OHV Volunteer Workday at Stonyford - Let's Get Ready to Ride!

The Recreation HQ looks forward to working with OHV volunteers at the Sept. 20 volunteer workday at the Stonyford OHV Area.

The FS OHV program manager sends this invitation to interested parties.  Let’s have a great turnout in preparation for the 2014-2015 riding season on the Mendocino. 

Please RSVP to Sarah at:   sridenour@fs.fed.us

Hello,

Volunteers and certified Chainsaw Operators, we need your help at our next volunteer event on Sept 20th.  We will be checking trails, removing hazards & repairing trail braiding for this year’s Enduro season.  We will meet at the Fouts maintenance yard at 10am. 9/20/2014

Plan on being out on the trails all day returning around 3pm.

What to Bring:

•             Bikes, side x sides, ATV’s, 4x4, etc.

•             Certified saw operators can bring their chainsaws and safety gear

Don’t forget your 15 Essentials for trail riding;

•             Multi tool(s)

•             Backpack w/hydration systems (water)

•             food (Lunch)

•             Tow rope or tie down

•             tire repair kit

•             First Aid Kit

•             Matches or a lighter

•             Map (will be provided)

•             cell phone

•             camera (go pro)

•             zip ties

•             tape

•             sun screen,

•             hand saw

•             safety gear (gloves, helmet, goggles, boots, chaps, hard hats, ear protection, etc..) if you do not have safety gear we should be able to accommodate you. 

Hope to see you here!!

Thank you,

Sarah Ridenour-Chamberlin

Off Highway Vehicle Program Manager

Mendocino National Forest

Grindstone Ranger District

5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Rd

Stonyford, CA 95979

Office (530) 963-1327

Cell (408) 449-2171

The HQ wants to thank all of the volunteers who continue to help with the post-Mill Fire trail rehab.

UPDATE - Mendocino NF Subpart A Travel Management Meetings - Red Bluff is Tonight!

FS Road Spokesman, Ken Wysocki, Reviews Road Maint. Cost Chart

The Recreation HQ attended the Mendocino NF’s Subpart A Road meeting last night in Ukiah.  The Forest had prepared various “discussion stations” where agency specialists were available to review the road network and how they relate to resource, fire, and recreational activities.

Lone Motorcycle at the Ukiah Mendo Road Workshop

 HQ believes that access interests should come prepared for tonight’s meeting in Red Bluff with ideas and suggestions on how forest roads are used and/or could be used for forest health, resource management, and recreation.

Based on last night’s meeting, I suggest that you should be able to:

Highlight existing OHV recreational opportunities and how roads relate their use.

Identify ML 3 roads that could be reclassified as ML 2 roads for backcountry OHV touring and extended loop opportunities.

Identify ML1 roads (many are administratively closed to the public) that could provide looped OHV opportunity if they were open and managed as a motorized trail.

Identify ML 3 roads that should be designated as Mixed-Use to provide connectivity for non-street legal OHV recreation and touring opportunities.

Identify County road segments that could provide connectivity to the OHV trail network.   Work with county officials to have the county designate them as Combined Use (for paved sections) or Non-Highway (for native surfaced county roads) for use by green-sticker vehicles.  HQ believes that counties have an important role to play as a partner with users and the FS to create new OHV tourism opportunities.

Link to Meeting Information

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3798728

 

The start/end time for the event is 3:30pm – 6:30pm the last meeting is listed below (however, I understand the Forest might hold another meeting in June)

May 14 - Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Camp Discovery Group Camp

Shannon Pozas, the Forest’s road engineer states, “ To be clear, this is not a proposal or decision document, but a transportation study that will help inform future road management planning and can serve as an additional resource in future multiple resource projects,” said Pozas.  “Similar to the MVUM, this document will continue to evolve and change over the years, with opportunities for interested public to share their thoughts and engage in the process.”

As you may know, Forest Service System Roads are the backbone of the Mendocino National Forest’s OHV program.  Many are managed as OHV trails for dirt-bike, ATV, SxS, and 4WD use.  Some roads are designated as “Mixed Use” which allows for use by non-street legal OHVs. Other roads provide connector routes between the trail systems and Ranger Districts.  Roads also provide general public access for hunting, firewood, and driving for pleasure.

