MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST – The employees of the Mendocino National Forest want to remind visitors to have a safe July 4 holiday, especially while recreating in the forest.

For those coming to the Mendocino, the Upper Lake Ranger Station, located at 10025 Elk Mountain Road in Upper Lake, will be open Saturday, July 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Stonyford Work Center, located at 5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Road in Stonyford, also will be open Saturday during the same hours.

All offices will be closed Monday in observance of the holiday.

Oak Flat Campground has been reopened following renovation work over the past month. Originally the campground was scheduled to reopen July 12.

Approximately .7 miles of road surface was reconstructed, aggregate base rock was placed on the road, rock barriers were put in place and a gate and signs were installed.

Oak Flat Campground is located on the Upper Lake Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest, west of Stonyford.

Even though the area had a wet winter and spring and there is still snow in the mountains, visitors are asked to be careful with fire in the National Forest, including campfires, gas stoves and lanterns.

Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on the Mendocino National Forest.

While the weather is warming up at lower elevations, visitors should be prepared for changing conditions and cooler nighttime temperatures in the mountains.

Bring layered clothing and plenty of food and water on your outdoor adventure. Tell someone where you are planning on going, which routes you plan on taking and when you plan on being back.

“We want everyone to have a safe and memorable Fourth of July weekend, especially those joining us on the Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Tom Contreras.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest Upper Lake Ranger District at 707-275-0676, the Stonyford Work Center at 530-963-3128 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino.