Forest Order Prohibits Recreational Target Shooting in Cherry Creek

This order is required by a 2009 federal court decision that determined the Los Padres management plan failed to adequately protect Southern California steelhead trout.

Violators face a $5,000 fine or six months imprisonment, or both.

The area in which recreational target shooting is prohibited begins at the Sespe River and continues east one-third of a mile, extends south along the drainage boundary to the Matilija Creek watershed boundary, then continues west 1.75 miles along the ridgeline, and runs north along the drainage boundary back to the starting point.

The court order directs the Forest to work with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries to complete an amended Biological Opinion to determine if human activities are having an adverse impact on the Southern California steelhead trout, which was listed as an endangered species in 1997.

This Forest Order does not impact hunting of game in the Cherry Creek area. All hunters are reminded they must be in compliance with California law and possess a valid hunting license.

The Forest Order and a detailed map of the area can be viewed on the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.