Before you head out the door for one of the last recreational weekends before the weather cools, the Plumas National Forest wants to remind you to be aware of the current conditions. If you plan on visiting the lakes with the ongoing drought, water levels are down, and many ramps are still out on the water, yet you are asked to be cautious to avoid any damage to your boat and the launch with levels sitting lower than at the start of the season. Also, conserve water as much as possible at campgrounds; packing your water can help. Be prepared for high heat; even in the mountains, temperatures are expected to be in the 90s, and an excessive heat watch is over the region through Tuesday evening. Fire restrictions remain in stage II, keep campfires in designated rings at developed sites only, smoking in the forest is also limited to these spaces and no vehicles off designated trails. Bears are also an issue throughout the woods this summer, impacting numerous recreation sites. Ensure your food is secured and that there are no food items or smells that can attract bears to a campsite in search of food, use bear boxes where available. Visit the forest service website for more information.
