News Release July 7, 2020
The Inyo National Forest is extending the closure of all group campgrounds and two remote campgrounds under a forest order closure The closure can be terminated or extended depending in conditions.
Please see Exhibit A (in the link above) for a full list of campgrounds included in this order.
The decision is based upon recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health authorities.
Developed recreation group campsites on the Inyo National Forest typically draw large groups of people, creating mass gatherings and concentrated groups of forest visitors. This results in significant management oversight. especially during the high use conditions now being experienced.
Additionally, due to lack of personnel it is necessary to close two developed campgrounds, Grandview Campground and Kennedy Meadows Campground, located in remote areas of the Inyo National Forest. These facilities are located in areas that timely and routine cleaning cannot occur.
This closure is an interim measure. The Inyo National Forest will follow guidelines from the CDC, as well as state and local health departments, to ensure that the safety of our employees and our visitors is a priority.
Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
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I see in another story
https://thereal395.com/welcome-to-inyo-national-forest-acting-forest-supervisor-pancho-smith/
that Inyo National Forest is seeking a new Forest Supervisor. I hope this will lead to good responsiveness and thoughtful management. In the meantime, best wishes to Pancho Smith!
very frustrating…non-locals can come up to our area, eat in restaurants etc…but locals can’t go to a group campsite, even though there’s plenty of room to social distance. How about letting them stay open but only allow reservations from Inyo and Mono residents???
Have to disagree. Groups sites by their nature encourage people to gather together. Considering the current status with the virus throughout the state and the recent uptick in positive cases in both Inyo and Mono, I don’t think group activities of any kind are in our collective interests. And yes, it’s frustrating. But I can understand why the FS is keeping them closed under the current circumstances.
Local or not is irrelevant IMO, our public lands belong to everyone equally. I wouldn’t be in favor of special treatment just because I happen to live nearby.