2 Kiosks Planned for Los Padres Forest

Two trail heads in Los Padres National Forest will have new kiosks to provide hikers with information about wildlife, fire dangers and trail difficulty, under a plan by the U. S. Forest Service.

The 12-by-6-foot display cases will be installed at the Oak Flat ranger station north of Fillmore in June, and at the Matilija trail head in Matilija Canyon north of Ojai in September.

“Each of them is unique,” said Leslie Jehnings, recreational planner for the forest service. “We’re trying an innovative design with wood and rock.”

Jehnings said the Ojai district had hoped to construct seven kiosks for the most traveled trails in the Sespe Wilderness, but because of budget constraints, only two will be built this year.

The kiosks will cost from $2,500 and $3,500 each, she said.

Rangers hope to have similar structures installed at trail heads in Santa Paula Canyon and near Lion Campground near Rose Valley in the future.

“What we’re trying to do is give an opportunity for the public to educate themselves about the wilderness,” Jehnings said. An increase in trail use in recent years has warranted providing more information for hikers and nature enthusiasts, she said.

The kiosk at Oak Flat, which is an entry point to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, will also provide information about endangered California condors, which make their home in Los Padres National Forest.

Linda Riddle, acting district ranger for the Ojai district, said the forest service had hoped to have the kiosks constructed by now.