BIG SUR BUSINESSES OPEN NORTH OF PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE

Pinned Post – scroll down to see latest posts.

We would like to accentuate and highlight that most businesses in Big Sur are OPEN, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which reopened mid-May. Aside from Andrew Molera State Park, ALL businesses between Carmel and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are OPEN! This is the area with the highest concentration of businesses in the Big Sur valley, alongside the Big Sur river. The attention on the landslides in the southern area of Big Sur has created some confusion as to what Big Sur businesses are open.

Businesses located south of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge are more difficult to reach and must be accessed on Highway 1 via Nacimiento-Ferguson Road, or by helicopter in the case of Post Ranch Inn who is shuttling their guests from Monterey. Businesses south of Ragged Point can be accessed on Highway 1 by way of San Simeon, including Hearst Castle and Ragged Point Inn.

For our purposes here we are listing businesses as North and South of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.

BIG SUR CAMPGROUND & CABINS
(831) 667-2322 Year-round family camping among the redwood trees along the Big Sur river. Inner tube rentals for floating on the Big Sur river. Store, laundry, playground and basketball court. Tent camping with hot showers. RV camping with water and electric hook-ups as well as a dump station. Fishing (November – February). Restaurants, gift shops, beach and trail access are all nearby. You’ll find a variety of cabins, including tent cabins and A-Frame cabins. Many with fully equipped kitchens. Tenters Welcome – Rental accommodations – Credit Cards Accepted. AAA approved. Reservations accepted. Open all year. RV sites.
http://www.bigsurcamp.com

BIG SUR LODGE
(800) 424-4787, (831) 667-3100 Located in the heart of Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur Lodge offers single, double, and family size rooms with fireplaces and kitchenettes and a myriad of wonderful outdoor activities for all travelers’ needs including hiking and swimming. There is a restaurant, outdoor patio, gift store, and deli. Wedding and group events/dining facilities are available.
http://www.bigsurlodge.com

BIG SUR ROADHOUSE
(831) 667-2370 Big Sur Roadhouse features delicious California cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. In keeping with our Big Sur ethos, the seasonal menu is filled with locally sourced organic ingredients. Also, not to be missed, San Francisco designer Steve Justrich’s “homegrown modernism” has transformed the Roadhouse into a truly unique and fitting environment for dining in Big Sur. Please stop by for coffee, a glass of wine, a snack or a full meal.
http://www.bigsurroadhouse.com

BIG SUR RIVER INN
(800) 548-3610, (831) 667-2700 Featuring 20 cozy guest rooms, restaurant and bar, and a heated swimming pool on the Big Sur River. Also features a gas station and general store stocked with natural foods and convenience items. High speed wireless internet access is available on the property in the area around the back deck and lawn next to the river.
http://www.bigsurriverinn.com

FERNWOOD RESORT & CAMPGROUND
(831) 667-2422 Twelve Unit motel, some with hot tubs and gas fireplaces. Cabins with kitchens on the meadow and nestled in the redwoods bordering Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Immediate access to hiking trails. Tent Cabins as well as tent and RV camping along the Big Sur River. Pets are allowed in the tent cabins and campsites only. Family friendly Fernwood Bar & Grill with tavern atmosphere, big screen HD televisions and outside dining on the deck under the redwoods. General store with groceries, espresso bar and Lapperts Ice Cream. Gift shop and Camping Supply store. Free Wifi in the bar and grill with live music on Saturday nights. Ping Pong table behind the bar and grill and occasional Karaoke and Trivia nights in the Tavern. Open year round.
https://www.fernwoodbigsur.com

GARRAPATA STATE PARK
Garrapata State Park is a state park of California, USA, located on Highway 1 6.7 miles south of Carmel and 18 miles north of Big Sur on the Monterey coast. It is marked only with one sign on the west side of the road. Park lands west of Highway 1 including Garrapata Beach are open.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=579

GLEN OAKS BIG SUR
(831) 667-2105 Our adobe motor lodge was considered modern in 1957 and 50 years later Glen Oaks Big Sur has a fresh rustic-modern and Green sensibility. Our remake takes the lead from the original natural adobe walls, known for keeping the hot sun out and the warmth in, and uses recycled and renewable stone, Peroba wood, bamboo, resin, wool carpets and organic cotton for a healthy and natural environment. Walk-in showers are evocative of showering in the forest, but the stylish chrome and porcelain fixtures will bring you back to the modern world.
Whether you are out on a hike, or cozy in your room, you are never far from the warmth and color of nature. Our natural wool blankets by Pendleton Woolen Mills and Coyuchi organic cotton bedding and feather duvets, are delightful to look at and even better to snuggle under. Natural beauty is skin deep, with organic bath products from Innersense.
http://glenoaksbigsur.com

