Adventure Pass-Free Day on Saturday

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, an Adventure Pass will not be required in Los Padres National Forest on Saturday, September 24, except in the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, where upkeep and maintenance is contracted with a private concessionaire. Typically the $5 parking pass is required when visiting any maintained picnic or day-use area. Forest visitors who unknowingly validate a daily Adventure Pass on Saturday can have the pass replaced free of charge at most Forest Service offices.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year, nearly 200,000 volunteers helped out at more than 2,000 locations across the country. For more information contact the National Environmental Education Foundation.

In related news, the area declared off-limits due to the Rey Fire has been limited to the actual burn site by Los Padres Forest officials. They request the public remain outside the area so the scorched landscape can “begin the rehabilitation process” and to avoid injury. Paradise Road and the upper Santa Ynez recreaction areas are open again, but if you’re out hiking, forest spokesperson Jennifer Gray said, proceed with caution and avoid the burn areas.