High Sierra Topix

Mono Count Sheriff's Dept:

Fire Restrictions for BLM and Inyo National Forest go into effect on Monday, May 24, 2021. Click on the link for full details, but here's a summary:

Fires are only allowed at designated developed recreation sites in established fire rings or fire pits. Get a campfire permit for your stoves and lanterns. If where you are camping is not on the linked lists, you are not in a developed site. Otherwise, NO FIRES or anything that starts a fire. That includes your cigarette, your joint, your firecracker, your bonfire to roast marshmallows. This will be enforced, and you will be held responsible for your actions. Be fire smart, and be respectful of our public lands.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/hom ... eprd913855

Inyo NF restricting even canister stoves makes more sense low down in the forest than it does at or above tree line. I called Sierra National Forest [559-855-5360], and got a real person. He told me that as for now, in the Sierra NF the fire rules are as before-- ie., fires okay 10,000' or below, unless otherwise restricted, and that camp stoves are still being allowed. He did point out that this might all change in the event of either fires, or changed conditions.

FYI, he also told me that the Kaiser Pass road will be open on the 28th of this month (I assume all the way on to both Florence Lk., and Lake Edison).

Maverick, are you clear as to what exactly constitutes a "designated developed recreation site"? That sounds like front country campground areas, or does it also include existing fire rings in the back country? Thanks for the information.

That sounds like front country campground areas, or does it also include existing fire rings in the back country?

Yes, front-country sites. Check out the pdf listing of areas included in Inyo, all front-country locations.