HQ has been disappointed in the turnout so far by access interests.  The turnouts have been dismal.  HQ hopes folks will attend the meeting tonight and share their views with the agency. 

ACTION ALERT - Mendocino NF Holds Subpart A "Road" Meetings May 8-14

M5 is a FS System Road that allows for Mixed-Use by

Green-Sticker OHVs

The Recreation HQ wants to alert OHV enthusiasts about the ongoing public meetings (May 6-14 at various locations) the Mendocino National Forest are holding related to Subpart A of the Travel Management Rule.    

Link to Meeting Information

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3798728

  

The start/end time for each event is 3:30pm – 6:30pm and dates/location are as follows:

May 8 - Covelo Round Valley Library Community Room (23925 Howard St, Covelo)

May 13 - Ukiah BLM Field Office (2550 North State Street)

May 14 - Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Camp Discovery Group Camp

Shannon Pozas, the Forest’s road engineer states, “ To be clear, this is not a proposal or decision document, but a transportation study that will help inform future road management planning and can serve as an additional resource in future multiple resource projects,” said Pozas.  “Similar to the MVUM, this document will continue to evolve and change over the years, with opportunities for interested public to share their thoughts and engage in the process.”

As you may know, Forest Service System Roads are the backbone of the Mendocino National Forest’s OHV program.  Many are managed as OHV trails for dirt-bike, ATV, SxS, and 4WD use.  Some roads are designated as “Mixed Use” which allows for use by non-street legal OHVs. Other roads provide connector routes between the trail systems and Ranger Districts.  Roads also provide general public access for hunting, firewood, and driving for pleasure.

HQ urges riders and clubs to attend these meetings if at all possible.  If you can’t make it, try and have a friend or representative attend.  HQ believes it is important for users to attend these public formats to show your support for access to the Forest. 

I will be attending the May 13 meeting in Ukiah on behalf of BRC and QWR.  Thanks for your review of this alert.  

*Please fwd. to your OHV network.

Budget Deal Today!? - Let's Get OHV Areas Reopened and Permit Upcoming Events

After watching the Congressional hearing this am regarding the NPS’s implementation of shutdown –related closures and based on breaking news in D.C., HQ believes that a short-term budget deal will be reached today and signed into law by President Obama.

 

Politico Article on Potential Deal

http://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/10/white-house-there-are-no-winners-here-175216.html

 

One of the hearing’s prime takeaways is the glaring need to reform the Anti-Deficiency Act.  It is clearly out-of-date and has been used as an excuse to furlough federal land management staff that many of us feel are “essential personnel.”   Since Congress passed legislation early in the shutdown to pay the furloughed employees, they should have either amended that Act  to allow those employees to work during the shutdown or declare federal recreation staff as essential personnel.

 

HQ urges FS and BLM staff to please communicate with the public ASAP regarding the reopening of federal campgrounds, recreation areas, and the granting of permits for upcoming OHV events.

Take Time to Enjoy Family OHV Recreation

Ellen Amador on her Yamaha TTR225 on Auk Auk Ridge

 

While Congress is still on their August recess, I wanted to take a short break from the land-use battles to share a lighter moment regarding family-oriented OHV recreation.   Here at the HQ, we spend a lot of time out with clubs, user groups, and agency folks working on access and recreation issues.  We don’t often highlight the fun aspects of our sport and how it can provide for some great family time.

 

Earlier this summer, I took my wife, Ellen, out for a camp trip on the Mendocino NF to tour the trails impacted by the 2012 Mill Fire and to also ride on some of our old favorite routes.

 

Ellen had not been on a trail bike for a number of years and it was great to see her out having fun and riding her bike.

 

Please enjoy this short video of Ellen on 18N03 about 2 miles south of where 18N03 intersects with M3.

 

Video of Ellen on Her TTR225

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucr4IQm0SVo&feature=youtu.be

 

Have a great rest of the summer and here is to a great riding season!  See you on the trail.

 

Don

OHVers Mourn Loss of 19 Firefighters in AZ

Tribute to 19 Firefighters Killed on July 19, 1953

by the Rattlesnake Fire on the Mendocino NF

 

The Recreation HQ wants to extend its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the 19 wildland firefighters who were killed Sunday night in the Yarnell Hill Fire.  That fire is fiercely burning near Prescott, Arizona.

