MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Due to the incoming storm and flood predictions, the Mendocino National Forest facilities at Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area and Chico Resource Conservation Center were closed to the public Wednesday evening.

The Chico facility is scheduled to reopen to the public at 7 a.m. Friday. Lake Red Bluff is scheduled to reopen at noon Friday.

Both closures are formally referenced as Order Number 08-14-10 for Chico Resource Conservation Center and 08-14-11 for Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area. They will be available online at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

In both areas, officials are concerned about high winds and the potential for falling trees, limbs and for dead branches to be dislodged. At Lake Red Bluff, anticipated flooding is also a factor.

“Public safety is our primary concern in these popular recreation areas,” said Acting Mendocino National Forest Supervisor John Exline. “Given the current forecast, this is the best way for us to protect our visitors until we are able to assess the situation after the storm and take needed measures to provide as safe a trip as possible.”

Roads on the Mendocino Forest are also a concern with the storm. Individuals planning a trip to the forest should be prepared not only for changing conditions, but also be watchful of roadways either impacted by rain or fallen trees and limbs from high winds.

While crews plan to start assessing popular areas Friday after the storm passes, visitors are asked to be aware and help report impacted roads.

If you come across an area where the road is compromised or washed out, please report it to Forest Engineer Shannon Pozas at 530-934-3316.

As winter conditions return to the Mendocino National Forest, all visitors are asked to be cautious when recreating on the forest, whether they are driving, hiking, camping or enjoying other recreational pursuits – including selecting a Christmas tree.

“While this wet weather is a welcome relief, it also presents some challenges for those who enjoy the Mendocino National Forest from late fall through spring,” said acting Forest Supervisor John Exline. “Changing conditions can present hazards to both visitors and forest resources. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable trip to the forest, while preserving resources so they can be enjoyed for years to come. To help with this, visitors are asked to be prepared for changing conditions, aware of their surroundings, and minimize impacts to saturated roads and trails.”

Many popular trails and some access points to recreation sites on the Mendocino involve crossing normally small creeks and streams.

Caution should be used at these stream crossings. People and vehicles can be swept away by currents in even relatively shallow water. Also, conditions can change rapidly and a stream that was easy to cross in the morning can become impassable by afternoon, trapping people on the wrong side.

Following are some additional safety suggestions for those recreating in the forest this winter:

– Plan your trip – check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, tire chains, shovel and any other supplies necessary for the activity. Call to check if the area you are planning to visit is still open and accessible.
– Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave and are prepared for changing conditions in the mountains!
– Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
– Keep vehicles on designated roads and trails and be aware of changing weather and road conditions. Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources. If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, consider pulling over to hike or turning around and finding a different area.

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