Tonight CORBA volunteers attended a meeting with ANF Volunteer Coordinator Howard Okamoto. We received some encouraging news from Howard. While the theme of the news is good, nothing is definite, and planned dates may change if we get another round of storms or inclement weather.
Right now the forest closure remains in effect, unchanged since it was first imposed after the fires. However, the FS hopes to open much of the forest to the public in mid to late April. The area that will definitely remain closed is the Arroyo Seco Canyon, roughly the area from Switzers to JPL, between Brown Mountain and Mt. Lukens.
Highway 2 through that canyon, between Clear Creek and La Canada will likely remain closed for some time as repairs in some of the larger slide areas will entail major construction. However, the Forest is currently accessible via Big Tujunga Canyon. Angeles Forest Highway is open from Big Tujunga to Palmdale; Upper Big Tujunga is open to Shortcut Saddle, and Highway 2 is open between RedBox and Mt. Waterman. The RedBox-Mt. Wilson road is also open. The roads will be closed any time there is a significant weather event, as the hillsides above the highways are still subject to major slides.
As early as April 1st many picnic and day-use areas may be opened. Trails will most likely be marked as “unmaintained, use at your own risk” before the closure is lifted. Some may be signed as closed if there is significant damage. In any case, by May we expect to be able to begin surveying damage to trails, and start doing trailwork in the ANF.
We’re looking forward to getting back to our beloved forest. Many trails will have changed significantly and may not be viable without extensive repairs. CORBA is not alone, and many other groups have an interest in seeing trails restored.
Trailwork has been proceeding on many trails under FS supervision, including the Sam Merrill Trail and Sunset Ridge Trails. The AC100 crew will start surveying and repairs on El Prieto on April 24. Outward Bound are currently working on the Condor Peak trail and the Stone Canyon trail.
So while this may change depending on the progress of Caltrans road repairs, weather, and other factors, it is encouraging news to say the least. Keep an eye on the CORBA calendar for upcoming trailwork days in the ANF and more announcements.