 

The OHV community feels this loss since it is often wildland firefighters who train for such events by doing trail maintenance on motorized routes.  They also help with post-fire rehab of recreation sites by falling hazard trees and clearing debris.

 

 

Fire Crews Protecting Ranch in 2012 Mill Fire 

 

Many Forest Service and BLM OHV recreation staff come from the fire discipline.  In the summer, some get called to fight fires.  Also, agency line-officers often have a background in firefighting.

 

HQ feels a great sense of loss at this tragic event.  Next time you see a wildland firefighter… give them a heartfelt thank you.

 

Town of Stonyford Welcomes OHV Community Back to the Mendocino NF

Phil Ray (L), longtime resident of Stonyford and owner of Honda/Kawasaki/KTM

of Modesto, and Don Amador (R), owner of QWR and West. Rep. of BRC sit on historic

landmark bench in front of the Stonyford General Store

 

On behalf of the Town of Stonyford, HQ wants to extend a warm welcome to all the OHVers who have waited for almost one year to return to their favorite riding area.  I had a coffee conference this am with several of the City Fathers and business owners who are excited about having the off-road community back on the Forest.   They said it has not been the same with everybody gone.

 

Restored Trail Thru Impacted Area

Actually, it has been a real hardship for the local grocery store to stay in business during the closure period.  HQ is encouraging riders to stop by the store on your way up to Fouts and Davis Flats this weekend and buy some provisions.  The store has everything from fine cuts of rib-eye steaks to 120-link #520 chain.  When you are in there, be sure and say hi to the store’s owner, Trish Dearman.

 

Trail Marker with Vehicle Types Allowed

 

HQ expects the route network to be about 99% open with the exception of a couple very steep short sections off of Sullivan and Little Sullivan Ridges.

New Trail Width Restrictor

Again, riders can do their part to celebrate the reopening of Stonyford by riding only on designated and signed routes and honoring the vehicle width restrictions.  The agency has worked hard to install width restrictors to help the public identify which routes are appropriate and legal for their vehicle types.  The vertical trail markers should also have the symbol of the vehicle type allowed.

THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON YOU

 

 

Have a fun and safe weekend at Stonyford!

 

# # #

 

 

 

 

Stonyford Set to Reopen June 1 - Stay on Designated Routes

The Recreation HQ is very proud of all the trail volunteers and agency staff who have worked hard since last fall to help prepare damaged routes in preparation for the long anticipated June 1, 2013 reopening of the Stonyford OHV Area to non-street legal and street legal OHVs.

 

As many of you know, this area on the Mendocino National Forest was hit hard in July 2012 by the Mill Fire which burned about 82K areas in the heart of the trail system.  As it reopens, HQ wants to remind riders to stay on the designated route network. 

Much of the natural vegetation that helped delineate the trails was destroyed in the fire.  Vegetation that once obscured old skid roads and closed routes that are not part of the designated trail network is also gone and riders will have to pay careful attention to make sure they are on a legal route.

Staying on designated routes will be critically important in helping to keep the area open for OHV use through this summer and into the fall riding season.  There is still a lot of work to do but staying on the legal routes is one thing that you can do to help ensure continued OHV access to the area.

When you are on the trail, be sure and look for route markers that identify legal routes.  The FS staff and volunteers have worked hard to help get trails marked and install or rebuild erosion control measures such as rolling dips and catch basins.  Be sure and thank the FS staff when you see them on opening weekend.

 

HQ wishes all OHVers who have waited patiently for the area to reopen the very best and hopes to see you on the trail or at a volunteer work event.

 

# # #

Nor Cal OHV, Enduro, Dual Sport Alert - Comment on Young's Corral OHV Trail Project

The Recreation HQ is issuing an ACTION ALERT for all those OHVers and dual-sport enthusiasts from around the county and elsewhere (including Canada, Europe, etc.) who have ridden on the Mendocino National Forest to send in a short comment letter regarding a very important project (comments due May 24) on the Young’s Corral OHV Trail Project.

