Crescent City, CA- Redwood National and State Parks staff will perform road grading and forest restoration projects along Davison Road in late May and June this year.  The associated work will cause some delays and closures to the access points for Gold Bluff Beach, Gold Bluff Beach Campground, and Fern Canyon. The access impacts are anticipated to be as follows: 

• Closed for Day Use with 1 hr. delays for campers May 22-24 and May 30-31. 
• Full closure from 6:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. June 1, 7, and 16. 
• Up to 1 hr. delays June 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 12-15.

The work that will take place during the closures includes regrading the road with heavy equipment, clearing drainages, and felling large trees.  The clearing of sediment and debris from streams and tree work is part of the Redwoods Rising project. Redwoods Rising is a public/private partnership between Redwood National and State Parks and the Save the Redwoods League to accelerate the recovery of previously logged areas within the park putting these forests on a trajectory toward becoming the old growth redwood forests of the future. 

Regarding the work taking place, Redwood National and State Park Superintendent Steve Mietz stated, “The unprecedented storms this winter caused delays in our ability to grade many roads as we waited for them to dry out.  As much as possible, we are combining these projects with Redwood Rising restoration work to minimize impacts to the public. Upon completion, these projects will improve safety for the public and continue to put the forests on a path to recovery.” 

Any changes to the schedule of work will be updated on the park’s Current Conditions webpage.  Those wanting to access Fern Canyon and willing to do a long hike may still do so via the 12 mile roundtrip hike on the James Irvine trail, starting at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.   

Original source can be found here.