Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest

Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest is a nearly 3,500-acre forest located in southern Lake County, California, about 50 miles inland from the Pacific shoreline and 75 air miles north of San Francisco. CAL FIRE acquired the forest in 1949 after most of the merchantable timber had already been harvested. The forest is characterized by gently rolling terrain bordered by two mountain peaks, and geologically, it is complex, with various types of volcanic rock exposed.

In 2015, the Valley Fire burned through 99% of the forest, killing about 80% of mature trees and 95% of the understory regeneration. Reforestation efforts have included salvage logging operations and the planting of over 700,000 tree seedlings of species such as Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. The forest has a diverse range of vegetation, with manzanita being the most predominant at lower elevations and mixed conifer forest at upper elevations.

The forest is also home to hardwood species such as canyon live oak, black oak, dogwood, and madrone. Hunting is permitted under state game laws, and pets are welcome but must be leashed and controlled.

Forest Stats:

Established: 1949
Area: 3,493 acres
Elevation: 2,400 - 3,750ft
Precipitation: 71in per year 
Temperature: Max: 100 F - Min: 13 F

Forest Map 2023

Ariel view of the boggs demonstration state forest.

Research

Numerous research projects are underway at BMDSF. Two of the large scale research projects undertaken on BMDSF after the Valley fire are Monitoring Impacts of Fire on Watersheds at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest and Fire Effects, Carbon, and Forest Regeneration. These studies are designed to gather data on the impacts of post-fire recovery strategies. These projects are monitoring the effects of post fire salvage logging and site preparation on post fire recovery.

Boggs Mountain Research Video 

Demonstration

Boggs DSF is managed as a working forest which facilitates research and demonstrates diverse timber management practices to private timberland owners and the public at large. Current emphasis will be on restocking the Forest so that it may be utilized for these purposes again. The long-term objective will be to establish a dynamic mosaic of diverse forest structures and a high productive capacity. This management approach will produce a sustainable harvest of high quality timber products, support biological diversity, and ensure opportunities for future forestry research

Recreation

While the primary management objective at BMDSF is research and demonstration, recreation is identified in the Management Plan as a secondary use. As such recreational opportunities exist such as hiking, biking, and equestrian use along the recently reconstructed trail alignments. Hunting in season game is permitted on BMDSF however target shooting is prohibited. BMDSF also manages 4 seasonal campgrounds: Calso Camp, Ridge Camp, Group Camp and Horse Camp.

Certain rules and regulations are designed to protect the health and quality of the forest and safety of users. We ask for your cooperation in observing the following rules and regulations that are not limited to, in making Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest a safe and more enjoyable place to visit.

1.  The forest is open for day use from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. 
2.  Camping is allowed in designated campsites while open. See "Camping" for status and information.
3.  Recreational target shooting is prohibited.
4.  Hunting is allowed for in season game only.
5.  Restrict motor vehicle use to existing mapped and numbered roads. No off roading or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use is permitted.
6.  No rock, soil, greenery, forest product, trees or plants shall be cut, defaced, or removed without written permission.
7.  Pets shall be confined or under restrictive control by owner and leashed no longer than 6 feet.
8.  No person shall disturb any object or thing of archaeological or historical interest or value.
9.  No person shall deface, damage or destroy any structure, facility, equipment or property within a State Forest.
10. Be respectful and stay on the forest property while recreating near private land ownership.

Please be aware of your surroundings and abide by the Local, State, and Federal laws. All roads, trails, and structures on and adjacent to Boggs Mountain DSF are applicable to Gun Free School Zone Act of 1995 and CDFW code Article 1. Methods of Taking [3000-3087] 3004.

  • (a) It is unlawful for a person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, while within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building, or within 150 yards of a barn or other outbuilding used in connection with an occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building, to either hunt or discharge a firearm or other deadly weapon while hunting. The 150-yard area is a "safety zone."
  • (b) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt over or across a public road or other established way open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 154, Sec. 60. (AB 1527) Effective January 1, 2016.)
  • Visit www.wildlife.ca.gov for fishing, hunting, licensing, conservation and learning information.

Guidelines For Wildlife Viewing:

  • Don't disturb wildlife: Do not feed, touch, tease, or frighten wildlife
  • Stay on trails: Stay on established trails and keep human presence in predictable areas
  • Keep your distance: Remain at least a certain distance from wildlife, such as 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears and larger predators
  • Be aware of vehicles: Follow speed limits and watch for wildlife that may dart into the road. When you want to stop to watch wildlife, pull your vehicle completely off of the road into a designated pull-out
  • Pack out your trash: Remove your garbage and secure your food
  • Don't use wildlife calls: Stay quiet and do not use bird calls or wildlife calls and attractants
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles. With the guidelines above, maintain a low impact as possible while visiting

All campgrounds are CLOSED for the winter season.

BMDSF staff and the Friends of Boggs Mountain (FOBM) nonprofit 501c3 group are currently working on a restoration project to bring back the trail system on BMDSF supported by donations and volunteers. Several trail alignments for an approximate 14 miles have been restored and are open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding during daylight hours only. To prevent trail destruction, unauthorized trail construction and motorized vehicles including E-bikes are NOT permitted.

For trail updates and how to get involved, visit https://boggsmountain.org/

Monitoring Impacts of Fire on Watersheds at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest This study’s objectives are to quantify the impacts of different burn severities on runoff and erosion, assess the impacts of post-fire salvage logging and site preparation on runoff and erosion, and to assess processes that control post-fire and post-salvage erosion

Fire Effects, Carbon, and Forest Regeneration - The research and goals associated with this study are divided into two phases, where the first phase is based on an observational study involving data collection from the CFI permanent plots established throughout the forest. This analysis forms the basis for estimating direct impacts of the fire on vegetation, fire hazards, and carbon stocks. A second phase of research is based on a manipulative experiment looking at the influence of salvage logging and site preparation techniques on post-fire forest recovery.

Noncommercial use firewood, rock and mushroom gathering permits are issued by appointment only.

  • Permits are 20$ cash/check only and are valid 1 year from date of issue.

For special activities or events, a Special Use Permit may be issued by Forest staff through the application process. Contact the Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest at 707-928-4378.