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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
May 27, 2022
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 895-0841
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres officials to hold public workshop
on coastal zone visitor use management strategy

SOLVANG, Calif.— Los Padres National Forest officials announced that the Monterey Ranger District will host a public workshop as part of its development of a visitor use management strategy to address recreation trends and visitor use of coastal areas managed by the Forest Service along the Big Sur coast and California State Highway One.

The public is invited to attend the open house workshop from 10 am to 3 pm on June 8 at the Big Sur Lodge located at 47225 Highway One. The workshop will be open to all members of the public who are interested in sharing ideas, concerns, and potential management actions.

The visitor use management project is focused on National Forest System lands that are accessed from Highway One from Andrew Molera State Park in the north to San Carpoforo beach in the south and stretching inland to approximately the Nacimiento Summit. This includes portions of the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness areas and the Big Sur Wild and Scenic River that are accessed from the coast.

Big Sur is a national and international travel destination that is experiencing unprecedented visitation resulting in traffic congestion, expanded levels of dispersed/concentrated camping on previously undisturbed areas, and an increased potential for an accidental wildfire ignition.

Following the Visitor Use Management Framework, a process outlined by the Interagency Visitor Use Management Council, the goal of this project is to provide sustainable recreation opportunities and access by identifying desired conditions, adaptive management strategies, and management tools.

Those who are interested in the planning process are invited to attend the public workshop for all or part of the scheduled time. If you are unable to attend the workshop, you are invited to review the project information and provide input via the online SM.FS.BigSurVisUse.

Questions may be directed to Monterey Ranger District Resource Officer Fin Eifert by e-mail to john.eifert or by calling (831) 385-5434.

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Stan Russell
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

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
May 26, 2022
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 895-0841
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Fire restrictions take effect
on Los Padres National Forest

SOLVANG, Calif.— In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that fire restrictions will be implemented throughout the Forest effective May 27. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials, and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until January 31, 2023.

Effective May 27, 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, 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 can be obtained free-of-charge at the Ready For Wildfire website. 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 always attends the stove 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.
• Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time or in any location within the Forest.
• Recreational target shooting is prohibited within Los Padres National Forest except for the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and Ojai Valley Gun Club that operate under special use permits.

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

Download PDF of this press release and post publicly.

Stan Russell
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

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Stan Russell
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

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NEWS RELEASE FOREST ORDER NUMBER 05-07-51-22-06 LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT DOLAN FIRE ROAD CLOSURE Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from April 30, 2022, through April 29, 2023. 1. Operating a motor vehicle on the following National Forest System roads, as shown on the attached map: Forest Road No. 22S01 (Nacimiento-Fergusson Road) from its intersection with State Highway 1 to the western entrance of Nacimiento Campground; Forest Road No. 20S05.4 (South Coast Ridge Road) from its intersection with Forest Road No. 22S01 (Nacimiento-Fergusson Road) to its intersection with ForestRoad No. 22S04 (Prewitt Ridge Road); and Forest Road No. 20S05.3 (Central Coast Ridge Road / Cone Peak Road) from its intersection with Forest Trail No. 3E10 (North Coast Ridge Trail) to its intersection with Forest Road No. 22S01 (Nacimiento-Fergusson Road). 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(a). Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically exempting them from this Order. Owners or lessees of private land within the boundaries of the Los Padres National Forest, to theextent reasonably necessary to gain access to their land. Persons with a U.S. Forest Service contract, special use permit, or partnership agreement authorizing work on the closed roads or closed recreation site, and their employees, sub- contractors, and agents, to the extent necessary to perform the authorized work. Employees, contractors, agents, and cooperators of the Department of Plant Pathology, University of California at Davis, who are conducting research on Sudden Oak Death pursuant to Agreement No. 19-DG-11052021-209, to the extent reasonably necessary to gain access to research plots within the Dolan Fire footprint. This Order supersedes Order 05-07-51-21-19, dated October 27, 2021. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581. Executed in Solvang, California this 29th day of April 2022. ANTHONY EDWARDS Acting Forest Supervisor Los Padres National Forest This Order supersedes Order 05-07-51-21-19, dated October 27, 2021. Download PDF of this Forest Order Download PDF of this Forest Order Map

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

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Press Release Contact: Big Sur Fire Administration – info, (831) 667-2113 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1st, 2022

Big Sur, CA – Effective May 1st, 2022 – The residential burn season has been terminated. (Agricultural burn permit holders may still burn according to those policies). Thank you all for your cooperation as the weather continues to become warmer and drier. Note: While burn season has officially ended, it is more important than ever to continue to develop your defensible space as well as a Ready, Set, Go plan for you and your family or tenants. For more information, visit www.readyforwildfire.org or www.bigsurfire.org If you have any questions or need assistance with evaluating your defensible space or have suggestions on how Big Sur Fire can help with fuels management, reduction and/or disposal, please contact us via email at info or by phone (831) 667-2113.

