Fishlake

F ishlake National Forest VISITOR GUIDE Blazing the Trail Fish La k by fall e surrounde d colors in the y cliff g g a r C ntains r Mou a h s u T R Beehive Peak area ising as an oasis in central Utah, the mountains and plateaus of the Fishlake National Forest offer What’s Inside an accessible landscape for anyone with a sense of Get to Know Us ................. 2 adventure. Fish Lake, from which the forest takes Special Places ...................... 3 its name, is considered by many to be the gem of Scenic Byways ..................... 4 Activities ............................... 4 Utah. Many other scenic spots reveal secrets and Map ......................................... 6 stories of past settlements and civilizations. Campgrounds ..................... 8 Routes and Trails ....................................... 9 trails on Know Before You Go.......10 Fast Forest Facts Contact Information .......12 the forest— Elevation Range: 4,760’–12,174’ such as the nationally known Paiute ATV Acres: 1.5 million Trail system—are a means to access Miles of Designated Motorized opportunities such as hunting, fishing, Routes: 2,182 miles of roads and 655 miles of motorized trails and wildlife viewing. Camping is also popular, but if you’d rather drive a Amazing Features: An aspen scenic byway or hike a trail stand near Fish Lake is considered the most massive living organism in solitude, we have those on earth opportunities as well. Come see for yourself! This Visitor Guide provides the information you need to make the most of your Fishlake National Forest experience. G et to Know Us © Kap u History T he resources of the Fishlake National Forest in central Utah are vital to surrounding communities, a point not lost on President McKinley who reserved the first unit of the forest in 1899. While watershed protection was the original purpose for designation, additional lands were added to the reserve by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and 1907 in response to concern from local communities that forage was being overgrazed. © Tatiana Edrenkina T cKinley President M oday, the 1.5 million acre Fishlake National Forest is a “working forest,” providing water, recreation, wildlife, timber, grazing, geothermal energy, and mineral resources for local communities and visitors. President Roosevelt The Area uch of the forest’s lower elevation land is covered M with sagebrush, pinyon pine, and juniper, while red rock desert paints the southeast corner of the area. At higher elevations, the forest features regal stands of aspen encircling open mountain meadows, lush with forbs and grasses. Over 70 perennial streams and nearly 60 lakes and reservoirs sparkle through the trees. Fish Lake offers trophy fishing and fabulous bird watching. rowning the forest is the alpine zone of the Tushar CMountains, the remains of an ancient volcano. Here, © Lane V. Erickson Beehive area peaks exceed 12,000 feet, and the stark terrain and wide vistas make for a visual feast. oday, many areas of the Fishlake National Forest T remain in a roadless and primitive state, offering opportunities for solitude in remote settings. But you may find yourself with four-legged company—the forest is home to some of the largest deer, goat, and elk herds in Utah. Tushar Mountains 2 The vast resources of the Fishlake National Forest belong to all Americans. These resources must rely on the stewardship of all of us if they are to be sustained for our future generations. Special Places Tushar Mountains Although there are a dozen peaks over 11,000 feet, the Tushar Mountains are one of the most defining features of the Fishlake National Forest. These mountains contain several loop roads with spots for camping, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats, especially if driving from Big John Flat to Marysvale or Fremont Indian State Park. Although the Tushar Mountains are enjoyed by hundreds of motorists on summer weekends, the same area has some very rugged and remote backcountry trails for hiking and backpacking. Two of the more popular areas are the Bullion Canyon Trail System (west of Marysvale) and the South Fork of the North Creek (east of Beaver). Old Spanish Trail B etween 1829 and 1848, the Old Spanish Trail was the ”longest, crookedest, most arduous pack trail in the history of America.” For 1,200 miles, it wound from