Reading Fire Burn Area Trail Opening

Date: May 28, 2013
Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, 530-595-6102

MINERAL, CA - On Friday, June 7 Lassen Volcanic National Park will open trails that have been closed since the 2012 Reading Fire. These popular trails include the Pacific Crest Trail, Cluster Lakes trail, Twin Lakes trail, and a portion of Nobles Emigrant Trail. Visitors are advised that unmarked and unknown hazards may exist in the areas burned by the fire. These hazards may include unstable terrain, rockfalls, falling trees/limbs, and stump holes/root chambers. Extra caution is needed when hiking or camping in these areas. 

Throughout the summer visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about fire and its role in Lassen’s forest ecosystems through ranger-led programs and the park’s Junior Firefighter program. Information can also be found on the park website, www.nps.gov/lavo, which highlights the Reading Fire, the park fire management program, summer and fall fuels projects, and current fire information.

 “In consideration of this year’s seasonal outlook for northern California’s fire potential being above normal for large fires and lessons learned from the previous year’s Reading Fire, Lassen Volcanic National Park does not intend to manage any natural fires or implement any spring-time prescribed burns,” stated Park Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz. 

Fire management projects scheduled this year include:

• The Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration Project scheduled to begin this fall, is located in the northwest corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park where forest conditions present a severe risk of high intensity fire. In partnership with Lassen National Forest, park officials will use mechanical thinning in this popular recreation area. 
• A Juniper Lake manual thinning project of 40 acres will be implemented this summer to reduce fuel loads and protect recreational developments in this southeast portion of the park.
• Annual pile burning in the park will commence once snowfall has returned for the winter season. 

For more information, please contact the park fire education specialist at [phone] Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.