Lassen National Forest implements camp restrictions in the Lake Almanor area
The Lassen National Forest is implementing Forest Order 06-20-04 limiting camping in the Lake Almanor area pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.S0(a) and (b). The purpose of this order is to provide for public safety and to protect natural resources by prohibiting camping in designated areas. The order is effective from May 21 through May 20, 2022.
The Lake Almanor area sees significant recreation use year-round. The areas being occupied extensively are experiencing excessive soil compaction, erosion during winter rains, and removal of vegetation and natural ground litter within riparian zones, which adversely impacts critical habitat for numerous sensitive and endangered species. The excessive camping is creating a detrimental demand for natural resources and necessities, such as a need to access water for drinking, bathing and washing.
“By restricting camping to developed sites in the Lake Almanor area, Forest Service personnel can better protect the natural resources in the area and prevent misuse of public land,” said Deb Bumpus, Forest Supervisor, LNF. “Developed recreation sites are paved and therefore cause fewer erosion issues.”
The Lake Almanor restricted use area boundary begins at the intersection of Highway 89 and the western boundary of Section 4, in Township 27 North, Range 7 East, then continues due north and then east along the Forest boundary, then continues in a generally southeast direction along the Forest boundary to the intersection of Section 20, 21, 27, and 29 in Township 27 North, Range 8 East then west along the section line of 20 and 29, then west along section 19 and 30 for .25 miles, then south along the northeast and northwest quarter section line of the northeast quarter of Section 30, Township 27 North, Range 8 East for .25 miles, then west for .5 miles to the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 30, then north to the forest boundary for .25 miles, then in a generally north-westerly direction following the forest boundary back to the starting point.
An additional restricted use area boundary begins at the intersection of Highway 89 and the western boundary of Section 19, in Township 28 north, Range 7 East, then continues in a clockwise direction along the forest boundary back to the starting point.
The Lassen National Forest has sought input both internally and externally on this matter, including subject matter experts and local county officials. It is the consensus of this group that this closure be instituted.
For more information, call the Almanor Ranger District at 258-2141 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.