United States Department of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region News Release For Immediate Release 100 Forni Road May 8, 2018 Placerville, CA 95667 Voice: 530-622-5061 USFS: Jennifer Chapman – 530-957-9660 Web: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado [email protected] SMUD: Chris Capra – 916-732-5111 [email protected] Twitter: @EldoradoNF

Facebook: www.facebook/EldoradoNF

Crystal Basin recreation improvements underway, alternative destinations recommended in 2018

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The popular Crystal Basin Recreation Area in the Eldorado National Forest is undergoing major upgrades which will greatly enhance the visitor experience in the future, but may make other destinations a better choice this year. Sunset Campground is closed for the 2018 season. Although Sunset Campground will be closed, the Sunset Boat Launch and Fashoda Campground / Day Use Area will be open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, providing opportunities for water recreation on Union Valley Reservoir.

Azalea Cove Campground will be closed over Memorial Day weekend, but may reopen by the July 4 weekend if work goes according to schedule. Temporary closures will occur at other sites throughout the season. Check SMUD’s website for the current construction schedule before visiting the Crystal Basin.

Already completed in 2017 are the Loon Lake Boat Launch, new composting toilet facilities at Pleasant Campground, and trail improvements between Loon Lake, Buck Island Reservoir and Rubicon Reservoir.

The multi-year comprehensive plan to improve more than 20 campgrounds, as well as multiple day use areas, boat launches, roads, hiking and biking trails, and potable water systems in the Crystal Basin is part of an agreement between Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the USDA Forest Service, in which SMUD will invest up to $150 million in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area over the next 50 years. An outdoor amphitheater able to seat up to 200 people at Fashoda Campground is also included in the plan. This agreement was established in 2014 when SMUD’s License to operate hydroelectric facilities in the Upper Project was renewed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The changes underway include a redesign of campsites based on current trends in recreation in which larger families and groups of friends are needing larger campsites. For example, Sunset Campground will consolidate 22 of its 131 campsites into larger campsites, to create nine new double sites, one new triple site, and one new group site. The capacity of the redesigned Sunset Campground will accommodate 30 more visitors. Sunset Campground will also have two more campground hosts, an additional shower facility, and a new flush toilet facility in addition to the 15 existing vault toilet facilities.

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Page 2 – Crystal Basin recreation improvements underway, alternative destinations recommended in 2018 Release

New picnic tables, bear-proof food and recycling receptacles, and fire rings will be installed throughout the Crystal Basin which will add to the visitor experience, lessen bear encounter problems and support sustainable recreation practices.

Some traffic delays are expected on Ice House Road as a result of construction equipment while the upgrades are in progress. There are many alternative camping destinations in the Eldorado National Forest as well as neighboring national forests, and other public lands. Campgrounds at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir in the Georgetown Ranger District, along Silver Fork Road in the Placerville Ranger District, or Pipi Campground and Middle Fork Cosumnes Campgrounds in the Amador Ranger District are just a few of the many other places to explore.

For campground reservations, visit www.Recreation.gov. For additional information, contact the Eldorado National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 530-622-5061 or visit the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado.

For a schedule of current and future facility closures in the Crystal Basin, visit https://www.smud.org/en/Giving-Back-to-Community/Visit-our-Recreational-Areas/Crystal-Basin

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**MEDIA TOUR**

A tour of work in progress in the Crystal Basin and interviews with USFS and SMUD personnel will be offered to representatives of the news media.

When: Thursday, May 10, 2018 – 12 noon

Where: Meet at the Crystal Basin Information Station on Ice House Road, which is approximately a 1 hour drive from Placerville.

RSVP: Please contact Jennifer Chapman, 530-957-9660, if you plan to participate.

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The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.