The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Soquel Demonstration State Forest (SDSF) was officially closed to all public use, including hiking and cycling on January 11, 2017. Since that time an additional 25 inches of rain has been recorded for a total seasonal rainfall of over 70 inches. This has been the second wettest winter in Santa Cruz county in recorded history and there is still more rain in the forecast. This extreme weather has caused more damage to the forest infrastructure and neighboring properties.
SDSF is closed due to multiple active large landslides that continue to flow massive amounts of mud, trees and other debris across roads, trails and other visitor areas without warning. SDSF averages about one major rescue due to forest visitor injuries each month during a normal year. With the current lack of access, it would be impossible to perform any rescue at SDSF and therefore must remain closed until access is restored.
In addition to the damage on SDSF roads and trails, large slides have closed Highland Way and Eureka Canyon Road that are the county access roads to SDSF. County workers and contractors continue to work around the clock on county roads to keep them open for the public and emergency services. Santa Cruz County Public Information Officer, Jason Hoppin said that “there are well over 100 areas of damage on county roads and recovery will be a long-term process. He also asks county residents to not drive on county roads during storm events if possible. Please respect closures and don’t risk your life by going to closed areas or areas with active operations.”
Violation of the SDSF closure is a misdemeanor under the authority of Title 14, Section 1439, California Code of Regulations. Violators found at SDSF will be cited.
A sunny weekend is forecasted but hazardous conditions remain. This closure of SDSF is temporary and the public can expect the forest to reopen once weather conditions allow for repairs to be made and hazardous conditions to be mitigated. For information updates:
Santa Cruz County Road Closure List: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
The SDSF Webpage at http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/resource_mgt_stateforests_soquel
CAL FIRE CZU on Twitter @CALFIRECZU
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CAL FIRE Soquel Demonstration State Forest Facebook page @CALFIRESoquel
