Rubicon Reopens, sort of!

Below is a press release from the Forest Service. All northern California forests, except the Eldorado, will open tonight at 11:59pm, 9-15-21. That’s two days earlier than the original closure order. Hat’s off to the forest service for opening earlier rather than just waiting two days.

Immediately below is a link to the El Dorado County Rubicon page stating that the Rubicon is now open within the Eldorado National Forest for day use only.

https://www.edcgov.us/Rubicon/

U.S. Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest
100 Forni Road
Placerville, CA 95667
530-303-2412
http://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado

News Release

For Immediate Release
September 15, 2021

Public Inquiries:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r5/about-region/offices

Regional Hotline: 707-562-9113
SM.FS.R5inquiries@usda.gov

Media Contact: SM.FS.MediaDeskR5@usda.gov

U.S. Forest Service Pacific West Region News Release

Eldorado National Forest Emergency Closure Continues through September 30th as USDA Forest Service Reopens Other Forests in California

** This modified version of a regional news release issued yesterday is to emphasize the separate closure order for the Eldorado National Forest which is still in effect.**

VALLEJO, Calif., — The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region will end the regional closure order affecting most National Forests in California at 11:59 pm today — Wednesday, Sept. 15 — two days prior to the original end date of Sept. 17. This change does not apply to the emergency closure order for the Eldorado National Forest which remains in effect through September 30, 2021.

Forest-wide closures will also remain in place and will be extended until midnight on September 22nd on the Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino, and Cleveland National Forests in Southern California due to local weather and fire factors, as well as a temporary strain on firefighting resources supporting large fires in other areas of the state.

In addition to the four National Forests that will remain closed in Southern California, some National Forest System lands throughout the state will be closed under local closure orders in areas of ongoing wildfires to ensure public safety. The Eldorado National Forest emergency closure is due to ongoing hazards associated with the Caldor Fire. Fire restrictions also remain in place across all National Forests in California to prevent new fire starts. Please refer to the local National Forest that you plan to visit to obtain specific information on closures and restrictions.

“We are constantly evaluating weather and fire conditions in California, as well as regional and national firefighting resources available to us so that we can ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters,” said Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien. “Some factors are more favorable now, which is why I decided to end the regional closure order. I want to thank the public and our partners for their patience and understanding during these challenging times.”

Factors leading to this decision include:

1. Anticipated increase of firefighting resource availability to California due to fire danger lessening in other areas of the country.
2. Regional weather systems and related climate zones becoming more variable as the seasons change, leading to less uniform conditions across California. Where weather and fire danger remain high, tailored fire restrictions and closures remain in place locally and may be added where necessary.
3. Peak summer visitation has tapered off significantly since the Labor Day holiday weekend. The public is a critical partner in mitigating risk and recreating responsibly on our National Forests.
4. We recognize the important role of National Forests to peoples’ livelihood and quality of life.

Favorable fire conditions remain throughout many parts of the state, and the public’s role in recreating responsibly has never been more important. We remind visitors to practice self-sufficiency during visits to National Forests, be aware of fire conditions in the area you are visiting and follow guidelines to prevent human-caused fire starts. Best practices include:
• Heed local information regarding trails and campgrounds, especially fire restrictions
and closures. Generally, camp stoves with a shutoff valve will be allowed.
• Be proactive in your thinking about preventing fire starts. Smoking, parking in grass, flammable material, and other activities could cause fire ignition under dry conditions.
• COVID-19 remains a concern. Maintain at least six feet distance from others.
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials.
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step
aside to let others pass.
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.

More than 7,404 wildfires have burned over 2.25 million acres across all jurisdictions in California. The nation remains at Preparedness Level 5 (PL5); the Northern California Geographic Area is at PL5, and the Southern California Geographic Area has moved up to PL4.

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is largely in California but is in the Intermountain Region (R4) and is not impacted by the previous closure order.

The Forest Service thanks our partners and the public for their cooperation and understanding. Citizens with specific questions within their area should consult their local forest website or social media pages for more information.

The U.S.D.A Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

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So what does this mean? It means you can drive the Rubicon within the Eldorado but you can’t go outside the 50′ easement. They don’t want anyone camping on the easement hence the day use only.

The Tahoe side will be open, both the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Tahoe National Forest.

My understanding is that the Springs was closed down for winter when they pulled out due to the fire. There is probably more to be done to close up for the winter. Please respect the private property.

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Rubicon Ronin