Link to Project Description, etc.

http://brc1.us/wp5i0zp

The Upper Lake Ranger District is proposing to construct a short ½ mile section of trail to re-connect riding opportunities between the Upper Lake and Grindstone (e.g. Stonyford) Ranger Districts.  The proposed project will provide an important connector on the Mendocino OHV Corridor.  Currently, there is no legal access on this route due to easement issues with a private property owner.  To correct the issue and respect private property rights, the agency is proposing a short bypass that will, once again, allow casual use and permitted OHV/ dual-sport events on that route. 

 

After you review the project (it is basically just a one pager), please send a comment to the District Ranger, Lee Johnson, at: comments-pacificsouthwest-mendocino-upperlake@fs.fed.us

 

***************************************************************

SAMPLE LETTER

 

Lee Johnson, District Ranger

Upper Lake Ranger District
Mendocino National Forest
10025 Elk Mountain Road
Upper Lake, CA 95485
Attn: Frank Aebly, Project Leader
Email: faebly@fs.fed.us
 

Re: Young’s Corral OHV Trail Project

 

I support this proposed project to re-establish the connectivity of the Mendocino Off-Highway Vehicle Corridor. 

 

It addresses private property concerns and restores legal OHV recreation travel between the Grindstone and Upper Lake Ranger Districts for family OHV recreation and for long-standing events such as the SheetIron 300 Dual Sport Ride, Jackhammer Enduro, and the Cowbell Enduro.

 

Thanks for allowing me to comment on this important and much needed project.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joe Trail Rider

******************************************************* 

 

HQ thanks you in advance to taking a few minutes to send in a comment.  Please forward this to your riding network.

 

 

Stonyford/Mill Fire Salvage Project Comments Due March 24

The Recreation HQ wants to alert OHV users who ride at Stonyford to the recent release of the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Mill Fire Salvage and Hazard Tree Removal Project.  The 30-day public comment period appears to have started on Feb. 22, 2013 which means that our comments should be delivered to the agency by March 24, 2013.

Link to Mill Fire Salvage EA and supporting documents (we used a tiny URL)

http://brc1.us/mill-fire-salvage


HQ first wants to thank all of you who submitted initial scoping comments on the Project.  Many of you attended a meeting in December on the proposal and got actively involved in the process.  You made a huge difference!

Dec. 18 Blog on Mill Fire Salvage Project

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-update-on-mill-fire-salvage.html

 

HQ believes the agency has incorporated our collective concerns in the Draft EA including the additions of OHV recreation staff into the project design and implementation.  This benefits both casual OHV use and the permitted OHV events this year.  HQ will be recommending to BRC that it supports the project provided the agency sticks to its commitment to protect and restore the OHV recreational opportunity that we all enjoy there.

 

HQ encourages all of you to read the Draft EA, Appendix A, and the Recreation Report.  There are many key pro-OHV tenets that we should be supporting.  HQ also encourages you to submit your own personal letter with your own specific comments and concerns.  However, for those of you who are short on time, we have created a short letter that you can use as a template.

 

SAMPLE LETTER******************************************

 

Eduardo Olmedo

Responsible Official

Mendocino National Forest

825 N. Humboldt Ave.

Willows, CA 95988

Attn: Jeanette Williams

Email: jeanettewilliams@fs.fed.us

FAX: 530.934.7384

Re: Draft Environmental Assessment Mill Fire Salvage and Hazard Tree Removal Project

 

Dear Mr. Olmedo:

 

As an OHV recreationist, I am writing this letter in support for the Draft Environmental Assessment Mill Fire Salvage and Hazard Removal Project (Project).  The Forest, Project Team, and Recreation Staff should be commended for working in a collaborative manner to address concerns articulated by the OHV community during the initial scoping period.

 

I support this project as a method to restore a safe environment for public use by motorized vehicles on designated roads, trails, and areas impacted by the Mill Fire.

 

I have reviewed the Draft EA and supporting documents.  Here are my key comments and suggestions.

 

1 - As practical, please retain merchantable sized dead trees and all green trees likely to survive along OHV trails to be used as barriers, trail delineators, and route anchors.

 

2 - Keep OHV routes open for weekends, holidays, and permitted events. Temporary closures correctly should be limited to the weekdays and only on the segment of routes where active logging operations are underway.

 

3 - OHV trails that will be used as temporary haul roads or skid routes must be returned to their current trail state after use.

