Nationwide closure order for US National Forests

[Hikin_Jim]

Nationwide closure order for US National Forests -- BUT it says that the area must be posted as closed, if I'm reading things correctly.


HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

They're citing CFR 36 section 265.53, (e) and (f):

§ 261.53
Special closures.
When provided in an order, it is prohibited to go into or be upon any area which is closed for the protection of:
(a) Threatened, endangered, rare, unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds or fish.
(b) Special biological communities.
(c) Objects or areas of historical, archeological, geological, or paleontological interest.
(d) Scientific experiments or investigations.
(e) Public health or safety.
(f) Property.

Interesting.

HJ

[hvydrt]

Yup, saw the same sign attempting to drive to the trailhead for Cobblestone, White, Etc in the Los Padres on Saturday. The gate was locked after the Hungry Valley State OHV area and that USFS closure order was posted. I was pissed. The LPNF site had a lists of roads that would remain open during the government shutdown and that is one of the. We drove 142 miles to get there!!!!! We managed to still hike to Liebre Mountain via the PCT no signs posted there, but saw large signs saying "closed for fire danger" in the Angeles on 7N08 and 7N23 (Sawmill mtn area) Not just closed to vehicles but closed to entering at all!!!!!! Pics https://picasaweb.google.com/112918892253657164707/LiebreMountain?authuser=0&feat=directlink

[Hikin_Jim]

That really sucks that they would say it's open and then close it.

They do have to comply with the posting requirements of 261.51, but it sounds like they did.

§ 261.51
Posting.
Posting is accomplished by:
(a) Placing a copy of the order imposing each prohibition in the offices of the Forest Supervisor and District Ranger, or equivalent officer who have jurisdiction over the lands affected by the order, and
(b) Displaying each prohibition imposed by an order in such locations and manner as to reasonably bring the prohibition to the attention of the public.

HJ

[Sally]

I THINK they may have lifted the closure of San Bernardino and Angeles natl forest (except for burn areas) as I understand it from SB natl forest Webb page. We're planning on going up Ice House Cyn tomorrow. Anyone seen "closed" sign there?

[Hikin_Jim]

I'm not aware that either the Angeles or San Bernardino Nat'l Forests are under a total closure order. If they are, that's news to me. There are some specific areas (ranger stations, camp grounds, recreation sites, visitor centers, etc) that are closed, for example Chantry Flats and Vivian Creek/Big Falls are both closed. If a specific area within a forest is closed, they have to post it as such.

I haven't heard anything about Icehouse Canyon specifically. Maybe it would be good to check on the San Gabriels Forum? If you arrive and the lot is closed, you could always park on the road. As long as you're early, there should be parking. Or you could park in town if you needed to disguise what you're up to.

HJ