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National Forest Expects Influx of Holiday Visitors

Fireworks Prohibited in San Bernardino National Forest

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, July 3, 2009

San Bernardino National Forest - The San Bernardino National Forest is preparing for one of the biggest recreation weekends of the year, as forest visitors come to enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and a variety of other recreational activities on the national forest in celebration of our country's independence.

San Bernardino National Forest (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Forest officials encourage visitors to be aware of their surroundings and responsibilities when visiting the forest.

Forest visitors are reminded that possession and use of fireworks on the national forest is prohibited by law at all times and strictly enforced. Public fireworks displays will be held on Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake on Saturday, July 4.

Campfires are only permitted at developed sites in the designated fire rings in campgrounds, picnic grounds and sites marked with a yellow post (known as Yellow Post Sites). Outside of developed sites, only propane or gas cooking stoves are permitted.

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit while always remaining aware of the current situation outdoors and the potential for wildfire," said Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans.

Certain area of the San Bernardino National Forest require vehicles to display an Adventure Pass. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The Forest Adventure Pass must be displayed on a visitor's parked vehicle when recreating in High Impact Recreation Areas and certain developed sites like campgrounds and picnic areas. A list of designated fee sites and areas is posted on the Fee Program website at: Fee Program. Daily passes at $5 per car or annual passes are available at many local retailers: Vendors.

All family and group campgrounds will be open for the holiday. Many campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis, but to ensure a campsite this time of year, visitors are encouraged to make reservations. Reservations can be made online at Reserve USA at Reservations or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777.

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users can now download riding area maps, which are also available at the forest ranger stations. OHV visitors are urged to visit or call ahead to confirm their OHV plans. The San Bernardino National Forest OHV web page address is OHV.

Check with the forest ranger stations for Yellow Post site locations, Adventure Pass requirements, and current fire use restrictions. A free forest visitor's guide is also available at the following offices:

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor's Office: (909) 382-2600

Arrowhead Ranger Station (909) 382-2758

Barton Flats Visitor Center (909) 794-4861

Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center (909) 382-2790

Cajon Ranger Station (909) 382-2851

Children's Forest Visitor Center (909) 867-5996

Idyllwild Ranger Station (909) 382-2922

San Gorgonio Ranger Station (909) 382-2881

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center (760) 862-9984

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit San Bernardino National Forest.

This article was first published on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:27 pm. This article has been viewed 729 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.