Hello Friends,
Slowly but surely, thanks to continued efforts from the Forest Service and partner organizations like the LPFA, additional storm-damaged trails and roads are being reopened across the Los Padres Forest. The Forest Service released two new storm-related Forest Closure Orders on August 31.
- The first order (05-07-00-23-11) is a revision or update to the existing closure order and will last through October 30, 2023. Some areas have reopened but unfortunately many of the LP fan-favorites remain closed due to either the continued closure of Hwy 33 or in some cases extreme storm damage which will likely take many more months to repair.
- The second order (05-07-00-23-12) is a little different and calls out areas within the forest that were damaged to the point where they will remain closed for at least the next year until August 31, 2024.
- There are some additional fire related and special circumstance closures in place as well. Please visit the Forest Service website here for more information.
No one likes the closure orders and it’s unfortunate we’re having to deal with closed trails and limited road access across the Los Padres. We’ll keep doing what we can to help by clearing trails and supporting the Forest Service. There are lots of ways to help either through donations or upcoming volunteer trips. It takes a village and we could always use more hands.
Thanks everyone and enjoy the rest of this latest newsletter!
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY(s): Sep 16 -24
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the “largest single-day volunteer event for public lands” across the nation. NPLD is held on the second to last weekend of September and this year there will be plenty of volunteer opportunities on both September 16th & 23rd across the Los Padres for folks to donate time and energy in support of the forest.
Hope to see you out there……
PINE MOUNTAIN, OJAI, SEPTEMBER 22-24
The LPFA will be leading a multi-day trail project on NPLD weekend focusing on clearing downed trees from across the trails on Pine Mtn. We’ll be camping two nights but people are welcome to come for any combination of days between Friday and Sunday. We’ll be working Reyes Peak, Chorro Grande, Boulder Canyon and Raspberry Spring Trails. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org or click here with questions or to sign up!
SB FRONTCTRY, SEPT 16
Come volunteer in support of the beloved Santa Barbara Frontcountry trails. We’ll be working around San Ysidro, Tunnel and Hot Springs, please email here to RSVSteve.
MATILIJA, SEPT 16 & 23
The LPFA is continuing our work to reopen the Matilija Trail outside of Ojai. We’ve been working each Thurs and Sat and will continue this effort as part of NPLD. Click here to sign up or learn more.
MT PINOS, SEPT 23
Join the Mt Pinos District as they host a cleanup atop Mt Pinos at Chula Vista CG. Beautiful part of the forest with views that are hard to beat, email here to RSVP.
OJAI OFFICE, SEPT 23
Come help the Ojai District clean, plant and tend to their beautiful downtown Ojai office. Great opportunity to meet and help the ORD staff. Email here to RSVP.
