Anderson, Calif. – Sera Pacific Industries, one of the nation’s largest timber producers, closed its California forests on July 1 due to the threat of wildfires.
“Despite some of the spring rains, California has been experiencing a very dry season for 1,200 years,” spokeswoman Andrea Howell said in a statement.
The company owns more than 2.3 million acres of forest in California, Oregon and Washington, and provides recreational opportunities for public access to private and working forests. The closure only applies to California forest land.
The closure is expected to last until this year’s harvest.
During the closure, the company’s roads and private lands will be barred from use.
However, public roads crossing the Sierra Pacific lands remain open. Private roads shared with the federal public will remain open for recreation.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, California is experiencing the worst drought in 128 years, with 37.2 million people affected. Regional and local governments are imposing water restrictions to prevent drought.
Calfir Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said in a pdf statement:
Over the years, the company had to close its forests due to severe drought and severe wildfires. Forest land will be closed from June 24 to October 4, 2021.
For regional information on current public access, visitors can (530) -378-8274.
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