Jackson

Established: 1949
Area: 48,652 acres
Elevation: 80 - 2,200 ft.
Precipitation: 39 in per year along coast
70 in per year inland Temperature: Max: 100 F - Min: 25 F

Jackson is the largest of CAL FIRE's eight demonstration state forests. Located in the middle of California's coastal redwood region, on the western edge of Mendocino County at Fort Bragg. The area has a long history of industrial logging activity, which began in 1862 and continued under private ownership until the State's purchase of the property in 1947. Today, more forest growth occurs each year than is harvested. The most common tree on the forest is coast redwood, but visitors will also find Douglas fir, grand fir, hemlock, bishop pine, tanoak, alder, madrone and bay myrtle.

Three demonstration trails have been developed with trail guides to inform visitors about the ecology, history and management of the redwood forest. There are also numerous hiking trails situated in historically and ecologically interesting settings, such as the Waterfall Grove Trail and the Forest History Trail. Recreational activities include camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming and picnicking.

There are two main overnight camping areas with a number of campsites, including equestrian camps. There is no fee for camping. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. There is no water at the campsites or day use areas. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. Permits are required for overnight camping and group events, firewood cutting and mushroom harvesting. Hunting is allowed in season. No fishing is allowed per Department of Fish and Game rules.

For More Information
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Jackson Demonstration State Forest
802 North Main
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-5674

Advisory Group Discussion Space

The JDSF Advisory Group has set up a discussion space on Google Groups. Advisory Group members and CAL FIRE staff can post comments and documents here; members of the public can view this material but cannot post items. This site is hosted outside of the CAL FIRE website. Anyone may access the discussion space via the following link:

http://groups.google.com/group/jackson-advisory-group

The Advisory Group created this space to facilitate discussion of issues and provide public access to that discussion and related information. In addition to viewing the materials posted there, members of the public can sign up to receive e-mails alerting them of new postings.