Santa Fe to the Ciudad de Los Angeles, or the City of Angels. The trail, although used for communication and slaving, was foremost a commercial trade route. In New Mexico, wool from the churro sheep was woven into goods that were packed to California. Ordinarily, a horse could be procured for 1-2 blankets while mules, considered more valuable than horses, would cost 3-5 blankets. T he Old Spanish Trail had three main routes and several cut-offs or shortcuts. The “Fish Lake Cut-off” was travelled in 1848 by Kit Carson, a famous army scout. The story is told through interpretive displays at Red Creek (Salina Canyon) near Zedd’s Meadow, and at the Doctor Creek Trailhead at the south end of Fish Lake. Wildcat Guard Station Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Wildcat Guard Station in 1935, currently used as a visitor center. CCC members were usually unmarried and between 17–21 years old. Of the $30 per month that they earned, they got to keep $5 and the rest was sent home to their families. Through the work of the CCC, the Forest Service has many enduring improvements that could not have otherwise happened. Gooseberry Administrative Site The historic Gooseberry Administrative Site was a Forest Service summer headquarters from 1907 to 1960. Today, the landmark Gooseberry 3rd Grade Environmental Education Program is based at Gooseberry. Here, students learn about forest management, wildlife, archeology, stream ecology, wildfire suppression, and more. The Gooseberry Admin cabins are available for rental. Kit Carson on the Fish Lake Cut-off Trail (depicted at a Red Creek interpretive display). 1928 3 G et to Know Us Mackinaw or Lake trout (© Joe Tomelleri) Scenic Byways Fishlake Scenic Byway Length: 13.0 miles/20.9 km Time to Allow: 45 minutes The Fishlake Scenic Byway winds through the Fish Lake Basin at about 8,850 feet in elevation. The basin’s namesake is the largest natural mountain lake in Utah. Fish Lake is surrounded by lightly wooded hills and is a beautiful destination in itself. Ice fishing at Fish Lake Fish Lake Basin contains many alluring trails including the Lakeshore National Recreation Trail. Extending around the eastern side of the lake, it rises over 900 feet in elevation, rewarding you with stunning views of Fish Lake. If you prefer to ride a horse or mountain bike, try the Pelican Canyon Trail. This moderately strenuous five-mile trail climbs to an elevation of 11,000 feet. Fish Lake boasts excellent fishing, particularly large Mackinaw trout, splake, and rainbow trout. Scuba divers enjoy the lake’s waters, and in the winter, ice fishing is popular. Splake (© Joe Tomelleri) Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway The Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway Length: 17.0 miles/27.4 km Time to Allow: 45 minutes offers everything from trout fishing to rock hounding. Besides recreational activities, it offers you a unique view of the desert West in the late-1800 and early-1900s. The byway leads to camping and fishing adventures Activities Hiking in beautiful pine surroundings. Hiking and horseback riding opportunities are plentiful as well, and range from easy to intense. The Tushar Mountain Range provides year-round recreation; Beaver Canyon is a fall color favorite. Bullion Canyon Trail System The Bullion Canyon Trails System is made up of five rugged trails, providing the hiker or mountain biker a 10–12 mile round-trip loop. The trails are located on the east side of the Tushars, and can be accessed from three newly constructed trailheads: 1) west of the Miner’s Park on the way to Bullion Falls, 2) Alunite Ridge on the south fork of Bullion Canyon, and 3) Bullion Pasture, near Marysvale. South Fork of North Creek This trail follows its namesake from Blue Lake, located at the base of Mt. Baldy, to the trailhead near North Creek, about 5 miles northeast of Beaver. It has over 60 stream crossings along its 10 miles as it wanders to the bottom of the drainage. Scars from two wildfires in the 1970s are visible, but are disappearing as aspen regenerates. Hikers may see deer, elk, and possibly mountain goats. Black bear sightings are also becoming more common. Mt. Baldy Hiking Upper Bullion Canyon Second Crossing of Salina Creek The Second Crossing is one of the most popular places for people who enjoy hiking and horseback riding under the White Mountains. The large camping area south of the trailhead provides space for a camper and horse trailer. For more information on other Fishlake National Forest Trails, visit www.fs.usda.gov/fishlake. 