SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 24, 2008—San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans announced today that she is implementing additional fire restrictions on the forest as of Thursday, June 26.

“With hotter-than-normal temperatures, forest visitors need to be extra vigilant while enjoying the forest this time of year,” said Wade Evans.

Under the restrictions, campfires are only permitted in agency provided fire rings at developed campground sites and picnic sites with public road access. No open campfires or charcoal fires are allowed outside of these designated recreation sites, anywhere on the forest. Fires will NOT be permitted at any yellow post sites.

Target shooting will be permitted only at public shooting ranges operated under a special use permit, including the Lytle Creek Firing Range, Big Bear Sportsman’s Club and Lake Arrowhead Fish and Game Conservation Club Target Range. Target shooting restrictions will not impact the use of a firearm while legally hunting.

In addition, Forest Service Road 1N09 will be closed to motorized vehicles from Highway 330 to the Middle Control Road until further notice.

With the upcoming holiday weekend, visitors are reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest.

“We want people to enjoy the forest, but to do it responsibly,” said Wade Evans.

Restrictions will include:

· Campfires or charcoal fires are ONLY allowed in agency provided fire rings at developed picnic areas and campgrounds with public road access.

· Gas and propane camping stoves and lanterns are permitted.

· FIREWORKS and steel core or Teflon ammunition are never allowed on the forest.

· Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, developed recreation sites, and areas cleared of vegetation three feet in diameter.

· An approved spark arrestor is required for any internal combustion engine operated off state or county highways or designated forest roads. These include chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles.

· Shooting a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun is only permitted at public shooting ranges operated under special use permit (listed above).

For more information about the allowable activities, Adventure Pass requirements and current conditions, visit our website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ or call your local forest office:

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office 909-382-2600

Cajon Ranger Station 909-382-2850

Arrowhead Ranger Station 909-382-2758

Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center 909-382-2790
Idyllwild Ranger Station 909-382-2922

San Gorgonio Ranger Station 909-382-2881
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 760-862-9984