Chugach National Forest Remains Closed to Winter Motorized Use

Chugach National Forest lands remain closed to over-the-snow motorized use. As stated in the Forest Plan, normal opening of Turnagain Pass is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 27, 2013) with all other authorized motorized areas on the Forest opening on December 1st. Due to the lack of snow cover needed to protect resources both opening dates are delayed until we have received adequate snow depth. We will monitor conditions and snow depth and open once conditions allow.

For mor einformation you can visit the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website to access openings and closings and updated conditions. You can also call the avalanche hotline at (907) 754-2369 for current avalanche conditions.

Recreationists should be aware of weather and snow conditions before they go into the backcountry. Using the backcountry involves risk anytime of the year. If you are going into the backcountry, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Travel in a group rather than alone. Be prepared to survive an emergency situation. All backcountry users need to know their skill level and use common sense and discretion.

If you have any questions, please call one of our offices:

• Anchorage (907) 743-9500
• Glacier Ranger District-(907) 783-3242
• Seward Ranger District-(907) 224-3374.

Modified dates and partial closures of motorized use will be advertised by public announcement (Forest Order 02-07-10 signed July 10, 2002).

Click here to view the Closure Orders.

Violations of motorized closures may result in a fine.

Cutting your own Christmas tree

Image via Wikipedia

Get A Fresh Spruce, have a happy holiday...

It's that time of year when families are venturing out through the snow and into the woods to search for that perfect Christmas tree. The Chugach National Forest has just the place to find that magical tree free of charge, if you follow some straightforward guidelines:

• All areas of the Chugach National Forest on the Kenai Peninsula are open, with the exceptions of Portage Valley and Turnagain Pass. The Portage closure* extends from the Seward Highway to Portage Lake. The Turnagain Pass closure* extends from just north of the Turnagain Pass Rest Area (at MP 57 from Anchorage; MP 70 from Seward) to the Bertha Creek Campground (MP 61.5 from Anchorage; MP 65.5 from Seward).
• Each household or organization is allowed one tree from the Forest. No permits are required to cut trees for personal use. However, permits are required to cut trees for commercial purposes. The free trees cannot be sold, bartered or used in any commercial-type exchange for goods.
• Be certain you are on land managed by the Forest Service.
• Cut trees at least 150 yards (450 feet) away from main roads, picnic and campground units, administrative facilities, trails, and bodies of water.
• Do not fell trees into streams or other bodies of water. Cut trees as close to the ground as possible.
• Do not lop off the tops of trees higher than 20 feet in order to get the good parts.
• Follow off-road zoning regulations. Select your tree thoughtfully, to avoid unsightly bare spots.

To receive further information contact one of our offices:

• Anchorage office at (907) 743-9500
• Seward District office at (907) 224-3374
• Glacier District office at (907) 783-3242.

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