4 Second Crossing of Salina Creek Activities Cabin Rentals Off highway vehicles Aquarius Ranger Station This former Forest Service Ranger Station on the Fremont River Ranger District is available for rental at $30/night from May 15– October 15. The station is located about 16 miles south of Loa on the west side of the Boulder Mountain. The station is near Pine Creek Reservoir, Cooks Lake, Millers Lake, and numerous popular fishing lakes along the Great Western ATV trail. Popular activities in the area include fishing, ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and big game hunting. Anderson Dairy Trail Please pick up a Travel Map at any local Forest Service Office to see which roads, trails, and areas are open to motor vehicles. In general, motorized travel off of designated roads and trails is prohibited, but the Travel Map will show any exceptions. Gooseberry ATV Trails The Gooseberry ATV Trails offer an extensive range of terrain for all riders. From the I-70 Trailhead, you can ride north into the Salina Creek, Willow Creek, and Water Hollow drainages through pinyon-juniper, aspen, and mountain meadows. If you head south, you can ride higher into subalpine fir. In both directions, you can fish, enjoy the wildflowers, and spot wildlife. Paiute ATV Trail Paiute Trail The Paiute ATV Trail is a 238-mile loop that crosses three mountain ranges and runs through four central Utah counties. It joins with the Great Western Trail and many popular motorized trails on the Dixie and Manti-La Sal National Forests, making the network the largest interconnected, motorized trail system in the country. Gooseberry Administrative Site Historic cabins at the Gooseberry Administrative Site are available for group rentals (up to 250 people) for $300/night. The facility includes three bunk cabins, a large recreation hall, kitchen, bathroom with showers, and a small amphitheater. Located 18 miles southeast of Salina, Gooseberry is open June 12 through September 9. Gooseberry Admin Site (including ATVs) are permitted only on designated trails and roads on the forest. These routes are designed to minimize impacts on fragile ecosystems. Many trails are maintained by OHV organizations and are great examples of public land stewardship. Aquarius Ranger Station Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use Reservations for the Aquarius Ranger Station must be made at least 2 days prior to arrival and no more than 180 days in advance. Gooseberry Admin Site Cabin reservations must be made at least 4 days prior to arrival and no more than 360 days in advance. Contact the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. You may also visit the Fishlake National Forest website for more information (www.fs.usda.gov/fishlake.). Great Western Trail Rainbow trout (© Joe Tomelleri) The Great Western Trail is actually a corridor of trails designed for a variety of trail users. Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, off-road vehicle and snowmobile riders can traverse this scenic and culturally rich area. When complete, it will extend from Canada to Mexico. Fishing In addition to Fish Lake, other favorite spots include Anderson Meadow Reservoir and LeBaron Lake. Neither allow motorized boats and both are near campgrounds. The reservoir and the lake are state conservation pools with little change in their water level throughout the year. The many lakes of Boulder Mountain offer some of the best brook trout fishing in the state. For more fishing information: Visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/ 5 To Nephi To Eureka 132 086 ¡6 50 ¡ To Levan 15 125 To Delta Oak B ! Creek B efore venturing on to the Fishlake National Forest, please pick up a map with the level of detail appropriate for your planned activities: For backcountry and off-road travel: Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available at all Forest Service offices, and may be downloaded from www.fs.usda.gov/ fishlake. Sevier Bridge Reservoir Scipio 15 50 ¡ For hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding: Topographic maps are recommended. Visit the US Geological Survey for online purchases: www.usgs.com