Sly Park Recreation Area

*** Attention Sly Park Day Users*** please be on the lookout for Frida a 10 lb black Chihuahua lost in the park on Monday 1/4. She was last seen in the Sierra campground area wearing a blue and white jacket. Her owner, Liz does not have facebook but you can reach her at 661-289-2760 if you see Frida.

As we start our journey into 2021, SPRA would like to remind you that if you purchased an annual pass between January and March of 2020, you will get a 2 month extension on your renewal. Meaning January purchases will not have to purchase a renewal until March etc. For those of you who did NOT purchase an annual pass last year, they are now for sale at the gatehouse or reservation office. :)

***UPDATE*** FRIDA HAS BEEN REUINTED WITH HER FAMILY! Thank you Sly Park Patrons and Pollock Pines residents!

Otters at Jenkinson Lake 12-2020

Attention Fishermen and Boaters, Jenkinson Reservoir is currently at 65% This means two things: 1) The speed limit in the main body of the lake is 15mph 2) The main boat launch is not accessible. Stonebraker launch is recommended for motorboats. Reminder: The narrows are a "no wake zone" with a 5mph speed limit. Photo of main boat launch as of 12/15

Camping at Sly Park / Jenkinson Lake is closed as of today, December 9. Please read the news item linked below for more information. https://www.eid.org/Home/Components/News/News/3383/26 Thank you for your patience! Stay safe and healthy out there!

Remember to #RecreateResponsibly this winter and #StayLocalStaySafe Read our full post @ https://www.eid.org/Home/Components/News/News/3387/26 --++-- Cal Trans Road Conditions https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ 1 (800) 427-7623

This beautiful painting of the Miwok Trail Bridge was created by Pollock Pines resident Ronald A Hurst. Thank you Mr. Hurst for sharing your talent! (If someone could tag Mr. Hurst, I seem to be unable to.)

As of 12/4/2020 All WALK-IN camping is currently SUSPENDED. There will be NO walk-in camping until further notice. Any existing reservations are currently valid. Please stay tuned to our Facebook and Website for current information.

There's nothing like a pre-work wander through the misty morning.

MET CLOSED - The gate from Hwy 88 on the Mormon Emigrant Trail was closed today for the winter. Please call the Amador Ranger District for more information: 20...9 259-3774 #EldoradoNF #RecreateResponsibly #winterfun #amadorrd

Autumn is always a time of change here at Sly Park. So here are some things you should know for recreating in the off season: 1. The back half of the park is closed to car traffic. The closest parking to waterfall is now at the Stonebraker boat launch which adds another mile and a half to the hike. (The waterfall is currently trickling). 2. Water in the park has been turned OFF to prevent freezing and broken pipes. Please bring water to drink AND wash your hands.... 3. The restrooms in day use areas are still open, but see above. Bring hand sanitizer or water/soap to wash your hands. 4. If there is weather with a chance of snowfall or ice please be prepared with chains or 4wd, not only for the drive up but also to drive in the park.

Ice Ice Baby! Sly Park Road is clear but there are ice patches and several side roads in Pollock Pines do not appear to be plowed. It is SLICK out there. So if you're planning on coming up, it is beautiful with glittering sparkles in the park but please drive slow and safe.

The colors are starting to turn in the park. Come see them before they’re gone!

The facilities at Caples Lake and Silver Lake are closed for the winter

Due to the freezing temperatures predicted this weekend, the water will be turned off in the park as of 11/5.

WINTER IS COMING. If you’re planning on visiting the park this weekend be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly as there are snowflakes in the prediction. (Photo from last winter)

A little bit of a #latergram the moon was so bright on 10/31, changing the exposure made it seem like daylight! First photo: 3second exposure, second: normal exposure.

UPDATE: RED FLAG WARNING EXTENDED THROUGH Tuesday Oct.27th AT 5PM.

There is a RED FLAG WARNING for Pollock Pines until Wed Oct. 21 at 8AM. This means NO CAMPFIRES, NO charcoal grills. Only gas appliances that can be turned off with a knob or switch with no embers or coals. EDIT: RED FLAG WARNING HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY AT 5:00PM (17:00)

The birds are migrating. Photo from 9/24.

Timelapse of the sunrise this morning 9/24.

For those of you that are planning on camping on the highway 88 corridor, Silver Lake West is closed for the season.