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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

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Dear Big Sur Neighbors and Friends, As a result of Big Sur community concerns over growing visitor impacts on Big Sur federal lands, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has initiated an in-depth, collaborative, multi-year process called Visitor Use Management (VUM) to determine what changes, if any, need to be made to improve and reduce visitor impacts. Community Input Meeting June 8th Please put June 8th, 2022 on your calendar to participate in an all day discussion with the USFS to provide input regarding current conditions and future desired conditions in the use of federal lands by visitors and residents. This will be an in-person meeting at the Big Sur Lodge from 10 am to 3 pm. An agenda and logistical details will be sent one week prior to the meeting. The success of the VUM process will rely on input from our community. Important Survey Input Requested by Friday, May 27th It is important to this process to hear from as many residents as possible. However, we understand that not everyone can attend a full day meeting. To provide an additional way to provide input, we have designed a brief survey that you can complete, whether you attend the meeting or not. CLICK HERE for this brief survey. The more responses we receive, the more clarity our community and the US Forest Service team will have to craft the best solutions possible. Work to Date The USFS VUM team has been meeting for many months gathering preliminary information alongside a group of Big Sur residents and owners, and representatives from the Ventana Wilderness Alliance. Current participants include:

The June 8th meeting and survey are two unique opportunities for our community to inform how Big Sur federal lands will be managed for many years to come. Questions? Please reach out to us at info. With gratitude, Tom Collins, Bree Harlan & Butch Kronlund Community Association of Big Sur

Estimados vecinos y amigos de Big Sur, Por consecuencia de las preocupaciones de la comunidad de Big Sur sobre el creciente impactos de los visitantes en las tierras federales de Big Sur, el Servicio Forestal de los EE. UU. (USFS) ha iniciado un proceso exhaustivo, colaborativo y de varios años llamado Administración del Uso de los Visitantes (VUM) para determinar qué cambios, si es necesario, debe hacerse para mejorar y reducir los impactos de los visitantes. Reunión de Aportes de la Comunidad – 8 de Junio Por favor indique el 8 de junio, 2022 en su calendario para participar en una discusión de todo el día con el USFS para brindar información sobre las condiciones actuales y futuras condiciones deseadas en el uso de tierras federales por parte de visitantes y residentes. El éxito del proceso VUM dependerá de los aportes de nuestra comunidad. Encuesta Importante Solitido Antes de Viernes, Mayo 27th Es importante para este proceso escuchar a la mayor cantidad posible de residentes. Sin embargo, entendemos que no todo el mundo puede asistir a una reunión de día completo. Para brindar una forma adicional de brindar su opinión, hemos diseñado una breve encuesta que puede completar, ya sea que asista a la reunión o no. Haga clic aquí para ver esta breve encuesta. Cuantas más respuestas recibamos, más claridad tendrá nuestra comunidad y el equipo del Servicio Forestal de los EE. UU. para elaborar las mejores soluciones posibles. Trabajo Hasta la Fecha El equipo de USFS VUM se ha estado reuniendo durante muchos meses recopilando información preliminar junto con un grupo de residentes y propietarios de Big Sur, y representantes de Ventana Wilderness Alliance. Los participantes incluyen:

La reunión del 8 de junio y la encuesta son dos oportunidades únicaspara que nuestra comunidad informe cómo se administrarán las tierras federales de Big Sur durante muchos años por venir. ¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con nosotros a info@CABigSur.org Con gratitud, Tom Collins, Bree Harlan & Butch Kronlund Community Association of Big Sur

