For Immediate Release: 9/28/2016

Areas of Garrapata State Park to Remain Closed

Contact:

Superintendent Jim Bilz

Jim.Bilz@parks.ca.gov

(831) 647-6268

State Parks Extends Closure to All Park Lands East of Highway 1 in Garrapata SP Due to Impacts from the Soberanes Fire

BIG SUR, Calif. – California State Parks is extending the closure to all Garrapata State Park lands east of Highway 1 through Spring 2017 when the closure will be reevaluated. The closure is for the safety of visitors and to allow the park’s natural resources to heal and infrastructure to be repaired.

The park suffered a high intensity burn in July due to the Soberanes Fire with preliminary field reports identifying extreme burn and vegetation clearing, loose soils and severe trail entrenchment. Additionally, downed trees and the loss of trail infrastructure present a clear health and safety issue to visitors and to the natural resources. There is the anticipation that debris flows will be heavy during winter rains.

Pursuant to section 4326(a) of the California Code of Regulations, it is unlawful to enter any area of Garrapata State Park to the east of Highway 1 during this closure period. Violators will be subject to citation.

Current trails open at this time include all trails to the west of Highway 1. Additionally, Buzzards Roost trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park west of Highway 1 is open along with all the trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.