USFS Press Releases

My failure to archive the original news release of the opening of the Los Padres National Forest on May 1, 2009, led to the creation of this new page to keep track of their press releases. I seem not to have been doing this during 2011, but hope to do better in 2012.
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Date: March 16, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
Goleta, CA 93117
www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres

Los Padres Issues Safety Reminders As Winter Storm Approaches

GOLETA, CA….With a winter storm approaching, Los Padres National Forest officials are reminding the public to plan accordingly if they intend to visit any of the popular “snow play” recreation areas on the Forest this coming weekend. The storm could bring snow-covered and slippery roads, rock slides, trail washouts, possible flash floods and other hazards.

The Forest strongly encourages visitors to take the appropriate steps to ensure personal safety in the event you or your party become lost or stranded, including:

Contact the Forest Service office nearest your destination for current conditions. Many forest roads are closed during significant weather events; some are closed for the winter.
Check local weather reports.
Take a map of the area with you and know how to read it.
Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel.
Check your tires and windshield wiper blades.
If you’re visiting high elevation areas where snow is possible, make sure you have chains.
Bring an extra set of dry clothes, a warm jacket and hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear.
Pack extra food and water.
Bring a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first aid kit, and a shovel. These items could prove critical in the event of a change in weather, a vehicle breakdown, or other unexpected situation.
Leave your itinerary and expected time of return with a family member or friend.
If you become lost or injured, stay calm and get out of the wind if possible. Stay put! Do not wander. Searchers have a better chance of finding you faster if you remain near your planned route.
Cell phones are helpful, but do not work in many areas of the forest.

Visitors are reminded that an Adventure Pass is required for all areas of the Forest, except the Monterey Ranger District. With potentially significant snowfall forecast for lower elevations, “snow play” recreation areas such as Figueroa Mountain and Mt. Pinos could experience high visitor traffic. The public is encouraged to drive slowly and carefully, always stay on the road, and be aware of oncoming traffic when visibility is low. Vehicles should only be parked in areas where they do not block the road.

Contact the Forest office nearest to your destination prior to departure for current conditions:

Monterey Ranger District (King City) – (831) 385-5434

Santa Lucia Ranger District (Santa Maria) – (805) 925-9538

Santa Barbara Ranger District (Los Prietos/Santa Barbara) – (805) 967-3481

Ojai Ranger District (Ojai) – (805) 646-4348

Mt. Pinos Ranger District (Frazier Park) – (661) 245-3731

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Date: September 7, 2010 Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Lynn Olson (831) 385-5434 www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Annual Coastal Cleanup Day Set for September 25

KING CITY, CA…The Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest is partnering with Save Our Shores to coordinate a group cleanup on the Arroyo Seco River on Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 9 AM to noon. The event is open to volunteers of all ages, and those who are interested in participating should meet at the Day Use Parking Lot of the Arroyo Seco Recreation Area at 8:30 am.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants and sleeves, sturdy boots, and work gloves. Drinking water and trash bags will be provided on site.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for members of the community to join with the Los Padres and Save Our Shoes to help make an impact on cleaning up our precious natural areas,” said Monterey District Ranger Sherry Tune. “It’s a great way to meet neighbors and spend time outdoors working to improve an amazing forest recreation area.”

For more information, please contact the Monterey Ranger District at (831) 385-5434, or on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/
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Date: August 31, 2010

Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
Goleta, CA 93117
www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759
or
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Los Padres Announces New Ojai District Ranger

GOLETA, CA – Los Padres National Forest officials today announced the selection of Sue Exline as Ojai District Ranger. Exline currently serves as the Public Affairs Officer on the Sierra National Forest in Clovis, California.

Exline replaces John Bridgwater, who retired July 30 after 42 years of federal service. Exline will assume her new position September 13.

“I am extremely pleased that Sue is joining our Forest Leadership Team,” said Los Padres Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. “Sue has a proven track record for tackling tough issues, and a passion for engaging with the public. She will be a valuable asset to the Ojai District and the communities we serve.”