 

4 - Avoid trails where possible during tree felling, skidding, and hauling operations,

 

5 - OHV Manager(s) and Timber Sale Administrators should coordinate and identify any areas where trails need to be crossed or used. These areas must be returned to pre-harvest trail conditions. OHV trails and roads should remain open except when active logging operations are occurring. Alternate routes should  be made available and clearly signed/identified.

 

6 - There are 4 special use permitted events that take place within the Stonyford OHV area each year; one in late May, one in late October and two in November. These events use the majority of the OHV trail system. Please ensure that designated OHV trails and Level II roads within the project area are open for these events, and that equipment is not left along or near trails and/or roads that could pose a danger to the public.

 

7 - Since the unit’s OHV staff have other duties and ongoing trail projects not related to the salvage sale, I urges the agency to consider alternate resources (i.e. trail crews from other units such as Chappie-Shasta OHV Area, OHMVR/SVRAs, and other Forests) to expedite post-project restoration of affected haul and skid routes back to their pre-project condition/classification including the installation of new or reconstructed rolling dips, sediment catch basins, trail delineators, or construction to restore sinuosity of the route.

 

8 - I also urge the Forest to secure non-OHMVR grant funds to aid in the reconstruction of OHV routes directly impacted by hauling or skidding operations. The use of OHMVR grant funds to restore haul/skid routes would be an unauthorized use of said funds.

 

Thanks in advance for considering my comments and for your efforts to protect OHV recreational opportunity during the project.

 

Best regards,

 

Joe Rider

 

 

*************************************************************

 

The Recreation HQ wants to thank all of you who have volunteered up at the Stonyford work projects and looks forward to working and riding with you once again at one of the best riding areas in the state.

 

 

 

 

Mill Fire Salvage Sale Makes No Cents!

Is This the Future of OHV at Stonyford for the Next 2-3 Years?

 

As some of you already know, the Mendocino NF issued a public notice on Nov. 20 for comment on the Mill Fire Salvage and Hazard Tree Removal Project.  Public comments are due by Dec. 17.

 

Mill Fire Salvage Scoping Letter (with contact info)

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/ScopingLetter_MillFireSalvageHazardTreeRmvl.pdf

 

Mill Fire Salvage Project Info

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/PreliminaryProjectInformation_MillFireSalvageHazardTreeRmvl.pdf

 

Mill Fire Salvage Project Map

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/ScopingMap_MillFireSalvageHazardTreeRmvl.pdf

While HQ historically supports responsible timber/salvage sales, this plan hardly mentions OHV recreation. In addition, the proposal functionally closes the area until late spring/early summer 2014 for both casual riding and permitted OHV events.  I also think this proposal seriously undermines the agency’s credibility with the OHV community and other stakeholders.

 

It appears many important connector roads and trails will be closed during logging/treatment.  Again, this could mean no enduros in 2013 and possibly 2014.  The proposal gives no estimate on when the trails could be re-opened for casual use.  Again, OHV recreation is hardly mentioned.  There is no mention of what this functional closure would have on the largest FS destination OHV area north of the Grapevine. There is no mitigation for repairing the trail system.  At 20K/mile (or more), it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix obliterated trails. 

Also, there is no mention of the sale’s impact on the current and ongoing post-fire trail restoration efforts. 

 

The proposal does not address what HQ feels is a critical matter and that is dealing with the knobcone pine infestation (and the beetles/bugs that are eating them) on Sullivan Ridge and the Potato Hill area. How would this closure of the area impact the potential for grants during the closure time? 

 

All of the affected trails listed below would be most likely converted from a system trail to a road and closed during the logging operation.   At a minimum, a project like this would have to have project level NEPA to analyze the conversion of 50 inch or wider system trails to roads.

 

Initial List of Impacted (e.g. closed/obliterated routes by salvage sale)

Trails 03, 11, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, 33, 35, and 36.

4WD/OHV route/roads – 17N02, 17N14, 17N62B, 17N62C, 17N95, and 17N97 

 

Be assured that HQ and BRC will be sharing our concerns with the FS, users, and conservation groups about what appears to be an ill-advised plan.  This proposal as currently crafted is nothing more than an appeal and/or litigation magnate.  I expect the FS will get hit from both sides of the land-use spectrum unless this plan is withdrawn or rewritten.

