BLM reopens portions of the Knoxville Management Area in Napa and Lake counties
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UKIAH, Calif. – Effective today, the Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office has reopened portions of the Knoxville Management Area within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Napa and Lake counties. The area was initially closed as a public safety measure on Aug. 19 while suppression activity was ongoing for the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. The fire consumed 363,220 acres and is contained as of Oct. 2.
Approximately 95 percent of the Knoxville Management Area is now open to the public for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, hunting, hiking, mountain bicycling and camping. Primary access to these lands is from the Berryessa Knoxville Road. Both the northern and southern entrances are now open, as well as popular recreation sites like the North Staging Area and Hunting Creek Camp. Today’s reopening also allows public access to the extensive network of OHV trails, including Hunting Creek Trail, Dunnigan Hill and Round Mountain Road. Due to continued safety concerns in the vicinity of Cedar Creek, a segment commonly known as Cement Creek Road remains closed until further notice.
“The Knoxville Management Area is a popular destination among OHV enthusiasts and a great area to enjoy by all for its diverse landscape of steep and rolling hills, chapparal brush, grey pines and cypress, and uncommon serpentine geology,” said Ukiah Field Office Manager Nick Lavrov. “We are very pleased to reopen in advance of the holiday, providing opportunities for the public to go out and enjoy their public lands.”
The Ukiah Field Office eased fire restrictions earlier this week, a result of cooler temperatures and measurable precipitation, allowing for the use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds. However, the public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildland fires when recreating on public lands. Good fire-prevention safety tips include keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. California campfire permits are available free online or at BLM, U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices. Be advised, some BLM lobbies and public rooms are closed to in-person visits. For more information on preventing wildfires and additional tips for keeping campfires and target shooting safe, visit ReadyForWildfire.org.
For specific questions on the Knoxville Management Area, please call 707-468-4000 during normal business hours.
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.