Holden To Gunnison 50 ¡ Maple ! Hollow B 89 ¡ Maple ! Grove B Fillmore 001 Redmond 100 Salina ! Copleysc Cove c ! Shingle Mill c ! Pistol Rock 70 70 15 I-70 ! P Gooseberry ! Snowmobile P 133 0 64 Richfield Kanosh 70 ! Adelaide B 106 ¡ 89 Browns Hole Gooseberry a ! P Admin Site ! ! Niotche P 119 24 Elsinore 118 Fremont Indian State Park 70 ! q Monroe 70 ! Castle B 70 SEE INSET Monrovian ! Park c 078 89 ¡ Silver King 5 113 ! P Koosharem Miners Park 62 Piute Reservoir Mahogany Cove ! B ! B ! Little Res Little B Cottonwood c ! ! Kents B Lake Ponderosa 6 Big John Flat 153 Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway Beaver 24 To Parowan 072 City ! Creek B a Anderson ! LeBaron Meadow B Fremont Loa 068 ! P 25 Fishlake Scenic Byway 5 15 Fish Lake 036 Koosharem Canyon-Paiute ATV Rock Johnson Valley Reservoir Junction ¡ 89 To Panguitch 62 Bick F ishlake National Forest Locator Map Fishlake National Forest Idaho Fillmore Ranger District Forest Supervisor’s Office Beaver Ranger District District Ranger Office Fremont River Ranger District 30 ¡ Major Trails 55 Scenic Byway or Backway Manti-La Sal National Forest 80 6 Nevada State Highway Picnic Area 186 Forest Route a Campground k Boat Launch P Trailhead q Information Center 5 Interpretive Site H Lodging 6 15 U.S. Highway c 40 40 Interstate Highway 50 Colorado 70 15 191 89 Arizona 9 00 knell Wyoming Richfield Ranger District 80 Roads 89 84 70 H To Capital Reef National Park 24 Hwy 12 Scenic Byway Tra il (moto rized) To Green River Torrey Bowery Haven Resort Great We ste rn 72 Singletree a ! Wildcat Guard Station q Rosebud ATV ! Pleasant Creek a ! a ! ! Oak Creek a 12 Boulder Riley ! Springs P ! a Lower Bowns Elkhorn a ! ¯ Capitol Reef National Park Sunglow ! a ! P Torrey 24 Dixie National Forest Escalante Scale Sand Creek Miles 05 2.5 10 15 20 Map not shown in geographically correct location. For detailed information on roads and trails, pick up a Travel Map at any local Forest Service Office. 7 R ecreating on the Fishlake N AT I O N A L FORES T Campgrounds CAMPGROUND Adelaide Anderson Meadow Bowery Creek Castle Rock (operated by Utah State Parks, www.reserveamerica.com) Chalk Creek (Copleys, Shingle Mill, and Pistol Rock) Doctor Creek EXTRA VEHICLE FEE SEASON 9/0/1 $5 May-Sept. g f No (except for $12 10 $6 June-Sept. Yes $14/$28/$42 for group picnic area (up to 100 g f 31/7/1 (plus 3 $7 May-Sept. g f Yes $13/26 28/3 April-Oct. g i Yes Free 17/2 May-Sept. g No May-Sept. g f c June-Sept. g f No (except for May-Sept. g f Yes June-Sept. g f No June-Sept. g g g g Yes FEE SITES (single/ $12/$0/$50 (up to 70 people) (single/double/group) people) $14/$85 for group sites (up to 150 people) $8/$35 for group site Elkhorn (up to 75 people) Frying Pan Gooseberry Kents Lake $12/$60 for group site (up to 100 people) $10/$20 for group site (up to 50 people) double/group) triple sites) 27/2 $7 6/1 8/1 $6 13/1 f k f f RESERVABLE? group site) pavilion Yes group site) $12/$24 29/3 LeBaron $10 11/1 June-Oct. Little Cottonwood $14 14 May-Sept. Little Reservoir $12 8 $6 May-Oct. 4/1 $5 May-Sept. g Yes $10 5 $5 May-Sept. No $14/$28 59/7 $7 May-Sept. g f g f 7/1 $5 May-Oct. g f No (except for 20/0/3 $5 May-Sept. g f No (except for May-Sept. g Lower Bowns Lower Pleasant Creek Mackinaw Mahogany Cove Maple Grove Maple Hollow Oak Creek-Hwy. 50 Oak Creek-Hwy. 12 Piute Rosebud ATV (up to 35 people) $10/$60 for group site (up to 75 people) $15/$50-90 (56-96 people based on site) Free $12/$30-60 Sunglow Upper Pleasant Creek Twin Creeks Picnic Area (day use only) Yes No Yes group site) group sites) No $5 May-Sept. g f No (except for $10/$20 8/1 $5 May-Sept. g f No (except for $10 46 May-Oct. No $20 for double 4 $5 May-Sept. g f g 25/5/2 $5 May-Sept. g f i Yes April-Oct. g f Yes (32-96 people based on site) (up to 20 people) Tasha Equestrian 8/3 Yes 19/0/4 $10/$24/$40 for group site (up to 50 people) $10/$25 for group site Singletree 8 $10/$40 for group site $6 AMENITIES $10/$35 for group site (up to 50 people) $10 $50 for groups (up to 100 people) 7/2 group sites) group site) Yes 10/1 $5 May-Oct. g f Yes 12 $5 May-Oct. g f No May-Sept. g f Yes SINGLE: 8 people in 2 vehicles DOUBLE: 16 people in 4 vehicles. Fees are subject to change. To make reservations use the National Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov Trails The Fishlake National Forest has many outstanding trails that can be enjoyed by foot, horse, or mountain bike. The following are just a few highlights—more information is available at your local Ranger District Office. Unless otherwise noted, the following trails are CLOSED to motorized vehicles. Fremont River District Fillmore District Beaver District Richfield District Trail Miles Trailhead Location Notes 18 West of the Koosharem Guard Station on Monroe Mountain Monroe Mountain is regarded as one of the premium elk units in the state of Utah and it is not uncommon to see these majestic animals along the trail. (Wind Walker-10 miles; Doxford Cr.