BLM reopening Cache Creek, Indian Valley and Walker Ridge after Mendocino Complex Fire
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UKIAH, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office is reopening the Cache Creek Management Area, which includes Cowboy Camp, Indian Valley Management Area and Walker Ridge since there is no longer a public safety risk in these areas from the Mendocino Complex Fire.
The BLM is reopening the Cowboy Camp Equestrian Area; Blue Ridge, Cache Creek Ridge, Frog Pond, Fisk Creek, High Bridge, Judge Davis, Langs Peak, Perkins Creek Ridge and Redbud trails; Cache Creek; Cache Creek Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas; and the Buck Island Rafting Area. The Indian Valley Management Area and Walker Ridge are also being reopened to the public after being temporarily closed due to the proximity of the Mendocino Complex Fire.
The Cow Mountain Recreation Area sustained heavy fire damage, and along with BLM-managed public lands on the fire perimeter, remain closed to all access.
The public is reminded to please avoid recently burned areas as fire may still be actively burning inside trees and roots, weakened trees or limbs may unexpectedly fall and burned stump holes may give way. Scorched trails may now be obstructed or hard to follow and ash can stir up during windy conditions.
At the time of this release, fire officials report that the Mendocino Complex, made up of the Ranch and River fires, has burned roughly 307,447 acres, including more than 59,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands, and is approximately 60 percent contained. Current information is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/.
Due to high fire danger, the Ukiah Field Office has increased fire restrictions, which temporarily prohibit recreational target shooting and ban all campfires. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Read more at https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-ukiah-increases-fire-restrictions-limits-shooting-Aug2018. A complete listing off all fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands in California is available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions. For specific questions, please contact the Ukiah Field Office, Monday through Friday, at 707-468-4000.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.