Tahoe National Forest extends Mosquito Ridge Road closure

Tahoe National Forest has extended the Forest Order closing Forest System Road 96 (Mosquito Ridge Road) through June 30, 2024. The road suffered damage during the 2022 Mosquito Fire with additional degradation occurring during subsequent unprecedented winter storms and wet weather. Due to the road's significant damage, it is being re-engineered to account for the sufficient drainage, grading and retaining walls needed, extending the reconstruction timeline. The Federal Highways Administration is managing the repair and reconstruction of the road. "We are eager to reopen Mosquito Ridge Road as soon as possible when repairs are complete and the road is safe for public use," said Tahoe National Forest American River District Ranger Michelle Barry. "The contractor completing the repairs is using every opportunity of good weather to safely complete this challenging construction project." The road has been closed since the evening of Sept. 6, 2022, when the Mosquito Fire was first detected. The fire burned more than 76,000 acres east of Foresthill, predominantly on the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests. The fire reached 100-percent containment on Oct. 22, 2022. The road is closed to all public traffic, including by foot, bicycle or any other method. Violating this Forest Order is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. The Forest Order may be rescinded before June 30 if road repairs are completed.