Forest officials open public access to the Tule River in the Giant Sequoia National Monument

PORTERVILLE, Calif., July 27, 2017 – Forest officials rescinded the Tule River Closure Order, effective July 28, 2017, that temporarily prevented entry to popular high use public access areas on the Tule River within the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

The closure order was issued in the interest of public safety, due to swift moving water and strong currents sweeping through the Tule River. This year’s record level snowpack and warming temperatures resulted in swift, cold water, posing a greater risk to public safety than in recent years

Public access is now available from all entry sites on the Middle Fork of the Tule River beginning at the entrance of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and extending to the Moorehouse Fish Hatchery just below Pier Point Springs. Also, river access is available on the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Tule River to Wishon Campground.

Sequoia National Forest Supervisor Kevin Elliott reminds the public that safety is a shared interested for all of us living in and visiting the area. Visitors should continue to use a great deal of caution while enjoying the cool temperatures of the river during the hot days to follow.

The river is still running high, fast and cold following a year of record rainfall in the area; swimmers are urged to remain cautious and wear a California approved life jacket. Wearing a life jacket can save a life.

For more information, call 559-784-1500 or email aliciamembrey@fs.fed.us.

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