FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASE DATE:             AUGUST 6, 2026

RUN THROUGH DATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

FROM:                                 MCKINLEYVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

                                                KIRSTEN MESSMER, PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR

(707) 839-3251

SUBJECT:                           TEMPORARY CLOSURE – MURRAY ROAD PARKING AREA AND PORTIONS OF THE MCKINLEYVILLE COMMUNITY FOREST

McKinleyville, CA – Beginning in mid-August 2026, the Murray Road Parking Area and portions of the McKinleyville Community Forest may be temporarily closed to allow hazardous fuels reduction work associated with the Murray Road Fuel Break Project. This project is part of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Phase VI and focuses on reducing fuels along Murray Road, a key ingress and egress route between McKinleyville and Fieldbrook. The work will improve wildfire preparedness by reducing ladder fuels, enhancing firefighter access, and helping provide safer evacuation routes for the surrounding community.

The Murray Road Fuel Break Project is one of five wildfire prevention projects being implemented through the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Phase VI grant. The Humboldt County Resource Conservation District (HCRCD) serves as the project lead in partnership with the McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD), Green Diamond Resource Company, and other local partners to reduce wildfire risk and improve community resilience throughout Humboldt County.

This collaborative project is designed to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and increase the resilience of the wildland-urban interface surrounding the McKinleyville Community Forest.

For the safety of the public and project crews, please respect all posted closure signs and do not enter closed areas while work is underway.

MCSD will provide updates on its website and social media as work progresses and will reopen affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this important wildfire prevention project is completed. For more information, please contact Kirsten Messmer, MCSD Parks & Recreation Director at kirsten@mckinleyvillecsd.com.

Funding Acknowledgement

Funding for this project provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program.

 

Community Wildfire Protection Plan Phase VI, is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Invest program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

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