San Bernardino, Calif., May 26, 2011 Camping is a year-round endeavor, but for many people Memorial Day weekend is the deadline to air out the tents, dust off the hiking boots and load up on the makings for s'mores.
Kids are out of school, or nearly so, and the days are warmer and longer. It's a perfect time to start reintroducing yourself to the fun and excitement and the calm and peacefulness national forests and grasslands have to offer.
Most of the recreation sites on the San Bernardino National Forest will be open for forest visitors by Memorial Day weekend. “The forest is ready for the 2011 summer recreation season,” said Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron. “We encourage people to enjoy the outdoors while camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or a variety of other recreational activities on our forest.”
As always, forest officials encourage visitors to be aware of their surroundings and responsibilities when visiting the forest. “We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit while always remaining aware of the current situation outdoors and the potential for wildfire and wildlife, and call ahead to check the status of places you plan to visit” said Supervisor Noiron.
“Know Before You Go”
Campfires
Campfires are only permitted at developed sites in the designated fire rings in campgrounds, picnic grounds and Yellow Post Sites. Outside of developed sites, only propane or gas cooking stoves are permitted.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds are popular for three-day weekend getaways, so reserving early is sometimes key, so you need to plan. Campground reservations can be made online through Reserve USA at: www.recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777.
Recreation Use Fees
The Forest Adventure Pass must be displayed on a visitor’s parked vehicle when recreating in High Impact Recreation Areas and certain developed sites like campgrounds and picnic areas. An on-line source of designated fee sites, areas and fee information is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/
Off-Highway Vehicles
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users should call ahead to the Ranger Station to call ahead to confirm their OHV plans and verify rules and regulations. OHV riding area maps are available on the San Bernardino National Forest website. “Red Sticker” vehicle riding season has closed in the San Bernardino mountains for the summer and will resume on October 1. (San Jacinto mountains “red sticker areas close on May 31).
Check with the Ranger Stations for the latest conditions and recreation information and a copy of our free forest visitor’s guide at the following offices:
San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office
602 S. Tippecanoe Avenue, San Bernardino
(909) 382-2600
Arrowhead Ranger Station
28104 State Highway 18, Skyforest
(909) 382-2782
Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center
41397 North Shore Drive / Highway 38, Fawnskin
(909) 382-2790
Idyllwild Ranger Station
54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild
(909) 382-2922
Lytle Creek Ranger Station
1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek
(909) 382-2851
Mill Creek Ranger Station
34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone
(909) 382-2882
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
51-500 Highway 74 Palm Desert
(760) 862-9984
For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf
The mission of the US 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. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.
Contact: John Miller (909) 382-2788
No comments:
Post a Comment