Reminder: It is going to be very warm this weekend. The air is of moderate quality but fluctuates throughout the day. As of this moment, campfires and charcoal grills are allowed, but we are under a heat advisory and fire weather watch that can be upgraded to a RED FLAG WARNING at any time. Please check the CalFire website for the current status before heading up here. If you want to be guaranteed a spot for day use GET HERE EARLY. All members of your party must be here. Once we reach capacity they are out of luck and must park outside the park. It is going to be hot, it might be smokey, there are going to be a lot of people. Be sure to add some extra time into your schedule to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

Temperatures are going to soar next weekend. Please be aware that much of Northern California *may* be under a RED FLAG WARNING. During wildfire season, EID may impose the following restrictions during a RED FLAG WARNING issued by the National Weather Service: ---No one may build, maintain or attended a campfire, fire, stove fire or charcoal fire. Propane BBQ’s and propane fire pits are permissible. ---Smoking is permissible only in an enclosed vehicle.... You can check the current Red Flag status on the CALFIRE website: https://www.fire.ca.gov//red-flag-warnings-fire-weather-w/

It is going to be a scorcher today and the trickle of vehicles into the park is turning into a steady stream GET HERE EARLY!It is going to be a scorcher today and the trickle of vehicles into the park is turning into a steady stream GET HERE EARLY!

The SPRA Waterfall is currently NOT FLOWING.The SPRA Waterfall is currently NOT FLOWING.

There is mastication work happening that is blocking the horse trails on the lake side of Mormon Emigrant at this time. Please be aware.

SURGE IN FOREST VISITORS PROMPTS NEED FOR PREVENTION TEAM - The Eldorado National Forest has brought in a fire prevention team to address the increased risk of ...human-caused wildfires associated with the surge of forest visitors that is occurring during this dryer than normal fire season. We estimate that we are having more than double our usual visitation for this time of year. This is causing concerns about public safety, particularly if evacuation of popular recreation sites becomes necessary, said Forest Fire Management Officer Jay Kurth. Illegal campfires across the forest are increasing the risk of wildfire. These campfires can escape and become a danger to other visitors and campers. In addition, the large number of vehicles parked along roadways is blocking emergency access for fire and law enforcement responders. The fire prevention team will assist the forest with public education and will be launching a regional outdoor safety campaign next week. Our messages will remind visitors to take personal responsibility for preventing human-caused wildfires; for being prepared to evacuate in the event of a wildfire; and for keeping the forest healthy, said Kurth. The Eldorado National Forest 2020 Prevention Campaign will incorporate elements from already established campaigns such as Be Outdoor Safe, One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire, Ready, Set, Go! and Recreate Responsibly. During this fire season, please be outdoor safe by: Preparing camp sites for rapid and safe evacuation in the event of a wildfire Properly maintaining vehicles and trailers to avoid sparking fires Using legal gas stoves and gas fire pits instead of making illegal campfires Choosing not to shoot firearms on hot, dry and windy days Treading lightly in the forest, leave no trace Properly disposing of trash and human waste We cannot control when and where lightning strikes, but we can control our actions, said Fire Prevention Team Leader Francisco Salazar. Given the low precipitation this past winter in the central Sierra, the vegetation will ignite quickly. We’re here to recommend strategies for heightening awareness and ultimately protecting the public and the forest resources from human caused wildfire and other recreation impacts. For more information about recreation and current conditions in the Eldorado National Forest, visit the forest website. Other sites that provide helpful tips are: Be Outdoor Safe - https://www.beoutdoorsafe.org/ Ready for Wildfire - https://readyforwildfire.org Recreate Responsibly - https://recreateresponsibly.org ### PHOTO CAPTION: With most campgrounds 100% full, dispersed camping has greatly increased throughout the forest.

Temperatures heat back up this weekend . If you are headed to the water to cool off, remember to wear a life jacket and keep an eye on everyone in your party.

Sly Park Paddle Rentals Book Online http://currentadventures.com/sly-park-paddle-rentals-at-jen

READY FOR THE WEEKEND? - Make sure if you are visiting the forest that you #RecreateResponsibly! KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Check the status of the place you want to v...isit. If it is closed, don’t go. If it’s crowded, have a backup plan. Call our virtual offices if you have questions. PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCING Keep your group size small and give others space. If you are sick, stay home. PLAN AHEAD Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials. PLAY IT SAFE Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and Rescue operations and health care resources are both strained. EXPLORE LOCALLY Limit long-distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit. LEAVE NO TRACE Respect public lands and waters, as well as Native and local communities. Take all your garbage with you. Make sure you remove any extra packaging at home before you head to the forest, which will result in less trash to carry out. BUILD AN INCLUSIVE OUTDOORS Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Happy Fourth of July from Sly Park Recreation Area!