HYATT CARMEL HIGHLANDS
(831) 620-1234 100 Years. 10 Decades. 1,200 Months. 36,500 Days.
However you put it, 100 years is a long time. But that’s how many years the Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been welcoming guests to its luxurious clifftop hotel overlooking the stunning Big Sur coast.
This oceanfront retreat, which opened on July 28, 1917, 21 years before scenic and historic Highway 1 opened, was the dream of J. Franklin Devendorf, the co-founder of the nearby seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Things may have changed over the years and the hotel has undergone major renovations in the past two years, but its mission remains the same: to offer an exemplary guest experience with impeccable service, world-class dining and breath-taking views in a hotel that seamlessly blends the amenities of a large hotel with the refined charm of a boutique hideaway.
Help us celebrate our 100th year in style by booking a room in 2017. We have a lot of special events planned to commemorate our centennial. http://www.highlandsinn.hyatt.com

LOCAL COLOR
(831) 667-0481 Central Coast Artisans Gallery. Featuring Fine art as well as handcrafts by local artists. Large variety of Big Sur Jade, redwood bowls, and tie dyed clothing. Open 10 AM – 5 PM every day. Located in the Village Shops adjacent to the Big Sur River Inn.
http://www.bigsurlocalcolor.com

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
(800) 444-7275 Offering camping (169 sites, no hookups, sanitation station), picnic tables, hiking and swimming. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has 1006 acres of redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows – plus open meadows. Wildlife includes deer, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as water ouzels and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy the many scenic loops, including a self-guided nature loop. Valley View Trail provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur Valley. The scenic Big Sur River courses through the park and the campgrounds are nearby. The concession-operated Big Sur Lodge provides room and cabin accommodations. (Big Sur Lodge) The park is located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway One. To make online reservations visit Reserve America.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570

POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
(831) 624-4909 Point Lobos State Reserve is listed here although it does not offer any camping opportunities. It does allow day use and is one of the most beautiful spots along the Central California Coast. Located three miles south of Carmel on Highway One. Point Lobos contains headlands, coves, and rolling meadows. The offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, gray, humpback, and blue whales. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves. World class SCUBA diving.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

POINT SUR STATE HISTORIC  PARK
Point Sur lighthouse and its supporting lightstation buildings, now a California State Historic Park, stand atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur, California. This historic aid-to-navigation has a modern aero-beacon which still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. On the National Register of Historic Places and a California landmark, Pt. Sur can be visited by guided walking tours year round.
Tours:
Saturday & Sunday;10:00 AM
Wednesday; 1:00 PM
Moonlight Tours:
Friday, June 9 & 10, 7:30 PM
http://www.pointsur.org

RIPPLEWOOD RESORT
(831) 667-2242 Ripplewood Resort is a rustic resort property located in Big Sur that features a General Store, Café, a Chevron Gas Station, and 17 Cabins, eight of which are perched over the Big Sur River. Most of the free standing cabins have modestly equipped kitchens and wood burning fireplaces. Kitchen amenities include a refrigerator, a four burner stove with oven, basic utensils, and cookware. All of the cabins include housekeeping daily, and are provided with bedding and bath amenities. Call in advance for reservations at: (831) 667-2242, toll free in the continental USA (800) 575-1735, and check availability online on our website. Wi-Fi in the café.
http://www.ripplewoodresort.com

RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND & CABINS
(831) 667-2414 Our beautiful 16-acre dog friendly property offers RV and tent camping as well as 12 cozy cabins nestled in majestic redwoods along the Big Sur river. Hiking and beach access are just minutes away. Enjoy seasonal catch & release fishing, swimming and inner tubing in the Big Sur river. Pet friendly. Free wireless internet.
http://www.riversidecampground.com

STUDIO ONE
Studio One is the working studio of artist Erin Lee Gafill and photographer Tom Birmingham. Located at the Village Shops above Local Color, the 1200 square foot space serves as a painting studio and gallery, workshop center, and showroom for visiting artists, with a secondary space on ground level for special projects. With ample parking and easy access from Highway One, right next door to the River Inn, Studio One offers the casual visitor as well as the serious art appreciator an opportunity to witness art in the making, meet the artists, and explore art-making practices with internationally renowned teachers. Erin is a fifth generation California artist and member of the Carmel Arts Association. Both Erin and Tom were named Champions of the Arts in 2009 by the Arts Council of Monterey County for their service to the community through their arts advocacy. Open by appointment. Contact Erin at 831-238-2837 or Tom at 831-646-9000.
https://www.eringafill.com

BIG SUR BUSINESSES OPEN
SOUTH OF PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE

BIG SUR DELI*
(831) 667-2225 Located at the center of Big Sur next to the United States Post Office. A family owned and operated full service deli, serving the local community with good food at affordable prices for over 25 years. Featuring made to order and specialty sandwiches, burritos, tamales, calzones, salads, baked potatoes, BBQ chicken and much more! Opens early for coffee, chorizo burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. Featuring a huge selection of micro-brews and wine as well as Big Sur souvenirs and T-Shirts. Open daily from 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. *Open but is located inside the closure zone.

