RECREATION : Reopened Crystal Lake Road Gives Access to Campground

U.S. Forest Service officials have been forced to reopen the road to Crystal Lake after Los Angeles County reminded them that the road to the Angeles National Forest grounds isn’t theirs to close.

The road is owned by the county, which granted the U.S. Forest Service a permit in 1982 to use it.

In October, 1993, forest officials locked the gates, saying they could no longer afford to provide security or maintenance for the 800-acre Crystal Lake grounds. County officials said they were not aware of the closure until residents in the forest notified them.

“It’s a public road that needs to be kept open,” said Donna Guyovich, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

On Jan. 4, the county sent a letter to forest officials, saying the closure of Crystal Lake Road violated permit conditions. According to the permit, the gates must be kept open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Forest Service officials reopened the road on Jan. 23, but without providing the staff to patrol or maintain the grounds. The Crystal Lake area includes more than $2-million worth of facilities, such as restrooms, warehouses and water tanks, said Ed Gililland, Forest Service engineer.

“Our concerns are public safety and health, and vandalism,” he said.

Forest officials have applied for a new county permit, asking permission to close the road on weekdays.

Meanwhile, Crystal Lake’s two campgrounds remain closed. Crystal Lake’s privately run general store will also remain closed, said co-owner Armand Denis. After the county closed the road, the store didn’t get enough visitors to stay in business.

Denis was part of a group of forest residents who lobbied the county to force the road open.

“The people are not being allowed to use their campground,” Denis said. “President Clinton was saying we must get the family units together. What better place than here to get away from the streets, get away from the gangs?”