RECREATE RESPONSIBLY COVID-19 has changed our lives, including how we recreate. Please be responsible and following the recreation guidelines and trail etiquette. Help prevent the spread and flatten the curve so that we can keep you and our staff safe, and remain open to the public. ------------------------------------------- Thank you for your understanding and patience during these unprecedented times. ... See more

Be Like Big Foot. #ResponsibleRecreation Help reduce the spread of COVID-19 while you're out in the great outdoors! Stay Healthy: Avoid large crowds. Pract...ice physical distancing. If you’re not feeling well, stay home. Stay Local: Stay close to home and enjoy nature in your own community or backyard. Be Prepared: If crowded, choose a different location or time to visit. Wear a face covering if you are unable to maintain physical distancing. Educate yourself about COVID-19. Find additional guidance, resources and information: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/

Black Oak Equestrian Campground now open. Book reservations online at https://www.eid.org/r/spra-campsite-photos-and-reservations

Horse Campers: The reservation system for Black Oak is currently offline. It is a system problem and we are working on it! As soon as Black Oak becomes available we will post it on here AND the website. Sorry for this inconvenience!

As a clarification: Any existing reservations made before the COVID closure are still valid and will be honored. **Edit** GROUP AREAS REMAIN CLOSED.

Sly Park Recreation Area Open for Camping to General Public

We want to welcome you to the 2020 camping season. All of our campgrounds are open. We look forward to see you in our campgrounds.

2021 May through August Camping Reservations at Sly Park Recreation Area Open!

Day Use Sites, Trailheads, Boat Ramps, and Staging Areas Update All developed recreation sites on the Tahoe National Forest are now open. Trash removal services... remain limited please pack out all trash and waste. Toilet facilities remain limited, please plan accordingly. o Gold Lake Road o Sierra Buttes Trailhead Rough conditions may exist, snow just passed Packer Lake o Highway 20 o Gold Country Equestrian Trailhead Open o Golden Quartz Open o Highway 49 o Oregon Creek Day Use Area Open o Highway 89, North o Pass Creek Open o Woodcamp Boat Ramp Open o Donner Picnic Area - Open o Interstate 80 o Castle Valley Inaccessible due to snow o Boca-Stampede Road o Prosser Boat Ramp Open o Boca Boat Ramp Closed due to water level o Stampede Boat Ramp Open o Boca Town Site Open o Prosser OHV Open o Vista Overlook Open o Marysville Road o Dark Day Boat ramp/picnic area Open o Mosquito Ridge Road o French Meadow Boat Ramp Open o Big Trees Nature Trail Accessible, windfall on access road and trail o Foresthill Divide Road o Manzanita Open o Parker Flat OHV staging area Open o Sugar Pine OHV staging area Open o Bowman Road o Carr-Feeley accessible o Lindsay accessible o Loney Meadows accessible We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including: Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use. All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly. The Tahoe National Forest will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as county policies and facility preparations allow.

Eldorado National Forest Region

Folsom Lake opening in limited capacity, read the information posted on their page for additional information. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Webpage: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500 State Park Closures Due to COVID-19 Webpage: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30355

Sly Park Recreation Area will open day-use in a limited capacity, to local in-county residents only, beginning Saturday, May 16. Please read the news release for additional information.

Sly Park Recreation Area working towards structured reopening. We are not committing to opening next week. After consulting with the El Dorado County Dept. of Health early next week, we will provide more **information** as to when we will be opening. Sorry for the confusion.

Use caution around area streams and rivers, water temperatures are cold and water flows are are high!

Please Remember, we ONLY have reservations open for May, June and July of 2021. We are NOT accepting reservations for 2020 at this time.

Sly Park Recreation Area has a new search by date feature when making a reservation! This will allow you to search for all available sites during a specific date range. We have created a "How To.." link for this feature on our website at... https://www.eid.org/r/spra-campsite-photos-and-reservations

Update: 5/1/20 4:45pm 2021 Reservations Open

UPDATE: 4/30 9:30am Please see the news item posted to our website.