BIG SUR TAPHOUSE*
(831) 667-2197 A family owned and operated beer and wine bar offering a wide selection of microbrews on tap and bottled beers from breweries across the country. Stop in and enjoy a light meal by the fire or catch a game on either of our two large flatscreens. The quintessential Big Sur stop with unique woodwork and a warm inviting atmosphere. The Taphouse is a great place to stop by and unwind. Come check out our pet-friendly garden patio with a beautiful view of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Free WIFI! Open daily from 12:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. *Open but is located inside the closure zone.
http://www.bigsurtaphouse.com

GORDA SPRINGS RESORT
(805) 927-3918 Gorda Springs Resort offers beautifully appointed cottages where the ocean and rolling hills take center stage. Come and discover all that we have to offer and allow the beauty to take your breath away! On Highway One, 65 miles south of Carmel and 75 miles north of San Luis Obispo.
http://www.gordaspringsresort.com/

HAWTHORNE GALLERY*
(831) 667-3200 Representing the work of Gregory Hawthorne and six additional talented members of the Hawthorne family, as well as the work of ten other nationally known artists in contemporary painting, sculpture, blown glass, ceramics and cloissoné. The gallery is located across from Nepenthe and also exhibits Albert Paley’s forged steel masterpieces, Max DeMoss’ bronze works and renowned Big Sur artist Barbara Spring’s creations in wood. Open daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. *Open but inside the closure zone.
http://www.hawthornegallery.com

LOMA VISTA SHELL*
(831) 667-2818
10:00AM – Noon, Monday – Friday. Open but inside the closure zone.

NEPENTHE*
(831) 667-2345 One of the most picturesque dining spots in California, this restaurant overlooks 50 miles of coastline. Family owned since 1949. Open daily 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Home of Big Sur’s only Weather-Cam. Check out the view from the back deck. *Nepenthe is open but is located inside the closure zone.
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com

PARKS MANAGEMENT COMPANY
(877) 444-6777 or (805) 434-1996
Parks Management Company manages the following family friendly campgrounds which are all open:
Kirk Creek Campground
Limekiln State Park
Nacimiento Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground
Pondorosa Campground
http://campone.com

POST RANCH INN*
(800) 527-2200 (831) 667-2200 Floating majestically over the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn on the cliffs of Big Sur, offers a tranquil retreat and an unforgettable escape, be it for romance, relaxation or rejuvenation. With organic architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty, the 39 guestrooms blend rustic elegance, comfort and privacy. Each room provides a wood-burning fireplace, indoor spa tub, mini-bar with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and a private deck with an ocean or mountain view. Winner of Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award, Sierra Mar restaurant offers guests an unconventional fine dining experience that invites guests to indulge in an exploration of food and wine. Guests can relax by the pools and take in the splendid views; rejuvenate with a treatment at the award-winning spa or daily yoga class; or explore all that nature has to offer. *Open but inside the closure zone. Guests are being flown in by helicopter.

RAGGED POINT INN
(805) 927-4502 Seventeen cliff-side acres overlook the rugged Pacific, across from Sur Sur Ranch in south Big Sur. Most of our 35 rooms feature magnificent ocean views, fireplaces, decks or balconies. Cliff House has 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, gourmet kitchen, private dining room, sitting room, lawn, great views. Restaurant. Wedding and conference facilities. Sandwich stand. Espresso and wine bar. Gift Shop. Minimart. Gas station. Sunday concerts throughout the summer. WiFi. Dog-friendly.
https://www.raggedpointinn.com

SAN SIMEON LODGE
(866) 990-8990 (805) 927-4601 Closest to Hearst Castle, just 2 miles South, this lodge features 65 rooms, panoramic ocean view, heated pool, beautiful grounds, a large restaurant & cocktail lounge with entertainment, market, bike rental, coffee bar, ATM. One block to world famous Pico Beach.
http://www.sansimeonlodge.net

TREEBONES RESORT
(877) 4BIGSUR (877) 424-4787 Features seven ocean view tent campsites (along with the 16 yurts). Great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin in south Big Sur. Can be reserved in advance! Campsite rates include full use of resort facilities (pool, hot tub, showers) and complimentary breakfast for two. (Maximum occupancy two guests per site) There are two restaurant venues at the Resort: Coastal cuisine boasting fresh organic greens harvested from resort garden and the famous Sunset Sushi Bar. Gift and Convenient Store.

*Businesses located inside the closure zone that are open but may not be accessible to the general public at this time. Highway 1 between Lucia and Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is expected to re-open to the public in early July via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road which will open these businesses to the general public.

