Drought Prompts San Mateo County Parks to

Cancel June Camping in Memorial County Park

Redwood City, Calif. – The drought has dramatically affected the water level in Pescadero Creek, the only source of water to Memorial County Park in Loma Mar, California. Today, the San Mateo County Parks Department announced that it will cancel all camping activity in Memorial Park for the remainder of June in order to preserve water and ensure the health and safety of park visitors and area residents.

Previous assessments of Pescadero Creek by Park staff projected a 20-to30-day water supply based on normal weather and use. However, the recent hot weather caused the creek level to drop further and increased water temperatures causing algea to bloom. Rangers are monitoring the creek and water quality on an on-going basis. Their assessments will determine if further closures are warranted.

Park staff will contact everyone who holds a camping reservation through June 30 by phone or email.  Campers will be offered the opportunity to reschedule their reservations for the same dates and length of stay for 2015, or a full refund, including any processing fees.

Some services at Sam McDonald County Park, which receives its water from Alpine Creek through Community Service Area 7, will be curtailed. For example, Jack Brook Horse Camp will be open, though showers and horse wash areas will be closed.  Drinking water and rest rooms will be available. Youth campsites will be open. Portable toilets with hand-washing stations will be located in the parking lot.

All services at Pescadero Creek Park, including hike-in sites Shaw Flat Trail Camp and Tarwater Trail Camp will be open. Campers must receive a camping permit from rangers at Memorial County Park prior to camping.

San Mateo County Parks is committed to providing the highest level of service possible while managing a very limited resource. The Department will work to keep park visitors informed of the status of the Pescadero Creek and all services affected by the drought.

For more information, please contact:

Marlene Finley, San Mateo County Parks Director

(650) 599-1394 or MFinley@smcgov.org