BLM reopening some areas closed by Mendocino Complex fires
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UKIAH, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is reopening several public land recreation areas in Lake, Mendocino and Colusa counties that have been closed since late July because of dangers from the Mendocino Complex fires and suppression efforts.
Hiking and equestrian trails including the popular Glen Eden Trail on North Cow Mountain east of Ukiah are now open. Target shooting is still prohibited at the rifle range due to fire restrictions. The BLM closed North Cow Mountain recreation sites during the River Fire. South Cow Mountain Recreation Area, which is a popular off-highway vehicle area, remains closed.
BLM-managed lands in the Indian Valley Recreation Area, which includes Walker Ridge, are also open. The lands are in eastern Lake County and western Colusa County. The Indian Valley Reservoir Campground managed by Yolo County remains closed because of fire damage. These areas were burned in the Ranch Fire, one of the two blazes that made up the Mendocino Complex.
“We are happy to again provide public access to these areas, but visitors need to be extremely careful,” said Amanda James, manager of the BLM Ukiah Field Office. “We urge visitors to be aware of their surroundings and watch for potential hazards.”
Visitors are advised to avoid burned trees that may be weak or hiking in burned areas on windy days. Hikers are also advised to watch their footing to avoid burned stump holes and be aware that hiking can stir up ash, especially in windy conditions. Some trails might be obscured or hard to follow.
More information is available by contacting the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.