A main road in Jackson Demonstration State Forest in unincorporated Mendocino County is closed due to illegal trash dumping, Cal Fire announced Wednesday.
Located near Fort Bragg, the Cal Fire-managed state forest is used for scientific research, sustainable timber harvesting, environmental education, and recreation.
Cal Fire said Forest Road 500 is closed immediately between County Road 408 and Forest Road 600.
While it is common for Cal Fire to close the forest roads during rainy winter weather, the agency said it has seen an increase in illegal dumping along the road, which serves as a major access point to the state forest.
Motorized vehicles, including ATV’s and motorcycles, will not be allowed on the road during the closure, Cal Fire said. The road will only be accessible to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
“Staff will continue cleanup efforts and evaluate long-term solutions,” Cal Fire said. “Road 500 will reopen when conditions improve, and the dumping issue is addressed.”
The agency asked that visitors take their trash with them when leaving the forest and to report any illegal dumping to the forest’s office at (707) 964-5674.