WILLOWS
Fire restrictions expand to wilderness areas and developed recreation sites on Mendocino National Forest
Campfires, stove fires, and other sources of open flames are prohibited on the Mendocino National Forest starting Sept. 16, according to a new forest order issued by USDA Forest Service staff. The prohibitions outlined in Forest Order No. 08-21-04 replace previous restrictions enacted earlier this summer, but now also apply to designated wilderness areas and developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and established fire rings.
The restrictions are being implemented to minimize risks of human-caused wildfires. The order will remain in effect through Oct. 31.
Fire restrictions listed in the order include:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire, including in wilderness areas and developed recreation sites.
- Using barbeque grills with briquettes, including in developed recreation sites.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. - Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads, trails or within developed recreation sites.
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- Using explosives.
- Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
Exemptions include:
- Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited activity. Please note persons with a California campfire permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above.
- Forest visitors with a valid California campfire permit will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves in an area at least 5 feet from any flammable materials.
- Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with a special use permit from the Forest Service for a recreation residence on the Mendocino National Forest are exempt from prohibition Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 while they are at their recreation residence.
Fire officials want to remind visitors to take care with firearms. Recreational shooting has caused large fires in the past.
Similar restrictions are also in effect on the neighboring lands. Because restrictions can vary by jurisdiction, visitors should contact the area they plan to visit for specific fire restrictions and conditions.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
An urgent health Advisory from Lake County’s interim public health officer, Gary Pace
Effective immediately, people on private water systems whose tap water comes from their own private intake into the lake, in the Oaks Arm and Lower Arm of Clear Lake should not drink the water. Very high levels of Cyanotoxin have been identified in these areas of the lake, and we are concerned there may be health impacts if private water systems are not effectively filtering out these toxins.
Gary Pace, MD, MPH
NOTE: the latest monitoring data, conducted at 15 Clear Lake sites by Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians with assistance from Robinson Rancheria EPA Department, can be found at https://www.bvrancheria.com/clearlakecyanotoxins
—Submitted
CLEARLAKE
Notice of vacancies
The City Council is seeking Clearlake residents to apply for vacant seats on the Planning Commission and Marketing Committee.
Planning Commissioners hear and act upon land use matters and are advisory to the Clearlake City Council on zoning regulations, the general plan, and other land use issues.
The Marketing Committee takes an active role in recommending projects and programs for City Council adoption.
Applications are available at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, on the City’s website at clearlake.ca.us or via email to Melissa Swanson, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk at mswanson@clearlake.ca.us. City Council will consider applications and appointment during the October 7, 2021 Council meeting. The deadline for applications to be included in the City Council meeting packet is Sept. 30, 2021 at 5 p.m.
—Submitted
—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
