U.S. Forest Service - Sierra National Forest

Stevenson Creek Falls – Danger Ahead - Be Aware
• High flow water for next three weeks
• Fast moving water
• Last 48-72 hours – CalFire has been dispatched for six non-fatal injuries at the Stevenson Creek location
• It may be unsafe to access the falls and cross the bridge without harm due to flow of water and slippery bridge
• Social media is not accurately portraying the creek as it relates to safety

The Sierra National Forest has issued the following Forest Orders:

• 05-15-00-26-02 – SNF Food & Refuse Storage

• 05-15-00-26-03 – SNF Wilderness Food & Refuse Storage

The Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all unattended food and garbage within Developed Recreation Sites on the Sierra National Forest be secured in bear‑resistant containers. Overnight visitors in Wilderness areas must also use approved hard‑sided bear canisters or properly counter‑balance their food at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree.

Food lockers, bear‑resistant containers, and bear canisters are essential for protecting both visitors and wildlife by preventing bears from accessing human food. Preventing bears from becoming conditioned to human food reduces dangerous encounters and helps ensure they remain wild. These are among the most effective tools for safety and conservation in bear country.

Open food and refuse are prohibited in Wilderness areas shown in Exhibit A unless stored in a bear‑resistant container.

Full Forest Orders and associated a high-resolution map of affected Wilderness areas are available on the Sierra National Forest website via the following links:

05-15-00-26-02 – Food and Refuse Storage
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sierra/alerts/food-and-refuse-storage

05-15-00-26-03 – Wilderness Food & Refuse Storage
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sierra/alerts/wilderness-food-and-refuse-storage

With the exception of the High Sierra Ranger District office, Sierra National Forest offices will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of the holiday. But national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.

Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard.

Sierra National Forest Road Work Update

Roadwork is underway on multiple projects and may affect travel. Visitors may expect delays, increased heavy equipment traffic, and active construction zones through late May and into June.

Beasore Road:

• Fog Seal
Work begins Wednesday, May 20, from Cold Spring Summit to County Road 274 and is estimated to take five days, weather permitting with striping to follow soon after. Short-term delays may be expected.

• Paving
Paving between 5S86 and 4S81, connecting Beasore and Minarets roads, is also scheduled to begin in the third week of June.

Middle Miami Bridge:
• Concrete footings are complete, marking a key milestone

• Abutment installation to continue over the next few weeks

• Road closures remain in place; heavy equipment active in restricted areas

Expectations:
Slow traffic, active crews, heavy equipment, and material-hauling trucks in work zones on the forest.

Safety:
Please slowdown in construction zones and watch for workers, trucks, and equipment entering or leaving the road. Be prepared for uneven pavement, loose gravel, and limited lane markings. Follow all posted signs and any directions from flaggers or pilot cars. Allow extra time for your trip and consider using alternate routes.

The SNF appreciates the public’s patience as these road projects improve access and safety across the forest.

The High Sierra Ranger District’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Staff and Volunteers had a very productive weekend. First, there was a volunteer recruitment event on Saturday. Thank you to those who came up and signed up to volunteer for the program. Second, there were members from local clubs and individuals who spent the weekend getting the Bald Mountain OHV trails ready for another season. Although it was a bit cold in the morning, everyone rallied and removed over 125 trees that were blocking trails and roads. Last, the OHV routes and trails need everyone's help. Without the great turnout we see from volunteers, we would not have great trails.

Thanks to everyone for staying safe out there and for your help to get the trails ready this past weekend.

Stay safe this summer by following a few heat safety tips.

In extreme heat, dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

Last Saturday, May 9th, the Dinkey Creek Inn and General Store hosted an OHV Volunteer Round-Up, and it was great! The turnout was fantastic, with lots of people showing support for the store and trails. The OHV Volunteer Round-Up added almost two dozen new volunteers! Besides the High Sierra Ranger District’s OHV crew, there were the California 4 Wheel Drive Association (Cal4Wheel), California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), and local clubs representing the dedicated volunteers that help keep the trails in great shape. The Sierra OHV program appreciates every volunteer’s commitment to keeping the trails sustainable. Thank you, Dinkey Creek Store!

