Forest to close roads for season

Beginning Dec. 1, the Stanislaus National Forest plans to close some forest roads until spring.

Once the seasonal closure gates are locked, vehicle travel will not be allowed until drier conditions return.

This year’s road closure date is normal as it typically coincides with the end of firewood gathering season, which is scheduled to end Nov. 30.
  

The routine seasonal road closures are necessary to provide for public safety and protect rain-soaked and snow-covered roads from wheel-ruts, erosion and washouts.

Those traveling on forest roads that remain open are asked to drive defensively and adjust their driving to weather and road conditions. Drivers are also asked to look out for other vehicles and livestock as well as rock slides and washouts.

Cottonwood Road (1N04) on the Mi-Wok and Groveland ranger districts remains open through the winter from Tuolumne to Cherry Lake. Drivers should be aware that during the winter the road may be obstructed by rocks, snow and ice.

With the exception of road 2N10 (leading through private property owned by Sierra Pacific Industries), all Forest Service roads to the south of Cottonwood Road will remain open, unless inclement weather or road blocks mandate closure.

Minor spur roads accessing the Jawbone Lava Flats will be seasonally gated to protect deer habitat.

Lumsden Road (1N10) on the Groveland Ranger District is now open and will remain so until weather and road conditions make the road unsafe for travel.