After weeks of devastating weather, the state of California is still reeling. Dozens of parks and forests remain closed, with more expected to close in the coming days. This includes some of our beloved state parks and forests such as Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Fortunately, there are a few ways to help while these parks are closed. You can donate to relief organizations working in California or make a donation directly to the parks themselves. If you live in California, consider volunteering at one of these closed parks or forests. And, if you need inspiration for how to spend your weekend, take a look at some of the photos from these closures—they will surely have you longing for warm weather!
What are the parks and forests that remain closed in California?
As of December 8th, 2017, the following California state parks and forests are still closed due to severe weather conditions:
-Big Sur National Park
-Butterfly Habitat National Monument
-Channel Islands National Park
-Cuyamaca State Park
-Death Valley National Park
-El Capitan National Monument
-Giant Sequoia National Monument
-Kings Canyon National Park
-Lassen Volcanic National Park
-Mt. Shasta Volcanic Wilderness Area
-Orographic Lowlands Wilderness Area
-Pinnacles Natl Monument
-Redwood Forest National Park and Preserve – http://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm#parkstatus … continued below
What are the reasons for the closures?
Many of California’s beloved, storm-struck parks and forests remain closed as the state and federal governments continue to assess the damages done by last month’s powerful storms. The closures are a result of widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, trails, and campgrounds. In addition to the natural hazards posed by these storms, human error also played a role in some of the closures. For example, there was an incident in which a park ranger drove his vehicle into a closed area while trying to access reports that had been sent electronically. In other cases, trees were damaged by wind or floodwaters and then blocked the paths which hikers and campers use to access these parks. With so many parks still closed, it will be difficult for people in California to get outdoors and enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.
The state of California has closed dozens of parks and forests due to severe weather conditions. The closures are a result of storms that have battered the state in recent weeks, including floods, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Some of the parks that have been closed are popular tourist destinations, such as Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Others, like Redwood National Park, are less well known but still important to Californians.
Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for seven counties in Northern California due to the stormy conditions. This will allow the state to provide additional resources to those areas.
It is unclear how long the closures will last. Governor Brown urged Californians to use caution when visiting affected areas and said that some closures could be lifted as soon as conditions improve.
What does this mean for people who use these parks and forests?
One of the most devastating events that California has experienced in recent years was the major storms that swept across the state in late winter and early spring 2018. Numerous parks and forests were directly impacted, including some of the most beloved and well-known locations in the state. As of this writing, many of these parks and forests remain closed due to damage or debris accumulation.
This has significant implications for people who use these parks and forests. First, it means that many popular attractions are inaccessible at this time. Second, it means that cleanup efforts may take longer than anticipated, potentially resulting in increased environmental damage. Finally, it means that those who do visit these parks and forests may find them less crowded than usual due to scheduling issues or reduced visitation because of the closure.
