(March 2, 2022 – BISHOP, CA) Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges members of the public to avoid undeveloped areas from East Line Street to Warm Springs Road in the Artesian Springs area in order to help protect the Owens River riparian corridor damaged as a result of the wind-driven Airport Fire that started on February 16.
Approximately 4,000 acres of LADWP property along the Owens River from Bishop to Big Pine burned in the wildfire. The damage to the unique plant communities near the river banks is extensive, but because of the nature of the fire – high intensity and short burn duration – LADWP expects vegetation recovery will be vigorous in most locations.
However, the primary threat to a full recovery is uncontrolled recreational activities. LADWP is urging recreationists to stay on existing roads, avoid driving and parking on the blackened burn areas, and only recreate in developed areas while the land heals.
LADWP will be installing restoration signs throughout the burn area to increase awareness to the public. As part of this work, some access roads may be temporarily closed.
LADWP thanks residents and visitors to the Eastern Sierra for their understanding and cooperation. For further information on LADWP activities in the Eastern Sierra visit LADWPEasternSierra.com.
