Why is the Cleveland National Forest being closed under the CRITICAL Forest Use Restriction level?
A1: Forest use restrictions are in place to protect the public and natural resources. They are designed to reduce human-caused fires. Wildfire suppression is very expensive. Approximately 110 wildfires per year are human-caused on the Cleveland National Forest. A2: The Forest considers the following factors when determining the forest use restrictions: current National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) level, weather forecast (temperature, humidity, and rainfall), recent rainfall, vegetation conditions (live/dead fuel moisture), fire situation in California, and current fire staffing levels on the Forest. The Cleveland National Forest Use Restrictions are tied to the national fire danger levels; however, all of these other factors also help determine the Forest Use Restriction level. A3: No. The Cleveland National Forest Use restrictions apply to Cleveland National Forest lands only. Other areas and jurisdictions such as California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in
