United States Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region News Release Eldorado National Forest 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.