Grindstone Ranger District OHV trail system closed due to wet weather

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail system on the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest will close to vehicle traffic at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29.


The closure is due to precipitation amounts received on the Grindstone Ranger District during the past 24 hours.


The TS378 Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) recorded 2.07 inches of precipitation in 24 hours today as of 2 a.m. PST.


The trails are scheduled to reopen the morning of Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, or when there have been 48 consecutive hours of no measurable precipitation, whichever occurs first.


However, if there is not a period of 48 hours of no measurable precipitation, the closure may be extended.


As the winter storm season starts and wet weather becomes more common, visitors planning OHV trips to the forest are encouraged to visit the Mendocino National Forest web site at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino, or to call the forest at 530-934-3316 to verify that trails are open before traveling.


Using the trails in their current condition would result in damage not only to the trails, but would also impact other resources including soils, water quality, and wildlife habitat.


“We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation with continuing the temporary OHV trail system closure on the Grindstone Ranger District,” said Forest Supervisor Tom Contreras. “By closing the trails now and preventing further damage, we are reducing the risk of longer closures for costly repairs and restoration efforts. Waiting for conditions to improve and the trails to dry out will help us continue to provide quality recreation areas for OHV riders.”


The Emergency Trail Closure for the Mendocino National Forest is formally referenced under Order Number 08-10-14.


Violation of this closure order is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.


For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.

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