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

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Date: Friday, April 22, 2022 District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIG SUR MARATHON TO CLOSE 27-MILE STRETCH OF HIGHWAY 1 4 AM TO 1 PM THIS SUNDAY MONTEREY COUNTY – The return of the Big Sur International Marathon on this Sunday April 24 will result in the closure of just over 27 miles Highway 1 on the Big Sur Coast this Sunday from 4 am to 1 pm. Highway 1 will be closed from the south at the start of the Marathon at Big Sur Station (PM 45.64) to just past the finish line at Rio Road (PM 72.92). Only emergency vehicles and scheduled CHP-led caravans are allowed during the race. If travel is necessary between 4 am and 1 pm, travelers may join such a caravan. The caravan schedule is attached to this email and is available at the following link: https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BSIM22_ResidentMailerWEB.pdf For additional information about the Big Sur International Marathon on Sunday April 24, please visit: https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/ CHP will be on hand to lend their expertise in assisting with traffic control. Message and directional signs will be in place to alert travelers. Congratulations to all the race participants and their support teams. Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway work zones. For traffic updates on other state highways in Monterey County, travelers may contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the District 5 website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5

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

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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will be closed
Monday, April 25, 2022 through Thursday April 28, 2022

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is paving the campground roadways and will be closed from Monday, April 25, 2022 through Thursday, April 28, 2022. My understanding is that Day Use will be available starting Friday, April 29 at 6:00 AM and camping access will be available Friday, April 29 at 2:00 PM.

While closed the public will have access to hike Pfeiffer Falls/Valley View trail and Buzzard’s Roost trail from Highway 1 parking but not Mount Manuel.

Access to Pine Ridge trail from the Pine Ridge parking lot is not impacted. They will permit Pine Ridge hikers/backpackers to walk along the campground road to get access to the wilderness during the paving operation.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park website notice:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29832

Alternate Camping on the coast, Santa Cruz to Big Sur
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/570/files/CampingonCoastMap_101916.pdf

In other local state park news, Andrew Molera State Park will be open for camping this summer.
Twenty walk-in campsites will be available for reservations. No more first-come, first-serve. Reservations are open now but the park has not opened yet. It will open sometime in May. I’ve heard possibly May 10 and I’ve heard Memorial Day weekend so we’ll have to wait for an update on this. Andrew Molera will also have a few hike and bike campsites available when it opens.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582

One more thing while I’ve got you here.
This Sunday is the running of the Big Sur International Marathon. I’ve created a page on our website with driving tips, starting area maps, and caravan schedule details.
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/2022marathon.html

That’s all for now.

Stan Russell
Executive Director
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

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From Community Association of Big Sur Hello Everyone, A small group of Big Sur locals are hosting an Earth Day litter pickup this Friday as part of a renewal of Weston Call’s LOVE Big Sur campaign. We’re hoping to spark discussions with locals and visitors alike, while doing some dirty work for our beloved Big Sur! We will be stationed at the pullout north of River Inn from 11am-3pm to assign groups to various hotspots along Highway 1. Hope you can join us – we’ll have some supplies to share, but please BYO litter pickers, gloves, buckets, costumes, etc. Please see flyer for more details! Most unique trash “find” wins a prize!

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

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April 6, 2022 Volunteers needed for Big Sur River Run Race Committee! Neighbors, friends and Big Sur River Run fans, The Big Sur River Run has raised over $1,198,000 over the last 41 years for Big Sur emergency services organizations. We need new volunteers now to participate on the Race Committee to allow for continuing this year’s run and for future runs. As the Race Committee looks to this year’s run after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are in urgent need of additional Race Committee volunteers to take the lead in marketing, fundraising, and volunteer coordination. Further, it is our hope that these new Race Committee members will provide the basis for the next generation of leadership for this exceptional event. The Big Sur River Run is not simply a fundraiser for Big Sur Fire and the Big Sur Health Center, it is an event that celebrates physical wellbeing and community in one of the most beautiful settings in the world – Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. If you are interested and willing to serve on the Race Committee, or know of someone else who might be, please contact Kirk Gafill at kgafill@nepenthebigsur.com or Ray Sanborn at raysanborn@gmail.com by April 30, 2022. Simply put, the founding and longstanding members of the Race Committee need support and fresh energy, ideas, and additional volunteer leadership to allow the Big Sur River Run to continue for the benefit of our community. Thank you for your consideration. Kirk Gafill and Ray Sanborn Co-Race Directors Big Sur River Run

Stan Russell
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