This proposal does not make any cents!  (Yes, I mean cents as in wasted taxpayer and green sticker monies)

 

# # #

Stonyford Post Fire Volunteer Days to Start Oct. 20

The Recreation HQ wants to remind folks that the Mendocino National Forest is getting ready to launch some post-fire trail volunteer days soon with the goal of getting the trail system back online at Stonyford ASAP.

Janelle Taggart is heading up the volunteer efforts temporarily here at Stonyford while Paige Makowski, the regular FS volunteer coordinator, is on a detail assignment. Janelle is a full time student at San Jose State University and has classes in the San Jose Bay Area Monday through Wednesday and will be working in Stonyford, on an internship, Thursdays and Fridays and some Saturdays.

Here are the volunteer dates scheduled throughout the next couple months. The FS has decided to hold monthly volunteer events held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Please put these dates on your calendars.

 October 20th

November 17th

December 15th

January 19th

If you have not done so yet, complete the OF301a Volunteer Agreement Form linked below and send to Janelle at the address below:  *You must sign and date the form.

Here is the link to the volunteer form   http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Volunteer_FS_agreement.pdf

Janelle Taggart

Forestry Rec Tech

Mendocino National Forest

Grindstone Ranger District

5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Rd

Stonyford, CA 95979

(530)963-1328

Email: jctaggart@fs.fed.us

 

The Recreation HQ will see you on October 20.

 

 

Stonyford August 5 Update - Send in Volunteer Forms

The Recreation HQ does not want riders to think it is still not focused on the Mill Fire’s impacts to the Stonyford OHV Area.   As most of you know, this fire’s impacts are almost 180 degrees opposite of the 2001 Trough Fire.

The Trough Fire did not impact that much of the trail system, but it did nuke the various OHV camping and staging areas at Fouts Springs.  On the other hand, the Mill Fire spared the Fouts Springs campgrounds but fried about 80% of the popular trails between Fouts to Lett’s Lake and back down to Little Stony.

Link to Closure Order and Closure Map

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5382658.pdf
 

I think a lot of us are still in a state of shock as are many of the FS employees that I know.  While they continue to mop up and restore the area, it is important for those of us who can… to send in a volunteer agreement to Paige to help with future volunteer projects.

 

Here is an announcement from Paige

 

Thank you for eagerly extending a helping hand for the process of cleaning up the devastation of the Mill Fire.

We are currently awaiting the full report from the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team.

As soon as we get permission to enter the area and start closure & rehabilitation work, I will email you with some dates.

The first project in order will be to secure the perimeters of the fire.  Access to the trail system will need to be closed with signs and straw bales along the intersections of M-10, 17N02 & Goat Mountain.  Theses main roads hopefully will be opening soon.  Not until the fire is called out, which most likely will be after we get rain, will we be able to start trail rehabbing.

I have attached a volunteer agreement which will need to be completed prior to any volunteer work that you do for the Forest Service.

Thanks again and I will be in touch soon!

 

~Paige

Paige Makowski

Mendocino National Forest
Grindstone Ranger District
O.H.V Recreation Technician
(530) 963-1328

Complete the OF301a Volunteer Agreement Form linked below and send to:

Here is the link to the volunteer form

http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Volunteer_FS_agreement.pdf

Paige Makowski

Mendocino National Forest

825 N. Humboldt Ave.

Willows, CA 95988

If you would like to sponsor or support QWR’s post-fire recovery work (e.g. travel, supplies, seed money for matching grants, etc.) you can donate at and ID donation for "Mill Fire Recovery"

http://www.quietwarriorracing.com/Sponsorships.html

HQ is already planning to dedicate some serious time up there once the volunteer trail rehabilitation starts.  Will keep you posted as new details come in.

 

Mill Fire Spares Little Stony OHV Campground - July 17 Update

Based on field reports today, the Mill Fire is at 75% containment as of this morning.  Little Stony Campground and Day Use areas escaped destruction. The weather is really cooperating...overcast and cool.  This is allowing crews to go direct with hand lines on some of the areas north above Little Stony. 

HQ believes the hand lines are a good thing since there is too much cat line already.  Full containment should be reached today with restoration efforts already in progress.  The fire should hold at just under 30K acres. 

