Cleveland National Forest

Two off-duty military personnel were killed Friday when their plane crashed in the Pine Hills area of the Cleveland National Forest near Julian, officials said. The two, whose names were withheld pending notification of their families, were in a light plane belonging to the North Island Flying Club. The club is open for recreational flying for military members.

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input as it begins to update its management plan for the Cleveland National Forest and three other Southern California forests. The plan, scheduled to be completed in 2003, will govern rare species protection, cellular phone antennas, off-road vehicle use and other issues in the national forests for 10 to 15 years. "The land management plan will be sort of like our bible," said Clem Lagrosa, Trabuco district ranger.

The season's first major brush fire, which officials are tentatively blaming on sparks from target shooting, was under control Monday after scorching 650 acres in the Cleveland National Forest. The blaze ignited Saturday afternoon about 4 miles north of Ramona and spread under strong winds, according to U.S. Forestry Service officials.

Federal forest officials have announced that most of the Cleveland National Forest, including large portions in Orange County, will be closed Friday because of extremely dry conditions. The forest will be open for recreational use in developed areas such as Blue Jay Campground, Falcon Campground, El Cariso Picnic Area, Upper San Juan Campground and Killen Truck Trail/South Main Divide.

Visitors to the Cleveland National Forest and three other Southern California forests will be charged a $5 daily fee per vehicle starting June 16. The fees, instituted as part of a three-year test program, are needed to reverse past budget cuts and shore up aging facilities, national forest officials said last week. An annual pass will cost $30. The program also includes the Angeles, Los Padres and San Bernardino national forests. Daily passes will be available June 9.