Story by Eyewitness News producer Tamara Christian

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The U.S. Forest Service has completed a nationwide inventory and review of recreation fees in what the agency calls "High Impact Recreation Areas."

If changes are implemented, the public could see a substantial reduction in where fees are required in national forests. However, the final decisions are being left to local managers, so whether there will be actual change on the grounds is uncertain.

Locally, the Lake Isabella "High Impact Recreation Area" could be eliminated. The $10 a day use fee would be dropped, and fees would be charged only for developed campgrounds.

A big rig carrying 4,000 gallons of propane crashed on Highway 178 near China Garden Road just before 3 p.m. Saturday, prompting officials to close traffic in both directions through the canyon.

The investigation and cleanup were being handled by California Highway Patrol officers and Caltrans. The road closure was expected to last late into the night and possibly until early Sunday.

A rear-tank on the big rig sprung a leak when it struck the side of the mountain about one-half mile west of the Democrat Station. Fire officials said the first arriving crews were able to isolate the hazard. The tanker was parked in a safe turnout. Traffic was closed to prevent any exposures.

The crash site is about halfway between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella.

Another tanker was brought in to off-load the fuel.