MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Off highway vehicle, or OHV, wet weather closures went into effect on the Mendocino National Forest’s Upper Lake and Grindstone Ranger Districts at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Forest spokeswoman Punky Moore said the closures went into effect at 9 a.m. Saturday after 2 inches of rain fell across forest lands within 24 hours.

The closures will be rescinded when no measurable precipitation is recorded within 48 consecutive hours, Moore said.

Moore said these periodic orders restrict the use of OHV trails when conditions are too wet to sustain use without causing soil loss, impacts to water quality, damage to trail tread and threats to public safety. 

She said the orders also allow for drying time following precipitation events to further ensure the integrity of the resource and the safety of the user.

The orders prohibit the use of motor vehicles on National Forest System trails within the Upper Lake and Grindstone ranger districts on the Mendocino National Forest pursuant to 36 CFR 261.55(b).

When closures go into effect, notices also are posted on the Forest Web site, Facebook and Twitter. Trail users are advised to check these information sources before traveling to the forest.