ALERT #1
LOS PADRES FOREST ALERT
Before you head off for a weekend in the Los Padres National Forest, you may want to check to see what restrictions there may be in the area you are going.
Parts of the Los Padres National forest are closed to all use and parts are closed to motor vehicles.
Overnight camping is prohibited in Lion, Middle Lion, and Beaver campgrounds above Ojai. Blue Point campground above Lake Piru, and Hardluck campground farther up Piru Creek.
Also, users must reach some areas by foot, and others are fenced off and include warning signs. Sespe Road, Cherry Canyon Road and the road to Middle Lion campground are closed.
These areas have been closed for environmental reasons.
For more information on restrictions call the Ojai Ranger Station at (805) 646-4348 or the Mount Pinos Ranger Station at (805) 245-3731.
ALERT #2
FIRE ALERT
New fire rules limit use in forest
The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday (7/28/99) announced new restrictions for those who visit the Los Padres National Forest.
The restrictions are effective Saturday (7/31/99) and come because of increasing fire danger in the forest. They will remain in effect until the end of the fire season in late fall.
The restrictions are:
Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted with the campfire permit.
Visitors must clear all flammable material for 5 feet in all directions from their stove, have a shovel available and ensure that a responsible person watches the stove at all time when in use.
No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site or in designated areas indicated by sign or marker, or while stopped in a area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren and cleared of all flammable material.