-8 miles.) Niotche Beaver Dams Trail 11 Off the Gooseberry Road between Brown’s Hole and Twin Ponds turn-offs Mountain meadows open up to wide vistas along this trail. Some sections allow ATVs. White Mountain Area Trails 55 Lizonbee Spring is the most popular access point This is a popular area in the White Mountains for nonmotorized trail use. Elk and deer are frequently seen along this trail, and moose will sometimes make a rare appearance. 10 Mud Lake-Blue Lake Trailhead and the Bosman Trailhead at Big John Flat This remote trail has over 60 stream crossings as it wanders along its namesake. The scars of two 1970s wildfires are still visible, showing examples of aspen regeneration. 8.3 Big Flat Trailhead, 22 miles east of Beaver; Lake Stream Trailhead, northeast of Puffer Lake; Big John Flat Trailhead, 16 miles east of Beaver Recognized for its outstanding qualities, this trail received national designation in 1979. It follows the craggy peaks of the Tushar Mountains, meandering through stands of spruce, fir, and aspen. In July, meadows seem to glisten with waves of larkspur and lupine. Wind Walker Loop & Doxford Cr. South Fork of North Creek Trail Skyline National Recreation Trail Bullion Canyon Trail System and Miner’s Park 3 trailheads on the east side 10-12 of the Tushar Mountains near (loop) Marysvale The Bullion Canyon Trails System is made up of five trails. Highlights include an abandoned miner’s cabin, breathtaking cliffs, a glacial moraine, and the Bullion waterfalls. Rock Canyon Trail 3.2 Maple Grove Campground Follow Rock Canyon to Road #96 to the top of the Pahvant Range. Leavitt’s Trail 6.3 0.5 mile west of Adelaide Campground This trail follows the North Fork of Corn Creek through oak, maple, and fir to the top of the Pahvant Range. Maple HollowRobins Valley 2.2 Maple Hollow Campground Follow Road #010 about 1 mile on an ATV-accessible trail to where the hiking trail forks off. Farther up the trail, views of the Pahvant Valley treat hikers. 5 6 miles above Pistol Rock Campground in Chalk Cr. Canyon Climbing from 7,500’ to 10,000’ on the ridge above Paradise Canyon, the Bear Canyon Trail offers mossy falls, verdant meadows, and plentiful wildlife. Lakeshore-Sec. 1 3 West of Doctor Creek Campground The trail follows the western shores of Fish Lake from Lakeside Resort to Bowery Haven Resort. Historical interpretive signs along trail. Lakeshore-Sec. 2 2.5 Lake Creek, east of Bowery Haven Resort. After rising sharply to Pelican Point, the trail then descends to Lake Creek. Historical interpretive signs along trail. Lakeshore-Sec. 3 4 3rd overlook on Mytoge Mt. This trail descends 1,000’ to Fish Lake, ending at Doctor Creek Trailhead. Lakeshore-Sec. 4 4 3rd overlook on Mytoge Mt at 10,100’ From the Mytoge Mountain overlook, this trail descends 1,100’ to the eastern shore of Fish Lake and ends at the Doctor Creek Trailhead. This segment is not recommended for mountain bikes. Doctor Creek 3 South of Doctor Creek Campground Doctor Creek reaches 10,000’ on the Fish Lake High Top. Pelican Canyon 5 Pelican Canyon Overlook The trail meanders through meadows with steep climbs to 10,000’ on the Fish Lake High Top. Tasha Creek 8 Tasha Canyon Equestrian Trailhead or Sevenmile Cr. Rd. Tasha Creek ends at Tasha Springs on the Fish Lake High Top at 11,500.’ Crater Loop 6 Lake Creek Hikers ascend to North Crater Lake at 9,500’ on Mytoge Mountain, then return to the Lake Creek Trailhead passing near the Johnson Valley Reservoir. Bear Canyon Trail Colors in the above table correspond to district colors on the map on pages 6-7 g Restroom Drinking Water Trailer Sanitary Station Picnic Area Boat Launch Garbage Collection 9 K now Before You Go Tread Lightly! Be Bear Aware! Unpaved and primitive Seeing a black bear is a memorable experience. If roads present special challenges, even in good weather. Before you head out, think about another challenge—your responsibility to “Tread Lightly.” Here’s how: T R ravel only where motorized vehicles are permitted. E ducate yourself by obtaining travel information and regulations from public agencies, comply with signs, and ask owners’ permission to cross private property. A void streams, lakeshores, meadows, muddy roads, steep hillsides, wildlife, and livestock. D rive responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy your vehicle on wild lands. espect the rights of others to enjoy their activities undisturbed. you want that experience to be positive rather than negative, follow these tips: • Keep a clean campsite. Store food and garbage in closed vehicles and out of sight. • Never put food scraps in the campfire—it attracts bears and skunks. • Don’t keep food, shampoo—or anything that smells—in tents or sleeping areas. • Store stoves and Dutch ovens in a vehicle or secure place when not using. • When camping in the backcountry, hang food and garbage from a tree limb at least 10 feet from the ground and 5 feet from the tree trunk. This tree should be at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. • Some bears also target motor oil, insect repellant, liquor, and other things that look like food. Put these items away. If bears become accustomed to human food, they may become aggressive towards humans or cause property damage. To protect people, these bears may have to be destroyed. What’s that Smoke? Throughout time, fires have burned in our forests. The elimination of natural fire from the ecosystem has created an imbalance, resulting in forests that are more prone to disease and insect infestation, as well as large wildfires, especially during periods of drought. Managing fire for resource benefits is a program which provides for naturally ignited wildland fires to burn in a natural state under specific, pre-established guidelines. Fires managed in this way are most often located in remote areas where they can burn naturally without endangering human life and property. You can check on current fire conditions by calling one of our forest offices, or by going to www. utahfireinfo.gov. To report a wildland fire, call the Central Utah Interagency Dispatch Center at (435) 896-8404. 10 For more information, visit www.BeBearAware.org Avalanche Information Winter fun on the Fishlake National Forest can be as dangerous as it is exhilarating. Before you venture out, visit the Utah Avalanche Center at: http://utahavalanchecenter.org/ Use Established Fire Rings Wisely Please follow these simple steps: Responsible Recreation To sustain the beauty and health of our * Keep your fires small and bring your own firewood. If you have to collect firewood at your campsite, collect dead and down wood only. national forests, please follow these tips: Choose an Existing Site Creating new campsites kills vegetation and leads to soil erosion. If possible, use an existing site. If you’re in an undisturbed area, protect water quality and aquatic habitat by keeping campsites at least 200 feet away from rivers, lakes, or other wetlands. * Check at the local Ranger Station for current fire restrictions. Remember, they can change on a daily basis. Park Away from Water Parking near water eventually kills vegetation, leading to erosion and water pollution that make it hard for fish and other aquatic wildlife to breathe. In addition, vehicles driven onto tree roots seriously jeopardize the health of the tree. Please park at least 200 feet (or 12 vehicle lengths) back from water. * Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring. Don’t “feed” a large log into the fire ring. (© Lee O’Dell) Human Waste Bacteria and viruses found in human feces are known to cause hepatitis, salmonella, giardia, and other gastro-intestinal diseases. Remember, the water in the rivers and lakes you visit may flow into your own drinking water supply. Please follow these simple steps when nature calls: * Find a spot at least 200 steps from any water source * Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury human waste * Pack out used toilet paper * Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter and any other burnable material within a 10-foot-diameter circle