San Juan National Forest recreation managers are asking visitors to recreate responsibly by knowing current rules and regulations, and to access available resources before trips to local forests.
Chimney Rock National Monument will open May 15, and most developed recreation sites across the San Juan National Forest will open by May 28.
“For outdoor recreationists, the most important message this year is to ‘Know Before You Go,’ said Tom Rice, Dolores Ranger District recreation program manager. “We are already seeing more visitation than we saw at the same time last year. Public lands visitors need to be prepared and use best recreation practices. If you don’t know what the best practices are for the activity you have planned, ask us. We’re here to help.”
During 2020, the SJNF saw a tremendous increase in recreation, with many new visitors. This increase in visitation resulted in overflowing parking at trailheads and along narrow forest roads, often obstructing the roads and damaging vegetation.
Visitors also created thousands of new dispersed campsites as they pulled off roads and damaged resources, trampling vegetation and compacting soils with tents and vehicles. New rock campfire rings were left at dispersed sites and municipal water supplies were negatively affected with human waste and trash.
The Forest Service reminds visitors about the importance of knowing and following best practices while recreating to help these trampled places heal and ensure everyone can enjoy shared natural resources in the future.
- Campers may access current camping regulations at www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sanjuan/recreation/camping-cabins.
- Many campsites may be reserved online at www.Recreation.gov.
To reduce crowding at trailheads and parking areas this year, the Forest Service has marked certain trailheads with no parking signs. If there is not available parking within designated areas, try a new location. Do not park off road on vegetation.
Variable conditions can be expected on several high-country roads and trails during the season, including: closed roads; washed out or debris-blocked trails; trails that are difficult to find; and fallen dead or fire-weakened trees may impact road travel.
Trail work is planned across the Columbine, Dolores and Pagosa district trail systems. The status of roads can be checked at bit.ly/33NpqIw.
Ice Lakes Trail is under a forest closure order until critical life-safety trail and road work is complete, including the removal of fire-weakened trees.
San Juan National Forest is still in extreme drought with an above normal fire year predicted. The Forest Service is working closely with state and local partners to determine when to implement fire restrictions. Regardless of when fire restrictions go into effect, the public is urged to be extremely cautious.
To check current fire danger and restrictions, visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/home.
dgladden@durangoherald.com
