The USFS announced on Friday that roadways and trails in the area of the Mosquito Fire burn scar will remain closed for the entirety of 2023 due to continued dangerous conditions.
The Forest Service has also closed the Western State Trail from Michigan Bluff to Last Chance Townsite. Along with the Mitchell Trail, Codfish Trail, Grouse Creek OHV Trail and the Crouse Falls Overlook Trail.
“There continue to be many hazards in the burned area requiring ongoing assessment and repair before the area can be fully reopened. Recent wet weather continues to impact roads and trails within the burn scar,” the USFS wrote in a news release.
Mosquito Ridge Road will be closed from about three miles east of its junction with Foresthill Road to about 5 miles west of the Placer County Big Tree Grove.
Click here to see article on Fox40 News.
From original Tahoe National Forest Order (now extended to Dec. 31, 2023)
Forest Order No. 17-23-01 Mosquito Fire Area, Road and Trail ClosurePursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the American River Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest.
1. Being on: (1) National Forest System Road 96 (Mosquito Ridge Road) from its intersection with
the Tahoe National Forest western boundary continuing east to its intersection with National
Forest System Road 0096-017 (Middle Fork Interbay Road), or (2) National Forest System Road
0096-017 (Middle Fork Interbay Road) from its intersection with National Forest System Road 96
(Mosquito Ridge Road) continuing south to its terminus, as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R.
§ 261.54(e).
2. Being on: (1) National Forest System Trail 16E10 (Western States Trail) from Michigan Bluff to
Last Chance Townsite, (2) National Forest System Trail 11E38 (Mitchell Trail or Tie 5-6 Trail),
(3) National Forest System Trail 11E44 (Codfish Trail or Loop 6 Trail), (4) National Forest
System Trail 12E23 (Grouse Creek OHV Trail), or (5) National Forest System Trail 12E22
(Grouse Falls Overlook Trail), as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the
performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas
Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
3. Owners or lessees of land and residents of such private landholdings, to the extent necessary to
access their land.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. § 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or
$10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and
18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Executed in Nevada City, California, this 4th day of November, 2022 at 2:00 p.m..
_______________________________
Eli Ilano
Forest Supervisor
Tahoe National Forest
PDF version of signed Forest Order 17-22-11 Mosquito Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure with Exhibit A (Map)