surrounding the fire ring. * Have a shovel, axe, and bucket of water available before lighting your campfire. * To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool to touch. * Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite. * NEVER leave a fire unattended, even if there are no flames present. Make sure it is out cold. Many wildfires have been caused by abandoned campfires. Forest Creatures Help keep wildlife “wild” by not approaching or feeding them. Keep your dog leashed to protect both him and wildlife. Noxious Weeds Noxious weeds can rapidly displace native plant species that provide habitat for wildlife and food for people and livestock. Here’s how you can help reduce their spread: * Learn to recognize common weed species. Wash Away From the Water Soap degrades water quality and harms fish and other aquatic life. Protect them by washing at least 200 feet from the river, stream, or wetland, using plain water or biodegradable soap. * Don’t camp or drive in weed infested areas. * Don’t pick the flowers of noxious weeds and take them home—you’ll spread seeds. Beaver (© pix2go) Respect Living Trees By carving or chopping into the trunks of trees, people unknowingly slit veins right below the bark. These veins transport nutrients and water throughout the tree. If the damage becomes severe, it will deprive the tree of nutrients and food, and the tree slowly starves to death. * When using pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed-free. Within 96 hours before entering backcountry areas, feed them only weed-free food. musk thistle (© Kenneth Sponsler) * Wash your vehicle, including the undercarriage, to remove any weed seed before driving to the forest. For more information, visit the Utah Weed Control Association at www.utahweed.org/ Don’t Erase the Traces of America’s Past Archaeological and historic sites hold clues to America’s past. If disturbed, a part of our heritage may be lost forever. Sites and artifacts on federal lands are protected by federal law. If you discover such remains, please leave them undisturbed. Gooseberry Guard Station 11 F ishlake National Forest Your Fees at Work Recreation fees have made a significant difference in our ability to serve our national forest visitors because these dollars can be reinvested into services and infrastructure. Some of our recent accomplishments on the Fishlake National Forest include: * * * * * Gooseberry Cabin Rental and Campground (new mattresses, repaired roofs, upgraded water system, refinished floors, graveled roads) Helped administer outfitter guide permits Refurbished Aquarius Guard Station Cabin Rental Upgraded campground facilities and infrastructure Printed Visitor Guide America The Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Interagency Pass Program The America the Beautiful interagency pass program is a suite of annual and lifetime passes that provides U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to recreate on Federal recreation lands. Between 80% and 100% of the program’s proceeds are used to improve visitor services. “Senior” and “Access” passes are available on the Fishlake National Forest. NOTE: Both passes are honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees. In some areas, is good for discounts on other fees such as camping. Senior Pass - $10.00 Available to US citizens 62 years and older. Must be purchased in person, with proof of age such as a driver’s liscense. Access Pass - Free New restroom at Adelaide Campgound Available to US citizens that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities. Must be obtained in person with written proof of disability. For more information, visit http://store.usgs. gov/pass/index.html Contact Information Fishlake National Forest Supervisors Office 115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701 (435) 896-9233 Fillmore Ranger District 390 South Main Street Fillmore, UT 84631 (435) 743-5721 Fremont River Ranger District 138 South Main Street P.O. Box 129 Loa, UT 84747 (435) 836-2811 Printed on recycled paper Visit us on the web at: www.fs.usda.gov/fishlake. Beaver Ranger District 575 South Main St. P.O. Box E Beaver, UT 84713 (435) 438-2436 Richfield Ranger District 115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701 (435) 896-9233 23.338.400-08.10/2014 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint o