LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has completed installation of barriers along the access road that traverse Scott’s Creek, allowing visitors to drive to the South Cow Mountain Off-highway Vehicle Management Area in Lake County once again.

“Our Ukiah staff has done a remarkable job completing emergency measures to reopen public access to South Cow Mountain, while protecting habitat for the imperiled Clear Lake hitch,” said Ukiah Field Manager Nicholas Lavrov. “We welcome the public back to the area and remind visitors to be respectful of our access barriers near the water and avoid driving behind the barriers, while fish recovery efforts continue.”

Ongoing efforts to recover the endangered hitch will continue as pools become more defined and disconnected and until the larval fish are matured. This will make it easier to rescue fish and will make it easier on the extremely tiny larval fish to give them the best chance at survival.

The BLM will continue ongoing partnerships with local tribes, organizations and agencies to promote the protection of the species and prevent the imminent danger of extinction. This endeavor at Scott’s Creek is a key step to ensuring the prolonged survival of the species.

Please remain respectful and stay on designated routes to avoid crushing juvenile fish and to protect a valuable water resource critical to the Lake County community and Clear Lake hitch survival.

Recreate Responsibly and Pack It In – Pack It Out: Practice Leave No Trace ethics while recreating on public lands by packing out all your trash. Illegal dumping of waste is a public safety hazard and dangerous to wildlife.

For more information, please visit the South Cow Mountain webpage. For specific questions, contact the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Bureau of Land Management announces fire restrictions are effective Wednesday, June 28, for public lands managed by the Mother Lode, Ukiah and Bishop field offices, primarily located in Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glen, Lake, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba counties.

These seasonal restrictions are necessary due to dry conditions and wildland fire danger and are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order, issued on April 28, 2020.

The Mother Lode Field Office and Ukiah Field Office seasonal fire orders will remain in effect until further notice.

“The exceptionally wet winter has resulted in a significant amount of vegetation growth. As temperatures rise, leading to increasingly dry conditions in the district, it has become necessary to implement additional fire restrictions,” advises Central California District Fire Management Officer Dave Brinsfield. “We ask that visitors follow these restrictions and do their part to help us minimize fire potential when visiting public lands.”

On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfires in California. Records show recreational target shooting has sparked more than half the wildland fires within BLM-managed public lands in the last decade. Many of these wildfires occur close in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threat to public safety. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk, while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe.

An increase in wildfire severity is expected based on forecasted climate scenarios, as well as an expansion of wildfire season over much of the western United States. The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:

No Campfires, briquette/charcoal barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or barbeques at designated developed recreation sites.

No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed campground with a three-foot diameter area clear of brush and all flammable materials.

No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.

No target shooting, hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Hunting in the pursuit of game and non-game species is allowed with a state of California hunting license and in accordance with California hunting regulations. The use of any steel-jacked, steel core or incendiary ammunition of any caliber is prohibited. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.

As always, possessing, discharging or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are prohibited across Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, a valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire, where allowed, on these public lands.

Help prevent fires

Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires:

Make sure all campfires are dead out! Drown it and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it’s not cool, it is not out.

Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure for all vehicles, ensure adequate tire tread, and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.

Remember the use of steel-core ammunition, although legal while hunting, can greatly increase the chance of a wildfire if ricocheted off objects such as rocks.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or face imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.

To learn how to prevent wildland fires, visit online at www.readyforwildfire.org. A map of current restrictions and active fire prevention orders are available online at: https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG.

Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service at, https://www.weather.gov/fire/.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Eastlake Landfill and the Public Services office will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

The Eastlake Landfill and the Public Services Office will reopen on Wednesday, July 5.

Regular operating hours at the landfill are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The Public Services Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding this subject or any questions regarding solid waste issues in Lake County, please call 707-262-1618.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Remember, personal use, “safe and sane,” fireworks are only legal when purchased and used within the incorporated boundaries, or city limits of the city of Lakeport.

“Safe and sane fireworks will be sold in and legal for use in the city of Lakeport July 1 to 4,” the Lakeport Police Department said.

Except as expressly permitted for organized fireworks displays, it is otherwise unlawful in the city of Clearlake and the unincorporated areas of Lake County for any person to possess, use, sell or explode any fireworks.

Firework safety information is available from Cal Fire here.

Tips for reducing many types of residential and other fire risks are also available from the National Wildfire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program.

More information on Safe and Sane Fireworks and 4th of July safety in the city of Lakeport is available here.

Have a safe, enjoyable and meaningful July 4.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Celebrating July 4 outdoors is a time-honored tradition throughout the United States.

With the increased visitor use and excessive heat warnings, forest officials share a few reminders on being safe and firewise.

Fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands — every forest, every campsite, every day.

More than 90% of all fires are human caused. Together, Californians can prepare and prevent wildfires with just a bit of planning.

Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves. Permits are available online at www.readyforwildfire.org.

Visitors can follow these steps to stay safe this weekend:

• Campfires: Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions. Make sure you have a shovel and sufficient water to put out the campfire. Attend the fire at all times and never build a campfire on a windy day. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished: drown with water, stir with your shovel, drown again, and feel for any heat using the back of your hand.

• Camp stoves: If using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other debris that may catch fire. Prevent stoves from tipping.
Vehicles: Stick to designated trails and be careful of parking or driving your car or ATV in tall, dry, vegetation, including grass. When towing, ensure your safety chains are properly connected with any type of trailer. The hot underside of the vehicle and dragging chains can start a fire.