This map, created by The Chronicle, shows the three access points to Big Sur and the sections of Highway 1 that are open and/or closed.
1) Highway 1 from Carmel – North of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge
2) Nacimiento-Fergusson Road via Highway 101/Jolan Road – South of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge*
3) Highway 1 from Cambria – South of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge

*Highway 1 between Limekiln State Park and Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is estimated will reopen in early July 2017 and will be accessible via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road only, until the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is completed in September 2017.

Mud Creek slide is estimated may take a year to re-establish Highway 1 so this is will be a choke point until spring/summer 2018.

Highway 1 conditions and details with a map of closures and updates
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html

The Big Sur Blog for breaking news and updates
http://thebigsurblog.com

Questions from the press can be directed to the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce at (831) 667-2100.

Share this:

*NO CONVOY SCHEDULED FOR PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE NEXT WEEK (JUNE 26-30)*

HIGHWAY 1 UPDATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 23:

STATE ROUTE 1 CLOSURE MOVES UP FIVE MILES ON THE SOUTH END FROM RAGGED POINT IN SLO COUNTY TO NORTH OF SALMON CREEK, JUST SOUTH OF THE RANGER STATION (PM 3) IN MON COUNTY EFFECTIVE TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JUNE 24.

PAUL’S SLIDE ON STATE ROUTE 1 CONTINUES WITH USUAL ACCESS SCHEDULE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS/DELIVERIES….WE WILL CONTINUE RE-ASSESSING AND AN UPDATE PROVIDED BY MID-DAY MONDAY, JUNE 26 (See Update under “Paul’s Slide” for more details.)

STATE ROUTE 1 REMAINS FULLY CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AT MUD CREEK DUE TO CONTINUED SLIDE ACTIVITY. DELIVERY VEHICLES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL NEED TO USE NACIMIENTO-FERGUSSON TO EXIT SOUTH OR TO CLEAR THE ACCESS TIMES AT PAUL’S SLIDE.

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND DELIVERY VEHICLES ONLY;THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC HAS CHANGED AND IS SHOWN BELOW.

Public Access on Highway 1 now at two locations:

1) The closure has moved up five miles to the north from Ragged Point (Slo PM 72.87) to north of Salmon Creek and just south of the Ranger Station (Mon PM 3.0), effective tomorrow, Saturday, June 24.

2) Using Nacimiento-Fergusson, will be to Gorda (PM 10) to the south, and to Limekiln State Park (PM 20.76) to the north.

************************************************************************************************

Mud Creek (PM 8.9) – MUD CREEK HAD A MAJOR SLIDE/SLIP OUT AT 9:30 PM, SATURDAY, MAY 20—IT LOST MILLIONS OF CUBIC YARDS OF MATERIAL. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AT THE SITE AND INCLUDES: FIELD MAPPING, RADAR MONITORING AND REVIEW OF USGS PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEY DATA. IT REMAINS IMPASSABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

·

Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6)—CONTINUES WITH USUAL ACCESS SCHEDULE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS/DELIVERIES.

IMPORTANT NOTE:THE ROADWAY THROUGH PAUL’S SLIDE CAN CLOSE DOWN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE . CALTRANS NEEDS TO CONTINUE RE-ASSESSING THE SITUATION AND DETERMINE WHETHER LOCAL ACCESS CAN REMAIN THROUGH PAUL’S SLIDE.

· 12:00PM Monday / Wednesday / Friday– A single caravan south and a single caravan north, you must be in line by noon! There may be up to 45 minute delay to clear the road before the opening.

· Delivery vehicles (Restriction is 30 feet maximum length and 50,000 lbs. maximum weight) can now use all access windows 7 days a week.

· Access times for the morning and evening are still the same except for Friday:

5:30AM to 6:00AM and 7:00PM to 7:30PM – Sat.-Thurs.

· Friday’s hours will be shortened to:

5:30AM – 8:00AM and 6:00PM to 7:30PM

· The noon opening will be for PAUL’S SLIDE ONLY, (NOT MUD CREEK); you will need to use Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to exit the coast.

The targeted “public access” date is currently mid-July, dependent on roadway conditions and slide activity.

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge [PCB] (PM 45.52)

· Girders continue to be fabricated in Vallejo, CA and are being sent to Linden, CA (near Stockton) for painting before being trucked over to the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge construction site.

· Mud Creek assessment progress continues but is closed until further notice. We continue to bring convoys with 10-wheelers containing loads of material: gravel, sand, equipment and other items via convoys through Nacimiento—Fergusson with CHP escorts—the next convoy is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 20

· Current “Tentative” Timeline as follows:

o On site, the contractor has completed abutment 2 on the north side and continues work to complete abutment 1 on the south side, scheduled to complete mid-July.

o The steel girders will be assembled on site between July 6—July 30.

o Bridge Launch is scheduled between July 31—August 6.

o Deck Construction—schedule to be determined.

o Current public access date remains: Mid-to-late September

Mud Creek PM 8.9 6/22/17

Paul’s Slide PM 21.6 6/22/17

Paul’s Slide Panoramic PM 21.6 6/20/17

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge PM 45.52 6/22/17

Share this:

The Big Sur Fiddle Camp is happening this week.

