WILDWOOD PICNIC CLOSURE

Since late spring of 2000 Wildwood Picnic has been closed, this is the trail head for the Stone Canyon Trail. A sign posted at the gated entrance states the area behind the sign is an endangered species habitat and entering this area is punishable by $5000 fine, 1 year in jail or both. Despite repeated efforts to get a clarification from the Forest Service I was unsuccessful, thanks to the persistence of Tom Chester I received a clarification yesterday 01/10/2001, roughly 9 months later.

WILDWOOD RE-OPENED ON 02/02/2001

Gerald Reponen of the ANF said on 12/20/00 that

The Wildwood Picnic area in Big Tujunga Canyon has been closed to
vehicles during the dry season due to low water levels. When the water
levels return to normal flow the picnic area will be reopened. Water
releases from Big Tujunga Dam and natural rainfall would dictate when this
happens and when and if it would be closed again. This action was taken to
protect the habitat and the Santa Ana Sucker (fish) from human encroachment
and possible destruction when they are vulnerable. The fish need a sporting
chance to swim away from people and pets. Hiking in from a legal parking
spot along Big Tujunga Canyon Road and accessing the Stone Canyon Trail to
Mt. Lukens has always been available; just a little further to walk.

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Don't molest the wildlife in this area as a more extreame closure will be down the road if we don't respect the wildlife and our mountains

Note

There is PRIVATE PROPERTY to the east & west of Wildwood, & on the south side of Big Tujunga PLEASE respect it.

WARNING

During my hike on 01/09/2001 I saw a pack of wild dogs along the Stone Canyon Trail near the near the 3/10 mile mark, they had followed me for a short way but in their defense, near the 6/10 mile mark I had heard whining of a dog and though a domestic dog might be lost or hurt so I tried to call the dog to the trail, I got no response and couldn't see anything so I left, a short distance later I heard a "Yipe!" and looked back and saw a pack of 3 or 4 dogs, 1/10 mile back heading up the trail away from me.

Thank You Tom for your persistence

http://tchester.org/sgm/links/11.html