Overgrazing later prompted settlers to petition the U.S. Government to create the Warner Mountain and Modoc Forest Reserves in 1904 which later became the Modoc National Forest in 1908. Mining also contributed to the local history in the Hayden Hill Mining District south of Big Valley in the late 19th century and the High Grade Mining District in the Warner Mountains in the early 20th century. By the 1930s logging operation s increased with logging railroads and company towns and camps like Tionesta and Long Bell Camp One. Also during this era young men enrolled in President Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps constructed roads and other improvements across the Forest. These men built lookouts like Sugar Hill and administrative structures, such as Patterson Guard Station , which are still in use.
Violators are subject to arrest.
Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 as amended 1988. 16 U.S.C. 470ee Cultural resource laws are strictly enforced on all National Forests. Fort Bidwell in Surprise Valley was the site of a cavalry unit established in the 1860's to protect settlers against Indian attach. Abandoned homesteads dot the Forest and represent the failed hopes and dreams of early settlers. Happy Camp and Sugar Hill Lookouts offer splendid views and illustrate early Forest Service conservation history.