News Release
USDA Forest Service
Angeles National Forest
May 12, 2011
ANF-06-2011 Angeles National Forest
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sherry Rollman or
John D. Wagner at (626) 574-5208
Angeles National Forest Reopens About Half of Closed Areas
ARCADIA, Calif.—In a major step forward, effective May 16, the Angeles National Forest will reopen about half of the areas that have been closed due to the Station Fire.
The reopening of about 98,000 acres in the Forest’s northern, southern and eastern areas will offer the public recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking and camping in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
Over 100 miles of hiking trails are being reopened as well as popular campgrounds. Specific areas include Indian Canyon Trailhead, Charlton Flat Picnic Area, Gould Mesa Campground, Bear Canyon Trail, Paul Little Picnic Area, Mill Creek Summit Picnic Area, Silver Moccasin Trail, Nature’s Canteen Trail, Sunset Ridge Trail, and the entire San Gabriel Wilderness area. The portion of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Forest will reopen as well, with some minor reroutes.
The reopening is the result of a recovery strategy that includes community volunteers and partner organizations working alongside the Forest Service to remove invasive weeds, help plant trees, and restore trails so the public can once again access some of the areas impacted. Their support and involvement has allowed the Forest to implement repairs and reopen these areas in a manner that addresses public safety and ecological recovery.
The remaining portion of the burned area that is primarily within Big Tujunga Canyon will remain closed until further notice, as it requires additional recovery time. This area was recently designated a “Treasured Landscape” by the National Forest Foundation and efforts are underway to allow for species recovery and implementing sustainable recreational opportunities.
Please visit the Angeles National Forest website for a map of the areas now open.