In contrast to the 2001 Trough Fire which decimated the Fouts Springs and Davis Flat OHV camping areas, the Mill Fire mainly hit the trail system and spared the Fouts Springs and Little Stony OHV Camping and Staging areas.

Thanks for your continued interest in this issue.  No doubt there will be plenty of work to do getting the trail system up and running.  Stay tuned.

Friday O-Dark Thirty Report on Stonyford Fire - Things Looking Up

Photo (July 12) above:  Backfires at the Harvey place

Photo (July 12) below: Backfires and crews at the Ray place 

This is HQ’s Friday “O-Dark Thirty” report.  According to our man on the ground, Jeff Applegate, a

lot of the front country went up in smoke in the backfires today.

 

 Gilmore and Crackerbox went up in flame today, but he Handlebar Ranch (owned by Taz Harvey and family, off-road motorcycle and auto racer) and the 4Q Ranch (owned by Phil Ray, dirt-track legend and owner of Modesto KAW) should now be safe.

 

 They used air dropped ping pong balls, very pistols,  and drip torches for the burn out.  Everything is going according to plan on the east flank.  Two spots are burning very hot on their own...Lower Letts area and the area to either side of Trail 22 directly north of the Little Stony Day Use area.

 

There is a large contingent of resources in the Little Stony Area, so HQ is confident  they will protect that staging area.  Fire is now estimated at 18K and continues to grow.  48% containment as of last night. 

Looking better, but a lot of damage has been sustained to our trail system.

HQ wants to thank all of its readers for their thoughts and prayers regarding the fire threats to life, property, and the natural resources.   We also want to salute the firefighters and tanker crews for working very hard in the extreme hot weather.

Stonyford Fire Update - July 11 @ 8am

Recent Photo Taken from OHV Trail Intersection of Fire Advancing Towards

Sullivan Ridge

Jeff Applegate tells HQ there are no big changes overnight.   It looks like they are going to use Crackerbox as a fire line since it sounds like Gilmore has burned over on top.  Fire is still advancing toward Goat Mt. and Little Stony Canyon.  It has apparently slopped over M5 in several spots and is moving south.  Big and Little Sullivan ridges and everything to the south is threatened.    Also, Cal Fire has been using a DC-10 on the Sites Fire burning West of Maxwell towards Stonyford.   FS says the plane is not practical to use on the Mill Fire.  Little use of air tankers due to smoke.  Mostly helicopters around the perimeter to aid hand crews and dozers.  A type 2 fire team has taken over management of the fire as of yesterday. 

Again, HQ believes this is a huge blow to the recreation community as this unit is a premier destination OHV area that sees visitors from throughout the U.S and Canada and is an important element in the state-wide OHV recreation matrix.

PS - Phil Ray's Ranch survived so far.

Stonyford 9am July 10 Fire Update - Big Impacts to OHV

Photo (July 10 at 7 am) above: Looking South from main road at Fouts Springs Camp Area

Photo July 10 at 7am) below: SST at Nail Track

After talking with HQ’s Jeff Applegate this morning, it appears we have some better information regarding the extent of impact to the District's OHV program.  The public briefing last night was pretty good, but it was short on details. Today, it looks like the destruction is more widespread including the loss of Old Mill Campground and some damages to  Nail Track.  OHV routes that sustained impacts from the fire so far includes:  20, 22, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43 & 48.  It appears there will be even more damage as the plan is to maybe use Big Sullivan and Crackerbox as a fire line. The good news is the fire activity is low so far this morning. 

HQ is glad to report that the Taz Harvey Ranch survived so far.  We have not heard about Phil Ray’s Ranch but we expect it did OK too.  According to Taz, the Stonyford Rodeo Grounds (staging area for the Sheet Iron 300 Dual Sport Ride) is full of firefighters and equipment.  They are prepared to finish this fire off and do mop up operations over the next week or two.

This is a huge blow to the recreation community as this unit is a premier destination OHV area that sees visitors from throughout the U.S and Canada and is an important element in the state-wide OHV recreation matrix.

PS - Just got a note from Andrew Fulks at the Goat Mountain Ranch and the fire is now marching towards his property and is 3.5 miles away.

Will have an update later today as info comes in.