Several Southside children are participating.

Saturday June 24 will be the Community Concert

Hoping everyone can come.

World Class Musicians will be performing.

We’ve made arrangements with the State Park, as a special event, to allow those on the northside to hike across.

Rancho Rico residents will shuttle people from the trailhead beginning at 5pm.

Concert starts at 6pm and will conclude around 7:30/8pm in time to hike home before dark.

Lygia Chappellet

BigSurFiddleCampConcert_2017.pdf

Share this:

NEWS RELEASE

Los Padres National Forest
For Immediate Release
Contact: Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Website: www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf

Fire Restrictions Take Effect on Los Padres National Forest

GOLETA, CA, June 20, 2017…In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that Level II fire restrictions will be implemented throughout the Forest effective immediately. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.

Effective immediately, the following restrictions will be in effect:

· No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (list attached), even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit, which are available free-of-charge on the Forest website and at any Forest Service office. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.

· Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

· Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester.

“The moisture levels are approaching a critical threshold. Combine that with warm temperatures and high winds and we have all the ingredients for fire starts,” Los Padres Forest Fire Management Officer Carrie Landon said. “The most important thing is for forest visitors to be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when conditions are ripe for a wildfire.”

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnfor contact the Forest Service district office nearest you.

Campfire Use Sites

Monterey Ranger District

Arroyo Seco Campground / Group Camp

Arroyo Seco Day Use Area

Bottchers Gap Campground

China Camp

Escondido Campground

Kirk Creek Campground

Nacimiento Campground

Mill Creek Day Use Area

Plaskett Creek Campground / Group Camp

Ponderosa Campground

Sand Dollar Day Use Area

Santa Lucia Memorial Park Campground

White Oaks Camp

Santa Lucia Ranger District

American Canyon Campground

Baja Campground

Bates Canyon Campground

Brookshire Campground

Buck Spring Campground

Cerro Alto Campground

Colson Campground

Cumbre Day Use Area

Davy Brown Campground

Figueroa Campground

Friis Campground

Hi Mountain Campground

Horseshoe Spring Campground

La Panza Campground

Miranda Pine Campground

Navajo Flat Campground

Nira Campground

Pino Alto Day Use Area

Santa Barbara Ranger District

Falls Day Use Area

First Crossing Day Use Area

Fremont Campground

Live Oak Day Use Area

Los Prietos Campground

Lower Oso Day Use Area

Middle Santa Ynez Campground

Mono Campground

P-Bar Flat Campground

Paradise Campground

Red Rock Day Use Area

Rock Camp

Sage Hill Campground

Upper Oso Campground

White Rock Day Use Area

Ojai Ranger District

Holiday Group Campground

Middle Lion Campground

Pine Mountain Campground

Reyes Peak Campground

Rose Valley Campground

Wheeler Gorge Campground

Mount Pinos Ranger District

Aliso Park Campground

Ballinger Campground

Caballo Campground

Campo Alto Campground

Chuchupate Campground

Chula Vista Campground

Dome Springs Campground

Dutchman Campground

Halfmoon Campground

Kings Camp Campground

Marian Campground

McGill Campground

McGill Group Campground

Mt. Pinos Campground

Pine Springs Campground

Rancho Nuevo Campground

Reyes Creek Campground

Thorn Meadows Campground

Toad Springs Campground

Valle Vista Campground

Share this:

Happy Birthday to the Silver Peak Wilderness

It’s the silver anniversary of the establishment of the Silver Peak Wilderness! On June 19, 1992, President George Herbert Walker Bush signed into law the far-reaching Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act which permanently protected approximately 14,500 acres of wildlands in the Big Sur south coast.

This incredible landscape features bountiful natural and cultural resources. The Silver Peak Wilderness rises abruptly from the coast in an especially steep section of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The designation’s namesake, Silver Peak, rises just 3,590 from sea level, yet it challenges the heartiest of hikers who aspire to summit it from trailheads along Highway 1. The Silver Peak harbors the world’s southernmost stands of coast redwoods. Also hidden here are groves of rare Sargent cypress and the endemic Santa Lucia fir. Multiple midden sites offer a glimpse into the lives of the first hunter-gatherers who settled here. Relics of the mission era and the homesteader days lie hidden in deep canyons and dense forest.

Let us be thankful today for the foresight, hard work, and dedication of the citizens and elected officials who worked to secure passage of the Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act. In all, this legislation protected over 400,000 acres and designated three Wild and Scenic Rivers. Learn more here.

