Even though the Greenhorn Creek recreation area has been closed to all vehicles for 6 years, the amount of trash and debris that’s still being left there is described as “disheartening” by Debra Ann Brabazon with the Nevada City office of the Tahoe National Forest. She says it’s gone well beyond bottles, cans, and paper food wrappers for a number of years…

click to listen to Debra Ann Brabazon

And Brabazon says that’s increasing water pollution, especially during the winter, when drainage can extend to Rollins Reservoir and also has the potential to impact Nevada City’s watershed. She says people also burn some of this debris, creating air pollution that can also be hazardous for the people doing the burning. So patrols and surveillance have been increased to beyond daytime hours during the week. Brabazon says education has not worked with everyone and they’re ready to issue more citations…

click to listen to Debra Ann Brabazon

Brabazon says some people are still finding ways to get around boulders that have blocked off vehicle access. Some boulders have been re-arranged and more signage has been posted. The public can still park within the Buckeye Road Crossing area, defined by the boulder arrangement.