Exline began her Forest Service career in 1979 as a district recreation planner on the Sequoia National Forest in Kernville, California. She served as a District Public Affairs Officer on the Sequoia National Forest’s Cannell Meadown Ranger District, and since 1986 has been the Public Affairs Officer on the Sierra National Forest.
Exline, 53, was born in Lynwood, California, and raised in Southern California. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation. Prior to graduation, she spent her summers working as a Recreation Technician for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Sequoia National Forest.

“I’m truly honored to be selected for this challenging position, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with the many interested agencies, groups, and organizations who take great interest and pride in the Los Padres National Forest,” Exline said.

Exline is married to John Exline, a district ranger on the Sequoia National Forest. They have two children: Brian, 16, and Erin, 21.
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Date: August 11, 2010

Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
Goleta, CA 93117
www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Los Padres Announces “Fee Free” Days

GOLETA, CA….Los Padres National Forest officials today announced that August 14-15 are “Fee Free” days for all visitors to the Forest. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in all areas of the Los Padres except for the Santa Barbara Ranger District’s Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, where an Adventure Pass will still be required.

“The Los Padres is working to ensure as many visitors as possible have the opportunity to experience the premiere recreational activities available to them on the Forest,” said Los Padres National Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. “By waiving fees for this weekend, everyone will have the chance to get outdoors to enjoy the natural treasures of our public lands.”

“Fee Free” days are observed each year on National Ttrails Day (June 5-6), Back to School season (August 14-15), National Public Lands Day (September 25), and Veterans’ Day (November 11).

Visitors who inadvertently commit a Daily Adventure Pass this weekend can have it replaced free-of-charge. Visitors are reminded that even though the Adventure Pass fee will be waived this weekend, other fees such as campground, reservation and group site fees may still be applicable.

The “Fee Free” days are observed throughout Southern California on Los Padres, San Bernardino, Angeles, and Cleveland National Forests.

Visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go,” and to contact your local Ranger Station for more information on current cond

Santa Lucia Ranger District (Santa Maria) – (805) 925-9538

Santa Barbara Ranger District (Santa Barbara) – (805) 967-3481

Ojai Ranger District (Ojai) – (805) 646-4348

Mt. Pinos Ranger District (Frazier Park) – (661) 245-3731

Monterey Ranger District (King City) – (831) 385-5434
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Date: July 20, 2020
Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
Goleta, CA 93117
www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres

CONTACT:
Lynn Olson (831) 385-5434 Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forest Service To Conduct Prescribed Burn Along Highway 1

KING CITY, CA….Los Padres National Forest officials today announced plans to conduct a prescribed burn on the Brazil Ranch in the Monterey Ranger District 13.5 miles south of Carmel. The 80 acre burn will occur during daylight hours on Thursday, July 22. The burn will be postponed if weather conditions are not favorable to firefighter and public safety.

The purpose of the prescribed burn is to suppress undesirable weed vegetation and stimulate native plant growth. The goal is to preserve the scenic value and maintain the native plant diversity on the Brazil Ranch coastal terrace.

Highway 1 may be affected during the prescribed burn, and smoke will be visible for several miles.

For more information contact the Monterey Ranger District at (831) 385-5434, or on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/
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News Release

U.S. Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest

Date: July 13, 2020 Los Padres National Forest 6755 Hollister Ave. #150 Goleta, CA 93117
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lynn Olson (831) 385-5434 www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Road Brushing Project on the Los Padres Forest

KING CITY, CA….Los Padres National Forest officials today announced plans to conduct a road brushing project on National Forest System Roads within the Monterey Ranger District. Work will begin the third week of July and continue throughout the summer. Landowners and Forest visitors should expect to encounter occasional brief closures or delays.

