MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest officials have issued a new Forest Order for the Ranch fire area and locking gates to enforce the area closure.

Forest Order No. 08-19-01 is effective from March 13, 2019 until July 1, 2020.

The amount of work that needs to be done before the fire area is reasonably safe to open is immense, forest officials said.

“This wet winter is delaying our efforts to begin the hazard tree management work needed to provide a safe transportation system in the fire area. We appreciate your patience while we continue the recovery and restoration process,” said Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson.

Post-fire threats for the public, residents of private lands and agency personnel include flooding, debris flows, hazard trees and loss of ingress and egress along roads, trails, recreation areas, and facilities.

While the large Ranch fire area remains closed, there are over 600,000 acres of the Forest for people to explore when summer arrives.

Campgrounds in the northern portion of the forest generally open around Memorial Day weekend.

The maximum possible penalty for a violation is up to a $5,000 fine, six months incarceration or both.

Forest Order No. 08-19-01 supersedes Order No. 08-18-17 dated Nov. 22, 2018.

The order and maps are published below.

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