[SIZE=10.5pt]U.S. Forest Service [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Eldorado National Forest [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]100 Forni Road [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Placerville, CA 95667 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]530-303-2412[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]www.fs.usda.gov/eldoradohttp://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==[/SIZE]
[SIZE=36pt]News Release[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]For Immediate Release[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]June 11, 2020[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Media Contacts: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Jennifer Chapman, (530) 957-9660[/SIZE]
Eldorado National Forest Recreation Update: June 11, 2020
[SIZE=11.5pt]Developed campgrounds begin to open on Friday [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]PLACERVILLE, Calif. - [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]The Eldorado National Forest is increasing forest access for the public by opening additional developed recreational opportunities across the forest, including 20 developed campgrounds and 2 other designated camping areas that will open on Friday, June 12 (see list below). Visitors are encouraged to check the forest website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]We continue to recommend that you not travel long distances to recreate. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]• Communicate with others. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The Eldorado National Forest will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as federal, state and county policies, facility preparations and conditions on the ground allow. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The forest is beginning to open developed campgrounds for individual campsites that provide the opportunity for overnight camping for families or members of the same household. Twenty-two camping locations will open June 12[/SIZE]
[SIZE=7.5pt]th[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] with additional developed campgrounds opening over the next several weeks pending site preparation and conditions on the ground. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Group campgrounds will remain closed.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Visitors should plan ahead for their trip as there may be changes from what you typically experience at your favorite campground. Some campsites may not be available in order to allow for proper social distancing between sites and some shared areas may be closed. Please bring all necessary cleaning and sanitization supplies, such as hand sanitizer or soap and a plastic table cloth for picnic tables that can be disposed of or taken back home for washing. Some activities may not be available, such as group picnic areas, swimming beaches or amphitheaters.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]For those that have reserved campsites in advance, if the campground is not able to be opened, customers will be notified via Recreation.gov and will receive a refund. Some campgrounds are opening earlier than expected. Reservations will be honored if the reservation holder did not already cancel. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]We thank you for your patience up until this point and ask for your continued patience during this transition period.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Please be aware that many of our campgrounds do not typically open until late May or June, even without the challenges associated with COVID-19, due to winter snow and the associated preparation of the sites for the season. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Campgrounds [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The following campgrounds are
open effective June 12[/SIZE][SIZE=7.5pt]th[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt], 2020:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Highway 88 Corridor[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o PiPi CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Capps Crossing CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Middle Fork Cosumnes CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Pardoes Point CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Sugar Pine Point CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o White Azalea CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Mokelumne River CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Highway 50 Corridor [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Gray Rock Dispersed Camping Area[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Sand Flat CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o China Flat CG [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Silver Fork CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Lovers Leap CG [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Crystal Basin Recreation Area[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Icehouse CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Fashoda CG [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Gerle Creek CG [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Wench Creek CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o West Point CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Yellowjacket CG [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Wolf Creek CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Loon Lake CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Loon Lake Equestrian (part of Loon Lake CG)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Sunset CG[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Georgetown Vicinity & North[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]o Long Canyon Camping Area[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Day Use, Trailheads, Boat Ramps and Staging Areas[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Day use sites and services continue to expand. Trash removal services remain limited; please pack out all trash and waste. Toilet facilities remain limited; please plan accordingly. For a full list of available day use sites, please visit the [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]forest websitehttp://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The safety of our employees and the public will continue to be our number one priority as we closely monitor the situation and implement changes accordingly. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Fire Restrictions[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Please be aware that fire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are currently prohibited everywhere the Eldorado National Forest except within the stoves (including grills) and fire rings provided in developed campgrounds and recreations sites that are listed as exempt in the forest order. Please refer to [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]Forest Order 03-20-12http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] for details. IMPORTANT: Not all developed campgrounds are exempt from fire restrictions. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]It is also important to note that persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from these restrictions. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable campfire pit, stove or lantern, that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shutoff valve in an area that is at least three feet from any flammable materials. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]California Campfire Permits can be obtained online [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]herehttp://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00119Jk...qiQDyKxkb9y-mZKkjtjngzHd2pmey2TODOcIxEVX48A==[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt].[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests and their surrounding communities safe and healthy for everyone’s use. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Our virtual offices are staffed to provide visitor information from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]· Forest Supervisor’s Office - 530-303-2412[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]· Georgetown Ranger District – 530-334-6477[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]· Placerville/Pacific Ranger District - 916-500-4712[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]· Amador Ranger District – 209-259-3774[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]###[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The U.S.D.A Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.[/SIZE]