Eldorado National Forest

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

FRANK MOSBACHER
Forest Supervisor's Office
100 Forni Road
Placerville, CA 95667

Phone: (530) 621-5268
Fax: (530) 621-5297
Email: fmosbacher@fs.fed.us

News Releases (pdf)

The repair work needed to clear a rockslide on the Blacksmith Flat Road in the vicinity of the Ralston Powerhouse will cause upcoming traffic delays. (1/12)

The Eldorado National Forest would like to remind visitors that both the 2011 woodcutting and 2011 campfire permits expire on December 31. Permits for the new 2012 year will be available at ENF Ranger Stations beginning January 1st.
“Travelers and woodcutters should note that the seasonal dirt road and trail closure for wheeled motorized vehicles on the Eldorado National Forest will go into effect on January 1st," said Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Kathy Hardy. “Visitors should plan their activities with this in mind.” (12/11)

A draft environmental impact statement that analyzes Rubicon Trail resource improvements and issuing an easement to El Dorado County for the operation and maintenance of the road was made available for public review and comment today. Copies of the draft EIS are available on the Eldorado National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado and by contacting the Eldorado National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Placerville. The final EIS is scheduled to be completed in spring 2012. (12/11)

Many roads and trails throughout the Eldorado National Forest are blocked by blown over trees. Forest Service personnel and visitors are reporting that many roads and trails within the Eldorado National Forest are not passable due to trees that fell during recent high winds. As a result, travelers may find themselves on a road or trail that appears to be open but is impassable due to fallen trees. (12/11)

The Forest Service will close the east end of the Mormon Emigrant Trail near Highway 88 to through traffic at noon on Wednesday, November 23, due to ice and snow. The west end of the road, near Sly Park Reservoir, will remain open to passenger vehicles as far as Silver Fork Road or to the point where snow covers the road, whichever comes first. Vehicles will not be able to drive through to Highway 88. Off highway vehicles, including four wheel drive vehicles will be allowed on the snow covered portion of the road up to the Silver Fork Road. (11/11)

Upcoming storms may start the seasonal closure of Eldorado National Forest dirt roads and trails. (11/11)

The Pacific Ranger District in the Eldorado National Forest has a new Ranger. Richard Thornburgh was selected to direct the day-to-day operations on the Pacific Ranger District, headquartered in Fresh Pond, three miles east of Pollock Pines. Thornburgh’s new district includes the Crystal Basin, a portion of Desolation Wilderness, and part of the Rubicon Trail. (11/11)

The Forest Service will begin its fall prescribed burn program in the Eldorado National Forest as soon as weather conditions are right. Approximately, 5,300 acres of National Forest land are slated to be burned this fall and winter. (10/11)

Fire specialists on the Placerville Ranger District are managing the lightning-caused Long Fire to meet multiple benefits; such as, allowing the fire to burn naturally in a fire-adapted ecosystem when it can been done safely, effectively and efficiently (posing no immediate risk to life, safety, property or resources). This fire was ignited during the lightning storm on September 12. Due to the precipitation at the higher elevations, conditions in the Long Fire area, at approximately 7,000 feet in elevation, have made it possible to allow this lightning fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem. (9/11)

The Eldorado National Forest is hosting an Open House for the Rubicon Trail Easement and Resource Improvement Project on Wednesday September 28, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Open House is an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed project as well as provide feedback concerning the project. Please join us at the Eldorado National Forest Supervisors’ Office at 100 Forni Road, Placerville CA 95667. (9/11)

Kathy Hardy was selected by Regional Forester Randy Moore to be the new Forest Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest. Hardy replaces Ramiro Villalvazo who left in June for a position in the Forest Service’s Regional Office in Vallejo. (08/11)

The Mormon Emigrant Trail, a Forest highway that connects Sly Park to Highway 88, is now snow free and passable to through traffic. Travelers need to be very cautious and alert for possible road hazards such as rocks, sand and other debris on the road.
Forest Service officials report that the road is not plowed open and is allowed to open when the snow melts, which occurred recently. Last weekend three serious accidents occurred on the naturally opened road. Forest Service road crews will be working on the road this week. Rocks and other materials may continue to fall on the road until later in the season. (07/11)

Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo was selected by U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore to be the Regional Director of Public Services headquartered in Vallejo, California. He is scheduled to begin in his new position on June 20. (06/11)

