In December 2005, in order to protect critical habitat of the mountain yellow-legged frog, the Forest Service closed approximately 1,000 acres in the upper Little Rock Creek drainage in the San Gabriel Mountains. The closed area includes Williamson Rock, and the Pacific Crest Trail between Eagle's Roost and the Burkhart Trail. Angeles Crest Highway (SR2) was also closed at Cedar Springs, just west of Eagles Roost, but has since been re-opened to Islip Saddle. On May 27, 2007, it looked like the road past Islip was being resurfaced.

On May 8, 2007, Angeles National Forest issued a press release and scoping letter, proposing to "develop a trail that will protect the mountain yellow-legged frog and its critical habitat, while also providing access to the Williamson Rock," and has requested that all interested parties provide written comments by June 6, 2007.

Williamson Rock is an area of exceptional scenic and recreational value. Because of its proximity to Los Angeles and its suburbs, variety of climbing routes, scenic beauty, and moderate sunmmertime temperatures, it is one of the most popular rock climbing areas in Southern California. Hopefully the Forest Service will move forward with its proposal and re-open this key recreational resource.

For more information and sample comment letters, see the Friends of Williamson Rock blog.

The photograph of Williamson Rock was taken on the PCT while doing the run Pleasant View Ridge on July 2, 2006.

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