The Silver Peak was more than doubled in size by the Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act of 2002. The founders of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance spearheaded this effort and the resulting law was passed thanks to the extraordinary efforts of both Congressman Sam Farr and Senator Barbara Boxer. We can’t thank all involved enough.

So amidst these troubled times for public lands, let’s celebrate the birthday of the Silver Peak and remember that it belongs to all of us and it is our responsibility to protect it.

The VWA created this map and brochure to teach people to enjoy the Silver Peak responsibly. Click here to download a copy.

Share this:

HIGHWAY 1 UPDATE – MONDAY, JUNE 19:

PAUL’S SLIDE ON STATE ROUTE 1 CONTINUES WITH USUAL ACCESS SCHEDULE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS/DELIVERIES….WE WILL CONTINUE RE-ASSESSING AND AN UPDATE PROVIDED BY MID-DAY MONDAY, JUNE 19 (See Update under “Paul’s Slide” for more details.)

STATE ROUTE 1 REMAINS FULLY CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AT MUD CREEK DUE TO CONTINUED SLIDE ACTIVITY. DELIVERY VEHICLES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL NEED TO USE NACIMIENTO-FERGUSSON TO EXIT SOUTH OR TO CLEAR THE ACCESS TIMES AT PAUL’S SLIDE.

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND DELIVERY VEHICLES ONLY;THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC REMAINS THE SAME AND IS SHOWN IN BRACKETS BELOW.

· [Access on Highway 1, using Nacimiento-Fergusson, will be to Gorda (PM 10) to the south, and to Limekiln State Park (PM 20.76) to the north.]

************************************************************************************************

Mud Creek (PM 8.9) – MUD CREEK HAD A MAJOR SLIDE/SLIP OUT AT 9:30 PM, SATURDAY, MAY 20—IT LOST MILLIONS OF CUBIC YARDS OF MATERIAL. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AT THE SITE AND INCLUDES: FIELD MAPPING, RADAR MONITORING AND REVIEW OF USGS PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEY DATA. IT REMAINS IMPASSABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

·

Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6)—CONTINUES WITH USUAL ACCESS SCHEDULE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS/DELIVERIES.

IMPORTANT NOTE:THE ROADWAY THROUGH PAUL’S SLIDE CAN CLOSE DOWN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE . CALTRANS NEEDS TO CONTINUE RE-ASSESSING THE SITUATION AND DETERMINE WHETHER LOCAL ACCESS CAN REMAIN THROUGH PAUL’S SLIDE.

· 12:00PM Monday / Wednesday / Friday– A single caravan south and a single caravan north, you must be in line by noon! There may be up to 45 minute delay to clear the road before the opening.

· Delivery vehicles (Restriction is 30 feet maximum length and 50,000 lbs. maximum weight) can now use all access windows 7 days a week.

· Access times for the morning and evening are still the same except for Friday:

5:30AM to 6:00AM and 7:00PM to 7:30PM – Sat.-Thurs.

· Friday’s hours will be shortened to:

5:30AM – 8:00AM and 6:00PM to 7:30PM

· The noon opening will be for PAUL’S SLIDE ONLY, (NOT MUD CREEK); you will need to use Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to exit the coast.

The targeted “public access” date is currently mid-July, dependent on roadway conditions and slide activity.

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge [PCB] (PM 45.52)

· Girders continue to be fabricated in Vallejo, CA and are being sent to Linden, CA (near Stockton) for painting before being trucked over to the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge construction site.

· Mud Creek assessment progress continues but is closed until further notice. We continue to bring convoys with 10-wheelers containing loads of material: gravel, sand, equipment and other items via convoys through Nacimiento—Fergusson with CHP escorts—the next convoy is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 20

· Current “Tentative” Timeline as follows:

o On site, the contractor has completed abutment 2 on the north side and continues work to complete abutment 1 on the south side, scheduled to complete mid-July.

o The steel girders will be assembled on site between July 6—July 30.

o Bridge Launch is scheduled between July 31—August 6.

o Deck Construction—schedule to be determined.

o Current public access date remains: Mid-to-late September.

Share this:

Today’s Date: Friday, June 16, 2017

District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Susana Z Cruz (bilingual) or Colin Jones

Phone: (805) 549-3138 or 549-3189

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Update #8*

CALTRANS ANNOUNCES NEXT CONVOY TO PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE—TUESDAY, JUNE 20

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans will continue the process of delivering construction equipment and materials to the site of the demolished Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on State Route 1 via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road from US Highway 101 on Tuesday, June 20. Some equipment will begin moving out one piece at a time, throughout the week.

This convoy will be escorted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and will include intermittent closures of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road on Tuesday, June 20from 7 am until 7 pm each day. Motorists wishing to travel east/west in the morning must do so before the first convoy begins. On Thursday, motorists will encounter delays during the movement of these four convoys westbound from 7 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm and eastbound from 11 am to 1 pm andfrom5 pm to 7 pm. All vehicles must not exceed 30 feet in length and a weight of 15 tons.

