Happy Holidays Los Padres!
We’ve had quite a few nice storms over the past few weeks. Most of the Forest is well over the normal % of rain and the forecast remains strong for more rain in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed, we need it. We’ve been getting reports that many of the creeks have started flowing again. We’re headed in the right direction. Check out www.HikeLosPadres.com for more updates on trails, camps and water.
In response to the above normal amounts of water falling from the sky, the Forest Service and CAL FIRE announced earlier this week that fire restrictions across the forest have been lifted. This is great news for most of us and means we can have campfires again. Woohoo!!! Bust out the s’mores!! Please remember to be careful with your campfires. Many of the fire rings have not been used in over a year, be sure to clear a safe space (5 feet) around the campfire and of course extinguish your fire before you leave camp. Fire permits are required and can be picked up at any Ranger Station or online here.
R O A D C L O S U R E S
– First Crossing is closed due to mud flow across the Santa Ynez River. It should reopen in a few weeks.
– Santa Barbara Canyon is closed at Reyes Ranch and will remain closed until May 1.
– Reyes Peak Road is closed for the season.
– Cherry Creek is also closed for the season.We’ll keep you posted as gates open and close. If you have any questions, feel free to email: info@LPForest.org
P R O J E C T S U P C O M I N G
The Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Widlerness is currently closed due to this large washout. Wowzers! The slide is about 3miles up the trail from Big Sur Station. We’ll keep you posted on updates or check in with the VWA.
LOST VALLEY TRAIL: December 20
– LPFA volunteers will be out this weekend logging fallen trees from the Lost Valley Trail in the San Rafael Wilderness.
– We’ll post updates on HikeLosPadres.com early next week.
VWR HEADQUARTERS CLEANUP: December 27
– We’re looking for volunteers to come out on December 27 and help clean up the Volunteer Wilderness Ranger Headquarters off Paradise Road in Santa Barbara County.
– Most of the work will be raking up leaves, removing fallen tree limbs, clearing brush and trimming trees.
– We can use all the help we can get. If you’re free all day or only have a few hours, we’ll take it.
– Contact Curt at Curt@LPForest.org for more information and to sign up!
COZY DELL: December 21
– Ranger Heidi with the Ojai Ranger District is hosting a project along the Cozy Dell Trail in Ojai.
– Most of the work will be filling in sink holes caused by the recent rains.
– For more information, contact Heidi: handerson@fs.fed.us
FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: February 28
– We’ve put together a First Aid / CPR certification class for February 28.
– The class will be held in Ojai.
– If you need your certification renewed, this is a great opportunity.
– The cost will be around $40-$50.
– Let us know if interested: bryan@LPForest.org
SUPERVISORS OFFICE FLOODED
– The Forest Supervisors Office in Goleta was flooded last week.
– It will be closed for the next month or two.
– Business will continue for the Forest with much of the staff being moved to different districts or working remotely.
FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN CONTROLLED BURNS
– There will be a series of controlled burns in and around Figueroa Mountain starting this month.
– The focus is to burn some of the ladder effect fuel buildup.
Happy Holidays and wishing each of you a stocking filled with hiking and riding gear……..
