Due to the increasing risk of wildfires, Sierra Pacific Industries announced it has closed its California forestlands to public access beginning June 28. The company’s Oregon forestlands are set to close as well, starting July 1.
SPI considers several wildfire risk factors when closing its lands, including increasing temperatures, dry vegetation, low moisture levels in fuels and long-range weather forecasts for the region. The closure will remain in effect until moisture levels and long-range weather forecasts improve.
The use of SPI’s roads and walk-in access to the company’s privately owned lands for recreational purposes will be prohibited. Public roads crossing SPI lands are not affected by this closure.
To learn more about the company’s recreation access policies, visit https://spi-ind.com/OurForests/RecreationAccess. For inquiries associated with the closure, contact the SPI California public recreation hotline at 530-378-8274.
About recreation access
Unless otherwise posted, Sierra Pacific Industries reports that it offers responsible recreational opportunities for public access on the company’s private, working forestlands.
SPI’s private forest lands are generally open to individual members of the public for responsible recreational use such as hiking, bicycling, fishing, hunting or cross-country skiing as long as they are properly licensed by the state where necessary. The company does not allow target shooting, trail building, off-road vehicle use, overnight camping or any fires on its property. In addition, it does not allow the taking of forest products, wildflowers, mushrooms or other vegetative matter, nongame species, water, soil or rock samples except by express written permission from SPI.
SPI does not allow motorized use beyond locked gates. Limiting vehicle access helps ensure the following:
- Less erosion. SPI is required by law to maintain roads and protect watersheds and fisheries from erosion.
- Less commercial timber loss, allowing SPI to help meet the demand for wood products.
- Fewer fires caused by humans. During most years, California is very prone to wildfires. People start more than half of all wildland fires.
Because SPI lands are commercial working forests, the company will close areas where workers are actively operating. There are also times when the company will close its lands to all forms of recreation due to wildfire danger and other safety concerns. Land closures will be posted and the company requires that members of the public respect closures for their own safety and the safety of those working on SPI lands.
Any activities conducted as a group must receive express written permission from SPI prior to entering the property. Commercial use is strictly prohibited without a permit.
SPI reserves the right to refuse access to its private lands to anyone. Access is subject to California Penal Code Section 602 and California Civil Code Sections 846, 1008 and 1009. Members of the public are advised that if they enter SPI’s property they do so at their own risk.
Information provided by Sierra Pacific Industries
