Chile's CONAF Extends Closure of Valparaíso Protected Areas

The Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) announced that the preventive closure of three protected areas in the Valparaíso Region will be extended until Friday, 31 July. The closures affect Parque Nacional La Campana (Olmué and Hijuelas), Reserva Nacional Lago Peñuelas (Valparaíso) and Reserva Nacional El Yali (Santo Domingo).

These sites remain hazardous after recent frontal weather systems left trails flooded, trees downed and slopes unstable. CONAF regional head Marcelo Pérez said rangers are clearing paths and performing maintenance to enable a prompt reopening. He added that Parque Nacional Archipiélago Juan Fernández and the sanctuary Laguna El Peral are already open to the public.