Christmas Update on Mill Fire Salvage Sale

Photo from Logging Operation in Sierra NF

 

HQ wanted to give the riders and fans of Stonyford a pre-Christmas update on the proposed Mill Fire Salvage Timber Project.   First, thanks to all of you who sent in letters.  I heard from several of you that it was the 1^st time you had ever written a comment letter - good on you for being part of the solution.  HQ was impressed with the number of letters submitted as well as the content.  I have heard the FS was impressed as well.

 

Based on discussions with agency staff last week, I believe the FS will utilize many of our comments in a revision of project and craft it to minimize impacts to system trails and to restore those trail segments back to trails after the project.  Also, HQ understands they will schedule the project so as to not impact the Fall enduros (i.e.  Fall enduros will happen in 2013 and beyond) and only work during the week when ridership is low.

 

HQ understands the OHV Program Manager and the Forest Recreation Officer are now official team members of the project.  Giving recreation and trails a seat at the planning table is a good thing!

 

Logging on federal lands (including post-fire salvage operations) is a very complex issue in the 21^st Century.  Trails, sensitive and threatened species, storm water runoff, forest resource goals, congressional mandates, court rulings, recreation, and potential litigation are all part of the puzzle that must be pieced together by agency staff in preparation for the timber sale.  Salvage timber sales are even more complicated by time sensitivity due to insect predation on the dead and dying timber if the agency (and taxpayer) expects to sell any of the logs to help pay for the project (and create some local jobs in the process too).

 

HQ would like to encourage you to read a rather long article on various concepts related to post-fire salvage operations on federal lands – it is a good read.

http://news.wildlife.org/twp/2012-winter/a-new-forest-fire-paradigm/

 

HQ is optimistic that as we head into the Christmas and New Year Holiday season that OHVers have averted being given a lump of coal by the Mendocino NF’s original proposal and instead have the promise of being able to once again enjoy OHV recreation there including permitted events for many seasons to come.

 

Merry Christmas,

The Recreation HQ

 *Feel free to leave comments about this blog.

Post Fire Photos of Stonyford Fire - July 19

As the Forest Service continues to assess and restore the impacts the fire and/or the fire suppression efforts had on the resource and trail network, HQ wanted to share some photos shot yesterday at various locations that many of you will recognize.  

I can’t help but wonder why the agency allows heavy equipment to cut massive fire-lines (see dozer line photo) through “sensitive areas” without any project-level NEPA or review by specialists, yet requires massive planning efforts to put in a 50-inch or single track trail.  It does not make much sense to me.

Also, we are glad to report that Seth Watkins (his dad – Greg Watkins - used to work for the FS in R5 as a road engineer and sign guru) was able to retrieve his trailer that he had to leave at Letts Lake when the fire broke out.

Will try and keep you updated as more photos and info comes in.

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 Fire Getting Worse - 3pm Update

3PM Photo of Fire Approaching Gilmore

According to reports from HQ’s Jeff Applegate and our FS contacts, the Mill Fire on the Grindstone Ranger District has gotten much worse.   According to our man on the ground, things are intensifying up there.  All of the main ridge-line trails and their off-shoots are being impacted. 

So far the whole south-end front country is being destroyed.  The ridges being gobbled up by fire are Trough, Grove, Salt, Hornet’s Nest, Gilmore and everything connecting them together, which amounts to all the front country riding. 

In addition, Letts ridge and a lot of Potato Hill are wiped out.    The fire is currently dropping down towards the area just south of Stonyford and is advancing on the Harvey (Taz Harvey Family) Ranch, Ray’s Ranch (Phil Ray, owner of Modesto Kaw),  and East Park Estates (the loop).  Also, several of my friends from the conservation community have property up there.

The 3 p.m. photo above is taken from Applegate’s front yard.  Notice Gilmore Peak in the path of the advancing fire.  There is a community meeting briefing scheduled for 1900 tonight in Stonyford.

Let’s keep everybody in our thoughts and prayers!