The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, announced that most developed recreation sites in California will remain closed through May 15.

Order No. 20-03 is available here.

The order does not close trailheads, nonmotorized trails or undeveloped areas of the forest; these areas remain accessible for public use. Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available from local National Forests.

Outdoor recreation can be beneficial to mental and physical health but must be practiced safely.

In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the governor of California, forest officials continue to ask visitors to recreate locally.

If you do plan on visiting the National Forest please be aware that:

– No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste.
– All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly.
– Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited.
– If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location.

Closing any site for any reason is not an action forest officials said they take lightly, but protecting visitors and employees remains the agency’s highest priority.

“We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen closed sites,” officials said. “We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.”