Natural History Wanderings

The Sacramento Bee reports

With fires raging across the state, the USDA Forest Service is closing all 20 million acres of California’s national forests to public access for two weeks beginning Tuesday.

In an announcement Monday, the Forest Service said the closure will extend through at least Sept. 17.

“I have made the difficult decision to temporarily close all (California) National Forests in order to better provide public and firefighter safety due to extreme fire conditions throughout the state, and strained firefighting resources throughout the country,” California’s regional forester, Jennifer M. Eberlien, said

This closure starts at noon Tuesday.

Those caught entering Forest Service lands — including developed campgrounds, hiking trails and recreation sites — typically face fines of up to $5,000 for violating closure orders.

Read more at California national forests ordered closed to prevent fires | The Sacramento Bee