(March 2, 2022 – BISHOP, CA) Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges members of the public to avoid undeveloped areas from East Line Street to Warm Springs Road in the Artesian Springs area in order to help protect the Owens River riparian corridor damaged as a result of the wind-driven Airport Fire that started on February 16.
Approximately 4,000 acres of LADWP property along the Owens River from Bishop to Big Pine burned in the wildfire. The damage to the unique plant communities near the river banks is extensive, but because of the nature of the fire – high intensity and short burn duration – LADWP expects vegetation recovery will be vigorous in most locations.
However, the primary threat to a full recovery is uncontrolled recreational activities. LADWP is urging recreationists to stay on existing roads, avoid driving and parking on the blackened burn areas, and only recreate in developed areas while the land heals.
LADWP will be installing restoration signs throughout the burn area to increase awareness to the public. As part of this work, some access roads may be temporarily closed.
LADWP thanks residents and visitors to the Eastern Sierra for their understanding and cooperation. For further information on LADWP activities in the Eastern Sierra visit LADWPEasternSierra.com.
What happened to the camper who was told to leave the area three or four times? Are they being investigated? The fire wasn’t an act of Mother Nature! Signs are a waste of money and time. Unless there’s serious investigation and accountability, these problems will just get worse. Come on,… Read more »
Build recreational roads along the river from Bishop to Big Pine for locals and fishermen, and rafters. We need MORE recreational access to river. Roads Could help fire suppression crews to access and protect river and wildlife habitat.
We’ve already got a maintained road running from Line street to Collins on the west side of the river and a semi-maintained road from Line St. to Williams Creek. There are plenty of offshoots that whole distance. I don’t see the problem.
Bob K
I’m sure some see and want it,a paved road….with stop-signs,hoping it brings in more tourism…
And then more trash,poop,not to mention illegal camping, drunken bonfires and wildfires…
Agreed. But such roads need enforced speed limits suitable for recreationists who don’t try to drive as fast as possible.
We absolutely DO NOT need enforced speed limits, signage, or pavement along the river. Terrible idea. Leave it as it is. There will always be the occasional A-hole, or some kid that won’t follow the rules but for the most part there is a dirt road etiquette that most of… Read more »