Join Our Volunteer Team!
Volunteering with the Forest Service offers many ways to give back and help preserve our beautiful forest, not just on the trails. Whether you represent a club or are an individual looking to contribute, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference!
Help Maintain Our Nationally Renowned High Sierra Trails!
Did you know the High Sierra Ranger District boasts hundreds of miles of incredible 4WD trails and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) routes? What many people might not realize is that a dedicated team of just three individuals is responsible for maintaining this vast trail system.

Our Volunteers: The Backbone of Our Trails
It's clear that this immense task wouldn't be possible without the dedication of volunteers! We are incredibly fortunate to have a strong network of support, primarily from off-road clubs—many from the surrounding area and some traveling from as far as Bakersfield. These clubs have “adopted” over 150 miles of trails and OHV roads, becoming the backbone of our program. Their hard work and commitment are what allow the High Sierra Ranger District to maintain a nationally recognized trail system.
We invite potential volunteers to join us for a meet-and-greet event:

Volunteer Trail Workday & Meet-and-Greet
This is a perfect opportunity to get a taste of the rewarding work involved in trail maintenance. Forest Service staff will be on-site to guide you.

• Date: Saturday, May 16th

• Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Meet & greet with Forest Service staff.

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Light trail workday.

• Location: Base Camp (GPS: 37°07'27.0"N 119°10'29.1"W)

• Look for the large open rock area with an information board and Forest Service staff under the canopy near the restrooms.

What to Bring for Trail Work:
To ensure your safety and comfort during the workday, please bring:
• Sturdy work/hiking boots
• Durable pants (e.g., jeans—no shorts, please)
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Work gloves
• Lunch and snacks
• Water
• Sunscreen

Directions to Base Camp (from Clovis):
Take CA-168 to Dinkey Creek Road (towards Shaver Lake).
Follow Dinkey Creek Road for approximately 9 miles.
Turn left onto Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 9S09) and continue for 6.5 miles.
Base Camp will be on your left side.

Interested in Volunteering?
If you're interested in joining us on May 16th or would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact us at:
[email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there and working together to protect our precious High Sierra trails!

National Police Week is a time to honor those we’ve lost and thank those who continue to serve.

Forest Service law enforcement officers live and work in the communities they protect, building relationships and safeguarding people and natural resources every day.

Thank you to all who serve.

Pictured from left to right:
Phillip Konkankit, Los Padres NF; Michele Estrada, Angeles NF; Justin Haley, Sierra NF; Melissa Wise, Sierra NF; Mauro Napoletano, Sierra NF: Daniel Soria, Sierra NF, Arturo Pacheco, Cleveland NF; Rene Villanueva, Sierra NF

(Photo by USFS Photographer Michael McCool)

The Sierra National Forest will be continuing prescribed burning operations on Friday, May 8, in the Midge Creek Campground area located off Kaiser Pass Road. The objective is to burn disposal sites created from cleanup of vegetation work completed within the campground.

Smoke and flames may be visible to residents and visitors near Huntington Lake, Highway 168, and the surrounding mountain communities.

Key Information:

• DO NOT CALL 911:
If you see smoke or flames near the project area, please do not report it.

• VISIBILITY:
Smoke may be visible from Tollhouse Rd, Auberry Rd, Hwy 168, and the https://ALERTCalifornia.org camera network.

• SAFETY:
Please use caution when traveling nearby and watch for fire crews and equipment on the road.

SNF Fire Management works with the California Air Resources Board and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). Air quality and smoke impacts are closely monitored and ignitions will be adjusted if necessary.

More information on smoke impacts and how to mitigate exposure is follow the link provided www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org

For more on these prescribed fire projects and activity please contact the High Sierra Ranger District office at 559-855-5355.

The Sierra National Forest (SNF) is pleased to share new construction progress on its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Work Center in North Fork, California. The $14.3 million project is roughly 60 percent complete and includes a new building with a modern engine bay and five firefighter barracks. The project is estimated to finish in early 2027 and will serve as the primary hub for fire support operations locally.

The new CCC Camp facility will strengthen wildfire response and firefighter readiness, fulfilling one of the USDA Forest Service’s top priorities, to respond safely and aggressively to protect communities and natural resources.

The SNF would like to thank the community for its continued support and will share additional updates as work progresses.