MENDOCINO CO., 12/25/25 – A main road in Jackson Demonstration State Forest in unincorporated Mendocino County is closed due to illegal trash dumping, Cal Fire announced Wednesday.
Located near Fort Bragg, the Cal Fire-managed state forest is used for scientific research, sustainable timber harvesting, environmental education, and recreation.
Cal Fire said Forest Road 500 is closed immediately between County Road 408 and Forest Road 600.
While it is common for Cal Fire to close the forest roads during rainy winter weather, the agency said it has seen an increase in illegal dumping along the road, which serves as a major access point to the state forest.
Motorized vehicles, including ATV’s and motorcycles, will not be allowed on the road during the closure, Cal Fire said. The road will only be accessible to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
“Staff will continue cleanup efforts and evaluate long-term solutions,” Cal Fire said. “Road 500 will reopen when conditions improve, and the dumping issue is addressed.”
The agency asked that visitors take their trash with them when leaving the forest and to report any illegal dumping to the forest’s office at (707) 964-5674.
Visited this wonderful forest and saw some trashed areas earlier this week. Closing road without gating might make problem worse with fewer positive eyeballs to keep watch and report bad users
It’s disgusting when you see it garbage just dumped down the side of a gorgeous forest area makes no sense to me. The sign of complete lowlife ignorant individuals. I don’t blame them locking those yellow gates it’s a must with people like that living in the area. One solution might be for the landfill to offer a free dump day once a month for those that can’t afford the cost. $$$
While this is despicable behavior I can’t help wonder if the recent changes at the Willits solid waste transfer station are at least partially at fault here. It’s a pain in the ass to dump trash there now. And it’s more expensive than it’s every been.
What was the reason for closing road 100 and road 900 in Jackson forest.. they have been closed for the last 4 years!! I was told it was because of the rain and wet roads!! And they would be open after it dried out in later spring early summer!! Now 4 years later and they are still locked.?
Stealth Game cameras, the population in the areas of the forest that are being used as dump sites by basic lowlife, shouldn’t be difficult in finding those responsible, fines and arrest, impound or basically hold those responsible accountable. It’s a shame that individuals rather throw a bag of household waste over the edge of the road versus taking small bags of trash and tossing in garbage cans at gas stations, markets or wherever a trash can is located along their daily runaround.
This makes access to the forest even harder for disabled residents. I love walking the trails in this area, but I’m not strong enough to get from the start of 500 to “ride through tree” or other nice trails. I really wish they would consider other options.
Agree. After 50+ years living on property adjoining southern boundary of Jackson State I object to the policies of CalFire management, people park on Little Lake, walk into forest, dup garbage, trespass, shoot guns all times of day or night. Holiday weekends and summer months are the worst. Cal Fire doesn’t take messages nor man phones on weekends, MCSO cannot respond…past time for major oversight changes. Return management to the Pomo. Show some respect.