Amid concerns over public safety, the Auburn State Recreation Area has announced the continued closure of Upper Lake Clementine during the upcoming weekend. The popular Northern California destination has witnessed a pattern of unsafe traffic and pedestrian behaviors, prompting action by state officials. According to FOX40, infractions included illegal parking along Foresthill Road, drivers performing unlawful U-turns, and pedestrians crossing in particularly hazardous areas.
The closure, which encompasses the weekend of July 20-21, follows an initial suspension of access on July 14. In efforts to reinstate safe recreational use, California State Parks has been coordinating with Placer County and other local agencies. Deliberating solutions, these closures are temporary but necessary, working diligently to address the perils that face both vehicular and foot traffic on Foresthill Road.
In a statement obtained by Auburn State Recreation Area's Facebook page, Upper Lake Clementine is expected to reopen for weekend day use starting July 27, with the introduction of a new policy requiring reservations for Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The new system, aiming to manage the influx of visitors and enhance safety conditions, also stipulates that weekday access will remain on a first-come, first-served basis.
In that pursuit of public safety, visitors can expect increased signage and improvements to the local infrastructure, an imperative measure to facilitate the effective transition. Information about the new reservation process can be accessed by calling (530) 885-4527, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
