Los Padres Announces Road Closures on Santa Lucia District

Los Padres Announces Road Closures on Santa Lucia District
Release Date: Nov 29, 2012 Goleta, CA (805) 961-5795
Contact(s): Andrew Madsen, Helen Tarbet

GOLETA, CA… Los Padres National Forest officials today announced temporary road closures on the Santa Lucia Ranger District due to inclement weather and the potential for additional heavy rainfall, swollen and fast-moving creeks and streams, and significant debris on roads.

Until the current storm systems pass through and crews are able to safety assess the extent of the damage, the following roads and trails will be closed, at least until December 7:

• La Brea Canyon Road Sierra Madre Road
• Miranda Pines Road (11N03) Miranda Pines Campground
• Bates Canyon Road Brookshire Campground Road Colson Canyon Road Zaca Ridge Road Figueroa Mountain Lookout Road Catway OHV Trail
• Rockfront Ranch OHV Area Pozo/La Panza OHV Area
• East Pinery Road Branch Creek Road
• Hi Mountain Road Huasna Road
• American Canyon Road West Cuesta Road
• Friis Road McGinnis Creek/Navajo Road
• Red Hill Road Queen Bee Road
• Pozo Road

“We try to provide both road access to the public and protect the resources,” said Santa Lucia District Ranger Kathleen Phelps. “Driving on muddy roads causes ruts that lead to erosion. We close roads before predicted rains to protect them from rutting, and re-open roads once they dry and are safe to travel. I would strongly encourage the public to refrain from driving on the dirt roads when they are wet.”

Members of the public are reminded that they should always call ahead to the district office for the latest conditions and consult the National Weather Service for current weather forecasts.

For more information, call the Santa Lucia District Office at (805) 925-9538.