[pct-l] Update on Mountain Fire Closure

[Dan Welch]

I contacted Andy Smith of the Idyllwild office of the San Bernardino
National Forest for an update.  Below is his response.  In a nutshell, it
appears that current closure will remain in effect for the 2014 thru hiking
season.  PCTA has a map and a description of the current closure on their
site.  Note that if you are interested in volunteering, it sounds like there
may be opportunities in March.  You can contact Andy (909-382-2937) or PCTA
if interested.

Timberline

****
Hi Dan,

Currently the trail is in disrepair and unsafe enough to keep the closure in
place at least for the year. The closure includes May Valley Road. PCT
hikers will have to exit via Cedar Springs/ Morris Ranch road and can either
regain the trail on Southridge (outside the closure) or Devils Slide Trail.

We are currently doing trail assessments with a BAER ( burned area emergency
rehabilitation) contract team and also will be utilizing a PCTA trails crew
to work on the section of trail from Cedar Spring to Fobbes this March.  On-
going monitoring will continue as needed.

Thanks for your inquiry,

Andrew