The following areas within the Monterey Ranger District will be improved:

• Bottcher’s Gap Scout Camp and Bottcher’s Gap Campground
• Sycamore Cyn. Rd. and Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area
• Portions of North Coast Ridge Rd.
• Cold Springs Rd.
• Tassajara Rd. and spur to Mira Observatory
• Piney Creek
• Arroyo Seco Road, Arroyo Seco Station, Arroyo Seco Campgrounds and Arroyo Seco Day Use Area
• Escondido Camp Ground
• Arroyo Seco / Indians Rd.
• Central Coast Ridge Rd.
• South Coast Ridge Rd.
• Chalk Peak Camp Ground Road
• Plaskett Ridge
• Miguel Spur Rd.
• Three Peaks Camp Ground Rd.
• Alms Ridge Camp Ground
• Los Burros Rd., Prisoner Flat, Alder Creek Camp Ground and San Martin Top
• Baldwin Rd.

This project is being funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Work will include safety brushing and clearing to reduce fuels, increase access, and improve driving site distance along Forest roads.

Monterey District Ranger Sherry Tune said this project will provide a safer road system for fire suppression activities as well as a safer travel experience for the public.

“Thanks to ARRA funding, this important work will improve Monterey District roads for both travelers, visitors, and our firefighting crews in the event of an emergency,” Tune said. “Once this road work has been completed, these roads will be free of encroaching vegetation and allow for greater enjoyment of our public lands.”

Forest visitors are encouraged to contact the Monterey Ranger District at (831) 385-5434 or on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/ for more detailed information and for the latest conditions. Maps of the project areas are available electronically by request, at the District Office in King City and the Visitor’s Center in Big Sur.
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Date: June 3, 2010
Los Padres National Forest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759 Jeff Bensen (805) 961-5744
www.r5.fs.fed.us/lospadres

Los Padres National Forest to Offer “Fee Free” Days

GOLETA, CA…. Los Padres National Forest announced that June 5-6 will be “Fee Free” days for all visitors to the Forest. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in all areas of the Los Padres except for the Santa Barbara Ranger District’s Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, where an Adventure Pass will still be required.

“The Los Padres is working to ensure as many visitors as possible have the opportunity to experience the premiere recreational activities available to them on the Forest,” said Los Padres National Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. “By waiving fees for this weekend, everyone will have the chance to get outdoors to enjoy the natural treasures of our public lands.”

“Fee Free” days are observed each year on National Ttrails Day (June 5-6), Back to School season (August 14-15), National Public Lands Day (September 25), and Veterans’ Day (November 11).

Visitors who inadvertently commit a Daily Adventure Pass June 5-6 can have it replaced free-of-charge. Visitors are reminded that even though the Adventure Pass fee will be waived this weekend, other fees such as campground, reservation and group site fees may still be applicable.

Visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go,” and to contact your local Ranger Station for more information on current conditions.

Santa Lucia Ranger District (Santa Maria) – (805) 925-9538
Santa Barbara Ranger District (Santa Barbara) – (805) 967-3481
Ojai Ranger District (Ojai) – (805) 646-4348
Mt. Pinos Ranger District (Frazier Park) – (661) 245-3731
Monterey Ranger District (King City) – (831) 385-5434
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Ventana Wilderness Re-Opens
Date: October 2, 2009
Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
Goleta, CA 93117
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Lynn Olson (831) 385-5434
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Ventana Wilderness re-opened

KING CITY, CA… Effective immediately, areas of the Ventana Wilderness which have been closed to the public since the Indians and Basin Complex fires have now been re-opened. Escondido Campground however will remain closed until further notice.

When traveling through areas of the wilderness that were burned, the following hazards may be expected.

* Ash and needles on the trail which can make the trail slippery
* Burned out stump holes. This condition can make the ground weak and unstable and is a danger that is often unseen.
* Unstable dead trees and branches, which are especially dangerous during windy conditions.
* Rolling debris from loose rocks and logs.
* Flash flooding and mud flows. Conditions can change very quickly with winter rains.

