https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/angeles/ale ... d-mt-baldy
The following National Forest System Trails are temporarily closed:
Mt. Baldy Trail (Trail No. 7W12)
Mt. Baldy Bowl Trail (Trail No. 7W02)
Devils Backbone Trail (Trail No. 7W05)
Three T’s Trail (Trail No. 7W06)
Icehouse Canyon Trail (Trail No. 7W07)
Chapman Trail (Trail No. 7W07A)
Ontario Peak Trail (Trail No. 7W08)
Alert Start Date: February 10, 2026
Alert End Date: February 23, 2026
A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
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Fucking stupid, but what do we expect anymore?
Another Baldy Area Closure
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AW~
- Posts: 2109
- Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2007 12:00 pm
Ive been reading about this...mess. The SB sheriffs supposedly have turned their tech on forest users...and merged with the San Dimas janitorial police force. Just missing ice in the mix...well, actually the AI says not so fast since the forest is not a sanctuary.
"Courts have ruled that the Fourth Amendment’s protection doesn’t extend to "open fields" or wooded areas. Law enforcement (Forest Service or Sheriff) can often search "open" areas—like your picnic setup, your gear on the ground, or even look into your vehicle windows—without a warrant, simply because you are in a public, undeveloped space. In California, you are generally not required to show ID unless you are being lawfully detained or arrested. However, the East Fork Task Force uses "Administrative Citations" as a workaround. They will stop you for a minor "forest regulation" (like moving a rock in the river or being in a "closed" zone). To write the ticket, they require your "true name." Starting in January 2026, many "America the Beautiful" passes went digital.If a deputy asks to see your digital pass on your phone, do not hand them your unlocked phone."
The San Bernardino Sheriff (SBSD) Aviation Unit and the ground patrols at the Shinn Road gate are operating on a 24/7 enforcement cycle during this February 10–23 emergency closure. Under California law (and reinforced by the Federal Code of Regulations, 36 CFR 261.13), if a vehicle is parked at a trailhead that is officially closed by a Forest Order, the Registered Owner is presumed to be the one who put it there. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Aviation Unit uses high-resolution cameras to link the hikers they see on the ridge to the vehicle sitting at the bottom (Manker Flat or Shinn Road). Once they have the plate, the "Synced" system pulls your name and address from the DMV automatically.
There are two ways they hit the owner:The Parking Violation: This is the small part (usually around $130–$250).
The Forest Order Violation: This is the big one. Under 16 U.S.C. § 551, violating a closure order is a federal misdemeanor. If the vehicle is the "instrument" used to access the closed area, the registered owner is served a summons.
Recent California legislation (SB 1276) actually authorized agencies to mail these citations directly to the registered owner if the vehicle was "unattended" during the violation in a prohibited location.
If you don't have a resident ID or a business permit, they are performing "Education Stops." They explain the $5,000 fine and the current Forest Order (05-01-26-06).
The "Voice of God": The PA systems on the 40-King ships are calibrated to be heard over high-velocity mountain winds. This is what hikers are currently hearing during the February 10–23 emergency closure.
"Courts have ruled that the Fourth Amendment’s protection doesn’t extend to "open fields" or wooded areas. Law enforcement (Forest Service or Sheriff) can often search "open" areas—like your picnic setup, your gear on the ground, or even look into your vehicle windows—without a warrant, simply because you are in a public, undeveloped space. In California, you are generally not required to show ID unless you are being lawfully detained or arrested. However, the East Fork Task Force uses "Administrative Citations" as a workaround. They will stop you for a minor "forest regulation" (like moving a rock in the river or being in a "closed" zone). To write the ticket, they require your "true name." Starting in January 2026, many "America the Beautiful" passes went digital.If a deputy asks to see your digital pass on your phone, do not hand them your unlocked phone."
The San Bernardino Sheriff (SBSD) Aviation Unit and the ground patrols at the Shinn Road gate are operating on a 24/7 enforcement cycle during this February 10–23 emergency closure. Under California law (and reinforced by the Federal Code of Regulations, 36 CFR 261.13), if a vehicle is parked at a trailhead that is officially closed by a Forest Order, the Registered Owner is presumed to be the one who put it there. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Aviation Unit uses high-resolution cameras to link the hikers they see on the ridge to the vehicle sitting at the bottom (Manker Flat or Shinn Road). Once they have the plate, the "Synced" system pulls your name and address from the DMV automatically.
There are two ways they hit the owner:The Parking Violation: This is the small part (usually around $130–$250).
The Forest Order Violation: This is the big one. Under 16 U.S.C. § 551, violating a closure order is a federal misdemeanor. If the vehicle is the "instrument" used to access the closed area, the registered owner is served a summons.
Recent California legislation (SB 1276) actually authorized agencies to mail these citations directly to the registered owner if the vehicle was "unattended" during the violation in a prohibited location.
If you don't have a resident ID or a business permit, they are performing "Education Stops." They explain the $5,000 fine and the current Forest Order (05-01-26-06).
The "Voice of God": The PA systems on the 40-King ships are calibrated to be heard over high-velocity mountain winds. This is what hikers are currently hearing during the February 10–23 emergency closure.