Lifting Rim Fire Burn Order

Stanislaus National Forest, CA – The public will soon be allowed back into much of the Rim Fire burn area in Stanislaus National Forest.

The forest closure order will expire on Monday, November 17, but forest officials warn, though most of the falling trees were cut down during salvage logging, visitors should remain cautious for loose debris.

There are still a few areas that remain closed off and are deemed too dangerous, due to possible mudslides, sedimentation flows, and unstable trees.  Those areas include Spinning Wheel and several roads in the Cottonwood area that impact access to Cherry Lake.

“Falling snags are still a concern,” says Forest Supervisor Jeanne Higgins.  “There are still structurally damaged trees in the forest that can fall without warning.  Wind, snowload and insect infestations can negatively impact these trees for some time to come.”

Forest officials say burned watersheds can take up to ten years to recuperate so heeding hazard signs is important.  In addition, Cherry Lake is only accessible via Highway 120. Due to safety issues, access to the lake through Tuolumne City and Highway 108 is currently restricted.  The public cannot get there by boat, either, as current low water levels have made the boat ramp unusable.

For more details on the remaining forest closures, click here.