CAL FIRE is burning at the Sly Park Vegetation Management Project (VMP) today. The location is along Onyx Trail in Pollock Pines, El Dorado County. Burning ope...rations are scheduled from 9:30 am to approximately 4:00 pm. Today’s goal is to treat up to 20 acres with prescribed fire in plots within the Sly Park VMP to maintain the shaded fuel break and increase fire protection to the community of Pollock Pines. Smoke may be visible in the area. If smoke becomes too heavy or weather conditions create a condition that creates undue risk, measures are in place to immediately stop the operation. #CALFIRE #CALFIREAEU #SlyParkVMP #FuelsReduction See more

Photo taken 4/18

Here are some frequently asked questions that we have been receiving in comments, via email, and over the phone. 1. When are you going to be open for day use? a. At this time we are closed for all day use and camping. An opening date has not been set. Please continue to watch this page for the most updated information.... 2. Can we launch our boat to fish or ski?? a. The Park is closed for all day use including the boat ramps. 3. I have a reservation in June/July/August is that still ok? a. At this time, we have only canceled reservations through April 30th. If we need to cancel your reservation we will reach out to you and provide a full refund. We are not rescheduling any reservations right now, if you would like to reschedule please call (530-295-6810 or email us to cancel and you can re-book your trip when our reservations open. 4. I have a reservation and even if things are open I don’t think my family will want to go, can I cancel? a. Yes. We are currently accepting cancellations and waiving our cancellation fees in this unprecedented era of current events. 5. Are you even going to open this summer? a. SPRA is operating on the assumption we will open at some point. EID is following guidance and directives of the El Dorado County Public Health Officer, California Department of Public Health State Public Health Officer, Governor’s Stay at Home Order, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. EID will re-open the SPRA to the general public based upon the recommendations and guidance of local and state health officials, and consistent with State Park and Forest Service practices for developed recreation areas. When SPRA reopens, there will most likely be restrictions on number of guests, types of activities and locations that are accessible. These restrictions will be eased as conditions improve and recommendations are made by State Parks to do so. 6. Why are we following State Parks recommendations? a. If SPRA opens before other recreation facilities in our region, we will be a magnet for visitors from all of the areas that are still under a closure order. The last thing EID wants, is to be responsible for jeopardizing the health of our local community. 7. I have a mooring slip when can we launch our boats? What about the cost of the mooring? a. All mooring clients should have received an email regarding our current procedure and how we are handling boat launch and mooring costs. If you did not receive this email please call the reservation office (530-295-6810) to make sure we have your current contact information on file. 8. Will my seasonal day pass be extended? a. Yes. All passes will be extended next year. SPRA is doing our best to stay on top of changing events in this new atmosphere. There is no standard operation procedure for an event like this but safety of our guests and staff is our number one priority. Please be kind to one another. Most importantly, please stay safe.

The park may be closed for camping and day use but our rangers are hard at work to make sure everything is in tip-top shape! Rangers spent the day clearing and chipping debris in the Hazel Creek area on Saturday.

The first goslings of the season were spotted. The park may be closed but the wildlife is continuing on with the regularly scheduled program. Please stay tuned as our staff works to bring the park to you!

Update 4/2/20 - Recreation Closed Until 4/30/20 PLEASE READ UPDATED NEWS ITEM

Please read website post.

In order to better protect the general public and our operational and administrative personnel, EID is implementing social distancing recommendations from public health officials that may impact customers. Please read the full press release.

TEMPORARY CLOSURES California State Parks announced today the temporary closure of all campgrounds in the state park system to support state and local effor...ts to slow the spread of COVID0-19. Read our press release: http://bit.ly/2TZdkbl Camping reservation holders will be contacted via email for refunds. As of today, non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open. Visitors are reminded to practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet between other visitors and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to take soap for hand washing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available. State Parks previously announced the closure of high public use indoor facilities including visitor centers, museums and cafes. #coronavirus #CAStateParks

COVID-19 has no impact on EID's drinking water Services remain safe and reliable!

SPRA has suspended making new reservations at this time and will notify you when more information becomes available. Click on the graphic below and it will take you to a form so you can submit your email and then we can notify you when reservations resume. NOTE: We will only use your email to notify you once about the status of reservations at the park. Your email will NOT be given out to any other entities or used for any other reason.