For Immediate Release: 8/28/2014

California State Parks Announces Temporary Closure of Caswell Memorial State Park Overnight Camping Due to Safety Concerns

Contact:

Vicky Waters

Vicky.Waters@parks.ca.gov

916-653-5115

 

Ripon, CA.—California State Parks is announcing today the temporary closure of overnight camping at Caswell Memorial State Park for public safety purposes due to recent incidents of tree branch failures that have resulted in property damages.

Since June, several incidents have been reported of tree limbs falling in the Park. The incidents have resulted in property damage. No injuries have been reported. The number of incidents is higher than normal at Caswell Memorial State Park. State Parks is currently evaluating the situation for further review.

Overnight camping will be closed starting today, and until further notice. Visitors are being notified via phone and email by the State Parks reservations system. Full refunds will be given, or visitors will be accommodated at other campgrounds.

The day-use areas will remain open for Labor Day weekend, but the public is urged to use caution when seeking shade and should avoid sitting or parking under large branches, especially in hot weather.

“State Parks understands that this campground closure will affect many visitors who had reservations for this Labor Day weekend, but we have a responsibility to our visitors to make them aware of any public safety issues,” said Greg Martin, Park Superintendent. “Camping at other nearby parks may be an option for these visitors.”

Caswell Memorial State Park consists of 258 acres of mature oak riparian forest along the Stanislaus River.

For more information regarding this temporary closure visit the Caswell Memorial State Park web page.




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