For Release: August 19, 2003
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-03-82

REPAIRS PLANNED FOR HEADWATERS ELK RIVER TRAIL
Project Will Benefit Salmon and Steelhead Habitat

A portion of the Elk River Trail in the Headwaters Forest Reserve will be closed for repair work from Sept. 29 through Oct. 15.

The Bureau of Land Management's Arcata Field Office said a mile-and-a-half of the trail will remain open for day use while the work is underway. The open section extends from the parking area to the site of a recent slide. The closed area will be posted.

BLM Headwaters Manager Dan Averill said the BLM, in partnership with the Pacific Coast Fish Wildlife and Wetlands Restoration Association, will be using heavy equipment to make necessary repairs. It will be unsafe for visitors to hike near equipment operations. He asked visitors to hike only on the designated trail within the open segment.

The repairs will reduce erosion from the trail which is adjacent to the South Fork Elk River. The river is home to salmon and steelhead listed as "threatened" under the federal Endangered Species Act. Reducing erosion is expected to benefit the fish populations.

Signs will be posted along the trail informing visitors of the trail closure. The BLM will issue an announcement when the trail is re-opened.

-BLM-

Arcata Field Office 1695 Heindon Rd Arcata, CA