Most Eldorado National Forest campgrounds remain snow covered and will not be open for Memorial Weekend, according to Forest Service officials. The facilities that will be open include: West Point campground on Union Valley Reservoir; Stumpy Meadows, Black Oak campgrounds and the boat ramp on Stumpy Meadows Reservoir; Middle Meadows group campground and Hell Hole campground, but without water; Sand Flat campground, Bridal Veil picnic area, the parking lot at Twin Bridges/Pyramid Creek trailhead off Highway 50; Mokelumne and White Azalea campgrounds off of Tiger Creek road, and Pipi Campground off Highway 88. Loon Lake, Caples Lake, and Silver Lake are still partially frozen and have deep snow packs. The Ice House and Union Valley areas still have a significant blanket of snow and have just started melting. (05/11)

Designated dirt roads and trails in the Eldorado National Forest will reopen to motorized use on May 13, ending the wet weather seasonal closure that began in November, announced Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. The Forest Service closed these routes to protect water quality, prevent erosion, and reduce damage to roads and trails.

“I’m allowing the seasonal closure to come to an end on May 13,” said Villalvazo. “I am sure there are many people who are anxious for the opportunity to get out into our beautiful great outdoors. I want to remind all potential Forest visitors that with the freedom to visit the Forest on motorized vehicles, comes the responsibility to ensure that your activities do not cause resource damage.” (05/11)

The extensive storms over the past weeks have left many dirt roads on the Eldorado National Forest too wet to handle vehicle traffic without causing resource damage. Dirt roads in the Eldorado National Forest will remain closed until weather and soil conditions improve, announced Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. The current closure is extended to May 13. (04/11)

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/EIR) for the Kirkwood Meadows Power Line Reliability Project is available for public review and comment. The proposed power line is located in the Eldorado National Forest and is intended to provide electrical power to the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District. The US Forest Service is hosting two open houses for people to stop by and informally discuss the project and Draft EIS/EIR on April 30 and May 3. The first open house will be held on April 30th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District (KMPUD) offices at 33540 Loop Road, Kirkwood, CA. The second open house will be held and on May 3rd from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Amador County Board of Supervisors Office, 810 Court Street, Jackson, CA. Staff from the US Forest Service, Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District, and Resource Concepts, Inc. will be available to answer questions. (04/11)

Dirt roads in the Eldorado National Forest will remain closed until weather and soil conditions improve, announced Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. The current closure is extended beyond April 1 to May 1. There is a possibility that the roads will open sooner or the closure might be extended again. Last year the dirt roads reopened in May. (03/11)

Woodcutting season in the Eldorado National Forest will open early this year, beginning on March 16th rather than the usual April 1, announced Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. The 2011 fuelwood permits will expire on December 31. The opening date change came about partly due to the economic times and the many people requesting woodcutting permits. Woodcutting will now be allowed year-round in the Eldorado National Forest. (03/11)

Desolation Wilderness visitors will soon be able to make their overnight permit reservations on-line. The popular 64,000 acre wilderness area is located in both the Eldorado National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.“I am happy to announce that Desolation Wilderness visitors will be able to reserve an overnight visitor permit starting March 23, 2011 by going on-line to www.recreation.gov.,” said Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. “We believe this will be a more convenient way for many people to get their permits and for us to provide better customer service”. The new on-line service will allow wilderness visitors to make their reservations any time of the day seven days per week. A call center will be available to assist with reservations daily from 7 AM – 9 PM in the summer and 7 AM to 7 PM in the winter. (03/11)

The seasonal dirt road and trail closure for wheeled motorized vehicles on the Eldorado National Forest will go into effect November 23, 2010 says Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. The routes will remain closed until at least April 1. (11/10)

Recent downpours of rain hint that the seasonal closure of Eldorado National Forest dirt roads could happen sooner than January 1, if conditions are right. October and early November rains were intense at times and Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo says the roadbeds held up well enough to keep them open for now. New storms may change that situation. (11/10)

The Forest Service announced today that the Mormon Emigrant Trail that links Highway 88 and Highway 50 will be seasonally closed starting Friday, November 19. The road will be gated closed near the Iron Mountain Snopark, which is at 7,000 ft. elevation. The route will reopen in the spring, when conditions typically improve. (11/10)

The Forest Service will begin its fall prescribed burn program in the Eldorado National Forest as soon as weather conditions are right. 5,182 acres of National Forest land are slated to be burned this fall and winter. (10/10)

The El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee is accepting proposals for projects that benefit National Forest lands in El Dorado County. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2010. The committee currently has $500,000 available to recommend projects to the Eldorado National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisors for implementation on their respective units. Additional funds will be available after January. (10/01)

The El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee will be accepting proposals for projects that benefit National Forest lands in El Dorado County beginning in October. Applicants will be required to complete a written application and will have the opportunity to make an oral presentation before the RAC. (09/21)