The convoy for next Tuesday, June 20 will contain 10 loads of aggregate. Future convoys will include more of the same or similar, in general, materials and equipment to construct the abutment support and overall construction of the new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge (PM 45.52).

The steel girders for the new bridge continue being fabricated at a plant in Vallejo, CA. They have begun being moved to a plant near Stockton for painting before they are shipped to Pfeiffer Canyon. This $24 million project is expected to be open to the public in mid to late September.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway

work zones.

For more information on this project and for traffic updates on other Caltrans projects in Monterey County,

residents can call the District 5 toll freenumber at 1-831-423-0396 or can visit our website at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/paffairs/release.htm#mon

Share this:

VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release Date: June 16, 2017

Contact: Kelly Sorenson, 831-238-0663

Central Coast Bald Eagles Now Fully Restored

In this month’s issue of the Journal of Raptor Research, a peer-reviewed paper documents how local biologists from Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) restored bald eagles to central California and how the birds have done over the last 25 years. For lead author and VWS Executive Director Kelly Sorenson, “Publishing this paper was a bucket list thing for me as I worked as a field biologist in the early 1990’s when we were releasing eagles to the wild. We only got around to writing this up after making serious headway on the recovery of the California Condor”

Between 1986 and 1994, 66 bald eagles were released in Big Sur, California, at the same site of the present-day Condor Sanctuary owned and managed by VWS. Young eagles still in the nest were collected from Alaska, British Columbia and northern California and were brought to Big Sur California for release. “A lot of people don’t know that for 60 years bald eagles were absent from central California during the summer breeding season. The species almost went extinct but now we have a robust and growing population of bald eagles”, Sorenson said. [See graphic below for locations of nesting pairs] This year, we believe there are at least 30 breeding pairs from Marin to Santa Barbara County.

For Sorenson, he sees a parallel between bald eagle and California Condor recovery in central California. First, many people doubted if it was possible to recover these two species to the wild. Second, for both species, one major obstacle was the primary cause of their decline and when effectively dealt with, the populations began to rise. Bald eagles were nearly wiped out by the use of the pesticide DDT, which causes eggshell thinning in birds. Their recovery is a result of the banning of DDT in 1972 and in central California it is because of the efforts of VWS’ reintroduction program. California Condors are now showing positive signs of recovery as well due to ongoing efforts to minimize the threat of lead poisoning from ingested spent ammunition – the primary obstacle to condor recovery. For more information about the VWS nonlead ammunition program, go to http://www.ventanaws.org/ammunition/

“For both the California Condor and the Bald Eagle, their recovery is only made possible due to the passage of the Endangered Species Act and a whole lot of people who care enough to save them”, said Sorenson. “Both species give us hope for wildlife conservation and our ability to take care of the planet and the ecosystem.”

Lake San Antonio Bald Eagle Nest – Photo by Joe Burnett/Ventana Wildlife Society

Central California Management Zone

***

Ventana Wildlife Society (Founded in 1977): In California alone there are 130 species of animals in the wild threatened or endangered with extinction. Ventana Wildlife Society is committed to conserving native wildlife and their habitats. Ventana Wildlife Society released 66 Bald Eagles to central California in the 1980’s and 90’s and began reintroducing California Condors in 1997. Rather than dwelling on past mistakes that brought many of our wild animals to the brink, we focus on the present. We recover individual species and track the populations of many others so that conservation can be timely as well as effective. Focusing on youth education, we better ensure that future generations have the willingness and capacity to help wildlife. Our vision is to have a society who cares for and supports wildlife across the planet, particularly in California.

Online at www.ventanaws.org

Kelly Sorenson

Executive Director

Ventana Wildlife Society

19045 Portola Drive, Ste. F1

Salinas, CA 93908

831-455-9514

www.ventanaws.org

www.mycondor.org

Share this:

Photos of: 1-2) Mud Creek (PM 8.9) 1] Mud Creek, Tuesday, June 13, from north side. 2]“Pyramid Rock” at Mud Creek where new radar will be installed at Mud Creek—photo courtesy of John Madonna Construction; 3-5) Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6) 3-4]Photos from Monday, June 12; 5]Photos of Paul’s Slide from Tuesday, June 13. 6-7) Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge Construction Site (PM 45.52) 6] Form tower slab/pour pile; 7] strip tower slab. 8) Convoy to PCB Construction site from Thursday, June 15.

*A news release is attached and shown at bottom of email of next convoy for Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge—scheduled for Tuesday, June 20.*

HIGHWAY 1 UPDATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 16:

PAUL’S SLIDE ON STATE ROUTE 1 CONTINUES WITH USUAL ACCESS SCHEDULE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS/DELIVERIES….WE WILL CONTINUE RE-ASSESSING AND AN UPDATE PROVIDED BY MID-DAY MONDAY, JUNE 19 (See Update under “Paul’s Slide” for more details.)

