closed due to damage and pollution from excessive use and dying trees.
Effective Wednesday, the closed dispersed areas are Upper Peppermint, Thompson Camp, and Camps 1-6 along the Lloyd Meadow Road (FS22S82).
Those found entering these closed sites will be cited under 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
“With steadily decreasing budgets over the last ten years, and the continued loss of personnel, the forest no longer has the ability to maintain these sites for public use,” stated District Ranger Eric Laprice. “We are closing these sites to protect the public and the landscape. These sites will remain closed until they can be restored and we have the ability to maintain them.”
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services such as trash removal, and few if any facilities such as tables and fire pits are provided.
Sprawl from dispersed camping has resulted in a loss of vegetation from an overabundance of visitors seeking places to camp.
In addition, heavy vehicle use adjacent to access roads and development of tent sites has resulted in trampling of vegetation and soil compaction, which increases runoff, resulting in soil loss during rain events.
Large amounts of trash and human waste are being left behind, which is polluting the area and is a concern for public health.
Dead and dying trees represent a substantial threat to public safety in these areas. As these trees rot and become structurally weaker, they will begin to fall and become a safety hazard. Tree hazards include standing snags, damaged trees, diseased trees, structurally unstable trees
With fewer sites available for overnight stay, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance. To make a reservation in a developed site managed by California Land Management call 1-877-444-6777 or log onto www.recreation.gov at least three days in advance of your stay.
Dispersed camping may still be available along remote dirt roads in other parts of the District.
The following roads are currently open above Springville and California Hot Springs on the Western Divide Ranger District: Fox Farm (20S03), Solo Peak (21S12), Needles (21S05), North Road (21S50), Rogers Camp (21S94), Crawford Road (21S93), Lloyd Meadow Road (21S82), Marshall Meadow (24S93), Sandy Creek Road (24S07), Jack Ranch (24S05), Capinero (23S05), Last Chance (22S02), Bony Witt (23S05C), Deer Creek (23S04), Mule Peak (22S03) and Parker Meadow Loop (22S04 and 22S18).
Ongoing tree mortality is a big concern for public safety along forest roads. Please be aware of dead trees that could fall at any time blocking the road.
When dispersed camping, always remember to set up in a location away from standing dead trees, and “Pack it in, Pack it out” including human waste.
“Visitors can help the Forest Service keep these areas open by cleaning up after themselves,” stated Laprice. “Even better, leave the area cleaner than when you arrived.”
Campfire permits are required for any campfire or cooking stove outside of a developed campground and can be obtained at any Forest Service, CALFIRE or Bureau of Land Management office, or www.preventwildfireca.org.
For the most up to date information, contact the Western Divide Ranger District (559) 539-2607. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.