USFS: Memorial Day Weekend Marks Start of Recreation Season

For many people, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but more importantly, Memorial Day serves as a valuable remembrance and tribute to all men and women who gave their lives defending our Nation. 

“As the summer season kicks off, I encourage families and friends to get outdoors and connect with their local wildlands which offer a variety of recreational activities and learning opportunities” says William Metz, Forest Supervisor for the Cleveland National Forest.

Forest Service offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2014, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27, 2014.

Cleveland National Forest officials encourage visitors to be aware of their surroundings and responsibilities when visiting the Forest.  For more information, please visit the website at www.fs.usda.gov/cleveland  or call the nearest office.

“Know Before You Go”

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are popular so reserving early is sometimes the key to success. Campground reservations, for certain locations, can be made online through Reserve USA at  www.recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777.  Some campgrounds are first come/first serve, so get there early.

Campfires

Campfires are only permitted at developed sites in the designated fire rings in campgrounds and picnic areas. Outside of developed sites, only propane or gas cooking stoves are allowed. Always call ahead to check on the current fire restrictions.

An act as simple as transporting firewood can lead to spread of non-native insects.  By not moving firewood, you can help stop the widespread devastation of our forests.  For more information, visit www.firewood.ca.gov.

How you can help:

• Leave firewood at home – do not transport it to campgrounds or parks.
• Use firewood from local sources.
• If you have moved firewood, burn all of it before leaving your campsite.
• Don’t bring firewood from other states back into California.

Visiting Waterfalls

Visitors to Cedar Creek Falls are now required to have a visitor use permit.  A visitor use permit may be purchased ahead of time at www.recreation.gov . 

Know Before You Go

• Cleveland National Forest, Supervisor’s Office, call (858) 673-6180.
• For Alpine, Descanso, and Laguna Mountain areas, call the Descanso Ranger District at (619) 445-6235.
• For the Palomar Mountain, Henshaw, Ramona, and Oak Grove areas, call the Palomar Ranger Districtat (760) 788-0250.
• For the Ortega Highway, San Mateo, Trabuco Canyon, and Corona areas, call the Trabuco Ranger District at (951) 736-1811.