FRAZIER MOUNTAIN : Trails to Be Closed, Rerouted for $500,000

In an effort to protect vegetation and wildlife in creeks and wetlands, the U.S. Forest Service will spend about $500,000 to reroute trails in Long Dave Valley near Frazier Mountain, officials said.

Officials at the Mount Pinos Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest have proposed that five miles of trails near creeks and wetlands be closed to hikers and motorists and that new trails be built far from environmentally sensitive areas.

According to an environment report, hikers and motorized vehicles have increased soil erosion and destroyed the habitat for wildlife such as rainbow trout, frogs and willow trees, said Mark Bethke, ranger of the Mount Pinos district.

The four trails to be closed are Tejon Trail, Long Dave Valley Road, Gold Hill Trail and Long Dave Canyon Trail. Bethke said these trails will be closed only when the new trails are built.

Residents who wish to comment on the rerouting of trails should contact the Mount Pinos Ranger district: HC 1, Box 400, Frazier Park 93225.