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. Camping fees are collected at self-registration stations located in the campgrounds. Camping fees will be used to support the recreation program including costs associated with maintenance and improvement of campgrounds and facilites, signage, roads, trails, etc. 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. Fees will also be implemented for recreation events requiring special use permits such as organized bike and equestrian rides and races.
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
Public Notices
Seasonal Listings of Open and Closed Roads and Campgrounds (Dry Season, 2013)
Campgrounds are open for the season. Base fee is $15.00 per night.
JDSF 2013 Active Timber Operations Map
Caspar Creek Watershed Research; Implications for Forest Management Workshop, June 28, 2013
TIMBER SALES
Road 80 Timber Sale
- Road 80 Prospectus
- Road 80 Prospectus Map
- Road 80 2013 Timber Sale Agreement
- Road 80 2013 Notice of Sale
- Road 80 2013 Bid Form
- Road 80 2013 Stand + Stock Tables
- Road 80 Additional Information
- Road 80 Revised Summary of Sale (4/18/13)
West Chamberlain Timber Sale
- West Chamberlain Prospectus (with map)
- West Chamberlain 2013 Timber Sale Agreement
- West Chamberlain 2013 Summary Sale Information
- West Chamberlain 2013 Notice of Sale
- West Chamberlain 2013 Bid Form
- West Chamberlain 2013 Pre-bid Tour Questions & Answers
- West Chamberlain 2013 Stand + Stock Tables
Water Gulch Timber Sale (Posted: 3/18/13)
JDSF Programs
Meeting Announcements
- May 23, 2013 Jackson Advisory Group (JAG) Meeting Announcement and Agenda
- April 25, 2013 Timber Harvesting Plan Committee Meeting Announcement
- January 3, 2013, JDSF Recreation Task Force Meeting Announcement and Agenda
Materials
- JAG Summary for the Park Gulch THP
- JAG THP Subcommittee THP Summaries (April 2013)
- JDSF Overview
- JDSF Timber Sales Program
- Harvest Schedule Analysis Report for JAG Recommendations
- A Vision for the Future: The Report of the JDSF Advisory Group, January 15, 2011
Recreation
- Permits and Fees
JDSF Advisory Group