• Flammable items: The use of any fireworks, explosives or internal or external combustion engine without a spark arrestor is prohibited on the forest. Always use caution with smoking. Extinguish all smoking materials dead out on bare soil. Pack out all cigarette butts and filters.

• High temperatures: Temperatures will reach the triple digits this weekend for several days. Stay hydrated and carry plenty of extra water. Avoid being outside during the heat of the day if possible, and make sure you know the signs and symptoms of heat stress. Check the weather forecast before you travel to your destination.

“Public lands, like California’s 18 national forests, see some of our highest numbers around July 4 celebrations. So it’s a great time to remind everyone to leave the fireworks displays to your city and local groups,” said Jim Bacon, director of Public Services for the Pacific Southwest Region. “Plus, remember to take extra caution this high-water year. Plan ahead, so everyone enjoys a safe, holiday weekend.”

To ensure a fun and safe weekend, visit the Mendocino National Forest website for important alerts on road conditions, campgrounds and trails. Remember, the strong storms and heavy snow from winter and spring have had a significant impact on recreation access.

Recent snowmelt has raised water levels considerably and associated risks remain higher than normal.

Trails, bridges, and roads may be impassable at any time. Have backup destinations and plan for alternate routes in case an area is inaccessible.

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. — Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
‌‌‌ ‌
Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Caltrans will suspend most work on Northern California highways from Saturday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans crews to respond to emergency situations.

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 175

— Tree work west of Diener Road will begin on Wednesday, July 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C175KA

— Guardrail work south of Cobb at Private Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C175JA

— Paving work at Neft Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C175JA

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

— Caltrans has granted an encroachment permit for the Point Arena Independence Day Parade from Curley Lane to Lake Street on Sunday, July 2. A full lane closure will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#P1AA

— Bridge work in Fort Bragg from Manzanita Street to Pudding Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. can expect up to 20-minute delays Monday through Friday and 30-minute delays are anticipated on the weekends. LC#C1OB

Highway 20

— Paving work near Road 10 will begin on Friday, June 30. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IB

— Tree work west of Three Chop Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays. LC#C20BA

Highway 101

— Road work from Comminsky Station Road to the Pieta Creek Bridge continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101KC

— Emergency work in Willits at Route 20 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101KA

— Emergency work in Willits from Water Plant Road to the East Hill Undercrossing continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101ND

— Culvert work at the Cummings Road Undercrossing continues. A full on ramp closure will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C101ED

— Culvert work in Piercy north of Exit 627 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101ED

— Bridge work from the Lowell Allen Memorial Bridge to Route 271 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists can expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101JD

— Emergency work between Piercy and Benbow near Milkyway Loop Road continues. One-way traffic control is in effect and motorists should expect up to five-minute delays. LC#T101IA

Highway 162

— Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 253

— Utility work at Singley Cattlepass will conclude on Friday, June 30. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#C253DA

Highway 271

— Culvert work in Piercy from south of Bear Pen Road to north of County Road 442B continues. A full lane closure is in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and motorists should expect up to five-minute delays. LC#C271EA

— Road work in Piercy continues. A full road closure is in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C271IA

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

— Bridge work between Peine Road and Old Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101KB

— Construction in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. Additional emergency storm clean up work is also in progress. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate a total of up to 30-minute delays. LC#C101ID, and C101OC

— Emergency work south of Crescent City from Enderts Beach Road to Humboldt Road will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#M101AA

Highway 197

— Guardrail work near Ruby Van Deventer County Park will occur on Friday, June 30. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C197AA

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

— Utility work west of Hydesville will conclude on Friday, June 30. Lane closures will be in effect between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C36AA

— Slipout repair near Burr Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Highway 96

— Construction work near Bluff Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96LA

— Bridge work at Aiken Creek Bridge and Bluff Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96KA

— Bridge work at Slate Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C96KA

— Electrical work near Crawford Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. LC#P96BA

Highway 101

— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101FB

— Bridge work at Myers Flat Bridge continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101ZC

— Electrical work at Loleta Drive Overcrossing will continue. Full on and off ramp closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C101ZB

— Various improvements between Herrick Avenue and Fifth Street will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#P101HA and C101HD

— Construction work from Airport Road to Bayside Cutoff will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101FD

— Striping from the 101/200 junction in McKinleyville to the Big Lagoon area will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C101CA

— Storm cleanup between the Trinidad Rest Area and Big Kane Road will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 15-minute delays. LC#C101ID

Highway 169

— Bridge work at Rube Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C169AA

— Drainage and paving work north of Weitchpec continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C169BA

Highway 211

— Bridge work at Fernbridge. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C211AA

Highway 254

— Construction work along Avenue of the Giants will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#C254HA

— Bridge work between State Park Road and Fish Creek Road will continue. A full closure of this portion of highway will be in effect. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C254CA

— Road work north of Fish Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays. LC#C254DA

Highway 299

— Falsework installation at Route 200 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C299CA

— Drainage work from Essex Lane Undercrossing to Glendale Overhead Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic delays. LC#C299QA

— Drainage work at Blue Lake Undercrossing will continue. Full on and off ramp closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C299QA

— Drainage work from North Fork Mad River to Simpson Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. LC#C299QA

— Paving work from Redwood Creek Bridge to Cedar Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

— Construction work near East Fork Campground will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. LC#C299LA

— Utility work west of Willow Creek will occur on Friday, June 30. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C299AA