Date: 08/18/09
Contact: Christie Kalkowski
Phone: 775-355-5311

FOREST ROUTE 50531 CLOSED ON THE SANTA ROSA RANGER DISTRICT FROM AUGUST 19 TO SEPTEMBER 10

The Santa Rosa Ranger District on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest wants visitors to know that Forest Route 50531 will be closed from August 19 to September 10, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including weekends.

The closure is near the North Fork of the Little Humboldt River. No alternate routes are available for this area, which provides access to the interior of the forest from Mahogany Pass on the northeast side of the District. This route is popular with hunters and others exploring their National Forest.

“We, regrettably, are unable to allow any access on this route due to overriding safety concerns,” said Jeff Ulrich, Santa Rosa District Ranger. “Heavy equipment being used on this project will make the road impassible.”

This goal of this project is to prevent further erosion of the road and nearby Holloway Meadows, and to repair damage to the existing ecosystem. Realignment of the road will place it in a more environmentally-friendly location, reducing the risk of future road failure and soil erosion.

During a flood in 1997, the river adjacent to the road overflowed, damaging the stream channel. A stable channel is necessary to maintain a healthy ecosystem; it slows the water flow and will effectively reduce the energy of future flood events.

The associated river and meadow restoration work will also stop accelerated erosion, as well as improve water quality and re-establish natural vegetation. The project will improve water storage in the meadow and its interaction with the soil. It will also help the natural development of flood plains and movement of sediment, which will support surrounding vegetation. Associated wildlife and fisheries habitat will be greatly improved.

For further information on this release, please contact Rangeland Management Specialist Boyd Hatch at 775-623-5025, ext. 119, or Forest Public Affairs Officer Christie Kalkowski at 775-355-5311.