CAL FIRE Closes Forest Road in Caspar to Prevent Dumping
JDSF Road 500 will remain open to hikers and bikers and mushroom foragers
CAL FIRE has closed Road 500 in Jackson Demonstration State Forest effective immediately, citing an increase in illegal trash dumping and concerns about damage to forest infrastructure during wet weather.
The closure affects Road 500 between County Road 408 and JDSF Road 600.
JDSF Road 500, also known as Caspar 500 Logging Road, can be accessed via Caspar Orchard Road and Highway 20.
According to CAL FIRE, dumping has intensified along Road 500, County Road 408, and other forest roads, prompting the decision to restrict access while cleanup and evaluation efforts continue.
During the closure, all motorized vehicles — including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles — are prohibited, in accordance with state regulations. The road remains open to non-motorized uses such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Forest staff will continue removing illegally dumped materials and assessing long-term solutions to prevent future dumping. CAL FIRE said Road 500 will reopen once conditions improve and the dumping issue has been addressed.
Visitors are encouraged to help protect the forest by packing out trash and reporting illegal dumping. More information, including a map of the forest, is available by contacting the Jackson Demonstration State Forest office at (707) 964-5674 or through its website.