STATE ROUTE 1 REMAINS FULLY CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AT MUD CREEK DUE TO CONTINUED SLIDE ACTIVITY. DELIVERY VEHICLES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL NEED TO USE NACIMIENTO-FERGUSSON TO EXIT SOUTH OR TO CLEAR THE ACCESS TIMES AT PAUL’S SLIDE.

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND DELIVERY VEHICLES ONLY;THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC REMAINS THE SAME AND IS SHOWN IN BRACKETS BELOW.

· [Access on Highway 1, using Nacimiento-Fergusson, will be to Gorda (PM 10) to the south, and to Limekiln State Park (PM 20.76) to the north.]

************************************************************************************************

· Mud Creek (PM 8.9) – MUD CREEK HAD A MAJOR SLIDE/SLIP OUT AT 9:30 PM, SATURDAY, MAY 20—IT LOST MILLIONS OF CUBIC YARDS OF MATERIAL. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AT THE SITE AND INCLUDES: FIELD MAPPING, RADAR MONITORING AND REVIEW OF USGS PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEY DATA. IT REMAINS IMPASSABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

·

Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6)— Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6)—CONTINUES WITH USUAL ACCESS SCHEDULE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS/DELIVERIES.

IMPORTANT NOTE:THE ROADWAY THROUGH PAUL’S SLIDE CAN CLOSE DOWN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE . CALTRANS NEEDS TO CONTINUE RE-ASSESSING THE SITUATION AND DETERMINE WHETHER LOCAL ACCESS CAN REMAIN THROUGH PAUL’S SLIDE.

· 12:00PM Monday / Wednesday / Friday– A single caravan south and a single caravan north, you must be in line by noon! There may be up to 45 minute delay to clear the road before the opening.

· Delivery vehicles (Restriction is 30 feet maximum length and 50,000 lbs. maximum weight) can now use all access windows 7 days a week.

· Access times for the morning and evening are still the same except for Friday:

5:30AM to 6:00AM and 7:00PM to 7:30PM – Sat.-Thurs.

· Friday’s hours will be shortened to:

5:30AM – 8:00AM and 6:00PM to 7:30PM

· The noon opening will be for PAUL’S SLIDE ONLY, (NOT MUD CREEK); you will need to use Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to exit the coast.

The targeted “public access” date is currently mid-July, dependent on roadway conditions and slide activity.

pm 8 9 mud creek 6 13 17

mud creek 05

pm 21 6 pauls slide1 6 12 17

pm 21 6 pauls slide2 6 12 17

pm 21 6 pauls slide 6 13 17

pm 45 52 pcb 1 6 14 17

pm 45 52 pcb 2 6 14 17

caltrans convoy photo 061517

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Share this:

Today’s Date: Friday, June 16, 2017

District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Susana Z Cruz (bilingual) or Colin Jones

Phone: (805) 549-3138 or 549-3189

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Update #8*

CALTRANS ANNOUNCES NEXT CONVOY TO PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE—TUESDAY, JUNE 20

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans will continue the process of delivering construction equipment and materials to the site of the demolished Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on State Route 1 via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road from US Highway 101 on Tuesday, June 20. Some equipment will begin moving out one piece at a time, throughout the week.

This convoy will be escorted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and will include intermittent closures of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road on Tuesday, June 20from 7 am until 7 pm each day. Motorists wishing to travel east/west in the morning must do so before the first convoy begins. On Thursday, motorists will encounter delays during the movement of these four convoys westbound from 7 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm and eastbound from 11 am to 1 pm andfrom5 pm to 7 pm. All vehicles must not exceed 30 feet in length and a weight of 15 tons.

The convoy for next Tuesday, June 20 will contain 10 loads of aggregate. Future convoys will include more of the same or similar, in general, materials and equipment to construct the abutment support and overall construction of the new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge (PM 45.52).

The steel girders for the new bridge continue being fabricated at a plant in Vallejo, CA. They have begun being moved to a plant near Stockton for painting before they are shipped to Pfeiffer Canyon. This $24 million project is expected to be open to the public in mid to late September.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway

work zones.

For more information on this project and for traffic updates on other Caltrans projects in Monterey County,

residents can call the District 5 toll freenumber at 1-831-423-0396 or can visit our website at:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/paffairs/release.htm#mon

Share this:

From State Parks

Starting June 14th to 21st, the trail crew will be working a 10 hour day from 0730 to 1700.

There will be trailhead spotters that will hold the local traffic on either end every 30 minutes. This has helped with safety issues, as well as increasing production on the project.

We are hopeful that towards the 21st we will be nearly complete with the work on this trail. Keep in mind we are improving this trail to a class I standard.