Work Moves Forward & Rescue Slows Progress in Soquel Demonstration State Forest

10/9/23 Update:

CalFire set to reopen Soquel Demonstration State Forest on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Following historic winter storms, CAL FIRE Soquel Demonstration State Forest staff and technical experts continue efforts to reopen the forest to users.

Due to the extensive damage, some major repairs require contracts and permits in order to move forward. CAL FIRE is working through these processes and needs our patience as they work toward a public reopening. It’s a shame to hear about ongoing rescue needs in the closed SDSF area; trespassing only delays renewed access to this special land.

Please consider taking this opportunity to explore other open spaces—we will all be out enjoying the trails in Soquel Demonstration State Forest when it is safe to do so.

See below for a timeline of the most recent updates and photos from CAL FIRE Soquel Demonstration State Forest:

“After a lengthy and challenging state contracting process, work under the storm damage repair contract has begun. Heavy equipment operations will continue along Forest roads over the next several weeks. SDSF remains closed to public access. Those in violation of the closure interrupt the progress of the work and may be cited. Incidents like last night when a mountain biker required rescue by CAL FIRE will certainly receive a misdemeanor citation. Please don't ruin it for everyone and violate the closure during this critical time. As long as progress with the contract work continues on schedule SDSF could be reopened to the public by late September to early October.”

Image 1: "New culvert installed at public parking area"

Image 2: “Crews chipping storm damaged trees along access road.”

“While SDSF remains closed we are busy finalizing contracts and permits to begin heavy equipment work on technical repairs. The mitigations to storm damage repairs are designed to protect water quality, the Soquel Creek watershed, wildlife and fisheries. We are thankful for our many cooperators who are helping to maintain momentum to get through this arduous process.”

“...This damage has compromised the CAL FIRE mission to provide emergency services, environmental protection, and land management operations.

SDSF staff and technical experts have been working as quickly as possible to remedy the damage. Some repairs have been completed but much more is required. CAL FIRE is working on a contract for engineered road repairs and other storm damage repairs. This is a process that must take into consideration permitting, public works contracting, low availability of contractors and many other moving parts that need to be coordinated. This is all happening as fast as the environmental conditions and the legal and financial processes allow.

The main access road for visitors to SDSF, Highland Way, is still under a soft closure and is not open for critical emergency response access. Work along Highland Way and the repairs to the main State Forest road to allow emergency response capabilities have been ongoing. Additional key work sites will take longer as contractors are mobilized with specific materials and equipment. Many of these key repairs are estimated to be completed in the next 3 to 4 months but could be earlier or later depending on supply issues and other factors.”