Divided hearing on rebuilding closed part of Hwy 39 in Angeles National Forest

The Angeles National Forest can be described as a collection of rugged mountains, sparkling streams, dark canyons and breathtaking vistas, along with piles of trash, too few rangers, frequent picnic area and campground closures and fragmented access.

On Tuesday night, Caltrans began asking the public to weigh in on a forest access proposal that would reopen a 4.4-mile mountain portion of State Highway 39 closed for 46 years by a rockslide.

The full-build option would reconnect Highway 39 ...