The Amador County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) announced today that it is soliciting project proposals for financial support under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, reauthorized in 2008. Currently, as authorized by the legislation, Amador County has approximately $90,000 to fund natural resource related projects within Amador County. Additional funds will be available in January 2011. (07/19)

The Eldorado National Forest is preparing for one of the biggest recreation weekends of the year. Other than the Wrights Lake, Woods Lake and Blue lakes campgrounds all recreation facilities in the forest will be open. “It is important that we all take responsibility to keep wildfire out of the forest”, said Fire Prevention Officer Barbara Rebiskie. “Visitors need to know that all types of fireworks are illegal in a National Forest. Citations will be issued to violators that have any fireworks.” (06/10)

Children 12 years old and younger are invited to come out to Lake Walton with their fishing poles, tackle boxes and bait and take part in the 21st Annual Georgetown Kids Fishing Derby from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 5, 2010. (5/10)

Many Eldorado National Forest campgrounds remain snow covered and will not be open for Memorial Weekend, according to Forest Service officials. The following facilities will be open, however: Ice House and Strawberry campgrounds and the boat ramp on Ice House Reservoir; Sunset, Wench, Yellow Jacket, Wolf Creek, and West Point campgrounds and the boat ramps on Union Valley Reservoir; Stumpy Meadows and Black Oak campgrounds and the boat ramp on Stumpy Meadows Reservoir; Middle Meadows group campground and Hell Hole campground, but without water; Sand Flat, Lovers Leap, and China Flat campgrounds, the Bridal Veil picnic area, and the parking lot at Twin Bridges/ Pyramid Creek trailhead off the Highway 50 corridor; and Pipi Campground off Highway 88. (05/10)

The Mormon Emigrant Trail, located in the Eldorado National Forest between Jenkinson Lake and Highway 88, will not be open to through traffic Memorial Day Weekend due to snow, the Forest Service announced today. (5/10)

Designated dirt roads and trails in the Eldorado National Forest will reopen to motorized use on May 15, ending the wet weather seasonal closure that began on January 1, announced Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. (5/15)

Eldorado National Forest dirt roads and trails will remain closed to motorized vehicles through May 14, depending on weather and road conditions. Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo says the closure may be lifted sooner if conditions improve. (04-29-10)

April 12, 2010, Eldorado National Forest dirt roads and trails will remain closed to motorized use until April 30 unless conditions improved significantly before that date, announced Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo. The routes are closed to prevent damage to roadbeds, protect water quality, and prevent erosion. (04-12-10)

The seasonal closure of Eldorado National Forest dirt roads and trails to wheeled motorized vehicles will begin January 1, 2010, the Forest Service announced today. April 1 will be the earliest reopening date. (12/09)

Temporary repairs are coming to an historic cabin located in a remote area of the Mokelumne Wilderness in the Eldorado National Forest. The Forest Service is evaluating logistics for bringing in materials to the Wilderness needed to close a door-opening and patch a hole in the roof of an historic structure known as the Monte Wolfe cabin. (12/09)

The US Forest Service plans to begin fall prescribe burning in the Eldorado National Forest on Saturday, October 10, if air quality, weather, and fuel conditions are favorable. 168 acres of meadow lands in the Van Vleck Meadow Restoration Project are intended to be burned Saturday. (10/09)

Eldorado National Forest fire restrictions will be removed at midnight on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Visitors will once again be able to use wood, charcoal, or gas fires or stoves outside of developed campgrounds as long as they possess a valid California Campfire Permit and follow the permit regulations. (10/09)

The US Forest Service announced today that prescribe burning in the Eldorado National Forest will begin again this fall when the air quality, humidity, temperature, wind, and fuel moisture are right. The Forest Service says the Van Vleck Meadow Restoration project may be one of the first projects to be implemented. This 168 acre project is located in Aspen Meadow and Upper and Lower Van Vleck Meadows, 7 miles north of Ice House Reservoir. (10/02)

A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the reforestation of approximately 4,320 acres of Eldorado National Forest lands burned in 2004 in the Fred’s Fire near Kyburz is available for public review and comment. The Environmental Protection Agency published a Notice of Availability (NOA) for the DEIS in the Federal Register on September 11, 2009. The Forest Service will accept comments on the DEIS for 45 days from that date. The DEIS and related information is available on the Eldorado National Forest website located at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. A CD of the Freds Fire Reforestation DEIS can be requested from the Forest Supervisor’s Office in
Placerville. (09/09)

Eldorado National Forest

Newsroom: Current Year

News Releases (pdf)