Conditions in areas of the forest that have been burned, are constantly changing; PLEASE BE SAFE!

For more information regarding the fires and emergency closure, contact the Monterey Ranger District at: 831-385-5434, or on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/
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PONDEROSA FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Monday, August 3, 10:00 AM

Information Center: 831-385-5434, ext. 277 Public Inquires, ext. 283 Media
(8am-8pm)

Fire Statistics

Acres burned: 350 ac.
Miles of fireline to build: 6 mi.
Date started: 8-1-2009
Percent contained: 0%
Expected containment: No estimate
Firefighter injuries to date: 2 Minor, Firefighters returned to duty
Structures threatened: 0
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $1,000,000 Firefighting Resources

Crews: 13
Engines: 19
Helicopters: 2
Air tankers: 9
Dozers: 4
Total personnel assigned: 429

Changes in statistics from previous update reflect current mapping and resource tracking.

Current Status: Good progress occurred last night on the Ponderosa Fire by firefighters. The fire remained active late into the night. By early morning, the marine layer had deepened allowing for good relative humidity recovery. Today’s goal is to take advantage of opportunities to take direct suppression action, however, the terrain is steep with dense fuels and firefighter safety is the number one priority.

Air tankers and helicopters will be available today to support the crews on the ground..

This area was partially burned in the 2008 Chalk Fire but there are still many areas that were left unburned with numerous snags.

Cause of the fires is yet to be determined.

Because of the potential for growth of the fire and firefighter safety, California Interagency Incident Management Team with Incident Commander James Smith, will be assumed management of the fire today at 0600.

Evacuations: Campers in the Ponderosa and Nacimiento Campgrounds were evacuated last night.

Highway, Road and Area Closures: Highway-1 is open. Nacimiento-Ferguson Road, as well as Los Burros/Willow Creek Road at Highway 1 are closed to the public, open to residents only.

Media: Media must be escorted through Ft. Hunter Liggett. Request for media access can be made by contacting the Information Center at 831-385-5434 x 283.
.
Weather: Upper level low off the central California coast will keep the temperatures cooler than normal for tomorrow. Relative humidity will be in the 17-22%. Winds will continue to be light tomorrow. The fire is near the edge of the marine layer which will be around 2000 ft.

Agencies & Cooperators: Ft. Hunter Liggett, CalFire, CHP, CalTrans.
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Ponderosa Fire News Release, 8/2/09:

News Release
USDA Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest
Monterey Ranger District

Date: August 2, 2009 Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: King City District Office (831) 385-5434 ww.r5.fs.fed.us/lospadres

Ponderosa Fire

Yesterday, Saturday, August 1, 2009 at about 7:00 PM a fire was reported near Ponderosa Campground south of the Nacimeinto-Ferguson Road, approximately 35 miles west of King City in the Los Padres National Forest.

The fire is approximately 200+ acres burning in steep terrain. There are currently 150 firefighters assigned to the fire with additional crews and engines enroute. Air Tankers and helicopters are providing air support to the crews on the ground. There is no containment.

The fire is moving in an east, northeast direction and is expected to grow in size during the day. Potential shifting winds may affect fire behavior. Where possible, crews are attacking the fire directly, however, the terrain is very steep, fuels are dense and firefighter safety is the number one priority.

A Forest Service Type II Team has been ordered because of the potential for the fire’s growth due to the anticipated wind and weather changes.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

District Ranger, Sherry Tune, stated, ” I appreciate the support of our cooperators including Fort Hunter Liggett, Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, CHP, CalTrans, CALFire, and local government fire resources.”

CLOSURES:
Los Burros/Willow Creek Road is closed at Highway 1 to the public, open to residents only.
Nacimiento-Ferguson Road is closed at Highway 1 and the Ft. Hunter Liggett-National Forest boundary.
Ponderosa and Nacimiento Campgrounds are closed.