PLANNING THE WILD - RECPRO INTERVIEW WITH DON AMADOR ON RECREATION MANAGEMENT

Photo Credit - RECPRO

PLANNING THE WILD – PODCAST ON RECREATION MANAGEMENT

 

Just want to thank Rachel Franchina and the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) for giving me the opportunity to speak on a recent podcast that is part of their Planning the Wild series designed for U.S. Forest Service professionals and partners who work on National Forest Service lands in the Pacific Northwest.   These educational podcasts are done in partnership with USFS Region 6.

 

PLANNING THE WILD – EPISODE 2  (24 minutes)

https://www.recpro.org/viewdocument/s1-e2-trailblazing-together-don-a

 

 While this podcast covers my recreation and resource management journey spanning 70 years from growing up in Eureka to currently living in Cottonwood, CA,  I think it is more about highlighting the important role that relationships and collaboration have in successfully managed recreation programs, forest health efforts, and wildfire mitigation projects.

 

The interview hits on a lot of topics including the DOGE cutbacks,  explosive growth of recreation use during COVID,  creation of a culture of trail stewardship and volunteerism, and collaboration between diverse interest groups.

 

Important concepts and strategies such as mentorship, paying it forward, servant leadership, and finding zones of agreement are part of the interview.

 

The interview went by fast.  However, I did try and cite some real world examples of how groups such as the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, Nevada County Woods Riders, FireScape Mendocino work with their Forest Service partners on projects to build generational support for access to managed recreational opportunities on public lands in CA and the West.

 

# # #

 

Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for 35 years.   Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance.  Don is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino, a forest health collaborative that is part of the National Fire Learning Network.  Don served as an AD Driver for the Forest Service North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons.   

TRAIL VOLUNTEERS RISING

 

Forest Service Chainsaw Class - Mendocino National Forest

VOLUNTEERS RISING

  

It’s no secret the prolonged COVID-19 shutdowns had a devastating impact on many non-profit organizations that provide both contract and volunteer workers to help land agencies deal with post wildfire related trail clearing and other recreation projects.

 

Despite the hammer dropping on large-scale volunteer efforts during the lockdown, the good news was that some units allowed small 2-5 person teams that consisted of long time private sector partners to help with clearing downed trees off of trails and other routes.  

 

Those smaller work parties were often the difference between a trail network being reopened to the public and/or helped reduce the off-route impacts from users creating their own unauthorized reroutes to bypass trails sections blocked by downed trees.

 

The other good news is that the Forest Service and non-profit partners have - or are in the process of - restarting chainsaw certification classes for agency fire staff, recreation personnel, and volunteers.

 

The new Region 5 (CA National Forests) Chainsaw Class Video is real cool with good vibes – a great sign that things are getting better.   Watch it… it will make you smile.  You might even recognize yourself or somebody you know.

 

https://vimeo.com/698362331?ref=em-share

 

Thanks to all of you out there who already serve as volunteers or want to join that force.

 

# # #

 

 

NEWS RELEASE - CA OHV LEAD APPOINTED TO BLM RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

BLM's Knoxville OHV Area

Ukiah Field Office

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Phone: 925.783.1834

Email: Damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Date: March 7, 2019

OHV RECREATION LEAD APPOINTED TO BLM RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

OAKLEY, CA (March 7) –  Acting Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt, has appointed a nationally recognized OHV recreation professional to serve on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC).  Don Amador, a former chairman of the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, will be representing the interests of OHV enthusiasts who enjoy casual use or participate in permitted motorized events.

BLM Map of  Northern, Central, and Desert CA Districts

This particular RAC advises the BLM on public land issues within the boundaries of the Bakersfield, Bishop, Central Coast, Mother Lode and Ukiah field offices, which comprise the Central California District.

According to the agency website, the BLM maintains 37 chartered advisory committees located in the West. These include 30 statewide and regional Resource Advisory Councils; 5 advisory committees affiliated with specific sites on the BLM’s National Conservation Lands; and two others, including the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board and the North Slope Science Initiative Science Technical Advisory Panel. 

RACs are sounding boards for BLM initiatives, regulatory proposals and policy changes. Each citizen-based council consists of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities, including ranchers, environmental groups, tribes, state and local government officials, academics, and other public land users.

BLM Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area

Ukiah Field Office

The Department of the Interior (DOI) established the RACs in 1995. RAC members vote on recommendations related to public land management and provide those recommendations to the designated Federal official who serves as liaison to the RAC. The Designated Federal Officer is usually a BLM line manager, such as the state director or district manager. 

BLM Poleta OHV Area

Bishop Field Office

Although RACs are solely advisory in nature, the contributions of RAC members are of great value to the BLM and have aided in the development of balanced decisions that serve the interests of all public land users.

Upon the request of the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) the RAC may develop recommendations for BLM with respect to the land use planning, classification, retention, management, and disposal of the public lands within the area for which the advisory council is established and such other matters as may be referred to it by the DFO.  

The RAC can also make recommendations on programs and policies to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans, expand access for hunting and fishing on BLM land in a manner that

respects the rights and privacy of inholders, and implementation of the agency’s regulatory reform initiatives.

Don Amador, a trail recreation and forest health advocate, states, “It’s an honor to be selected to serve on this RAC since most of my 29 years of recreation and resource management career has been spent on public lands within the RAC boundary.”

“Managed OHV recreation in the 21^st Century is a sophisticated activity and has many moving parts which include construction of engineered trails, restoration of lands damaged by unauthorized use, law enforcement, maintenance of existing trail networks, protection of cultural resources, planning for new OHV areas, and education/safety programs,” Amador continues.  

“OHV is a significant contributor to the economy and an important part of the California state-wide recreation opportunity matrix. OHV recreation is also an important partner when it comes to addressing the growing threat of intense wildfires on both public and private lands.  I look forward to working with other user groups on the RAC in support of access to, and resource management of, lands within the RAC’s project area,” Amador concludes.

# # #

Don is president of Quiet Warrior Racing, a recreation consulting company.  Don also serves as the Government Affairs lead for AMA District 36. He served on the CA Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He is president and board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, a national non-profit organization, and since 2013 has served as Core-Team Lead for FireScape Mendocino, a forest-health collaborative.  Don is a member of the Governor’s Forest Management Task Force Northern Regional Prioritization Group. He is a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and recipient of the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. 

THANKSGIVING DAY MESSAGE - Acknowledge and Honor Kindness Received

THANKGIVING DAY MESSAGE

By Don Amador

11/20/2018

ACKNOWLEDGE AND HONOR KINDNESS RECEIVED

Thanksgiving Day is a special time where one gives thanks and grateful acknowledgment of Divine blessings and acts of kindness bestowed on them by family, friends, and colleagues.

I also believe it is important for one to reflect on how they can honor those gifts by doing a better job of serving and supporting others throughout the course of the year. 

Many of us have, or know of, family and friends who have suffered personal or professional tragedies in 2018.  The emotional and/or fiscal scars from those events will be felt for years or decades to come.

Let us resolve to make Thanksgiving Day an ongoing/daily state of mind where one honors kindness received by paying it forward to those in need.

# # # 

QWR NEWS RELEASE - Launch of New Post Wildfire Recovery Program

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Phone: 925.625.6287

Email: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Date: September 4, 2018

*Contact Don Amador if you need additional photos

 NEW OHV WILDFIRE RECOVERY PROGRAM

OAKLEY, CA (Sept. 4) –  Quiet Warrior Racing (QWR), a national recreation consulting company, is launching its new program in response to current and future wildfire impacts at popular Forest Service, BLM, and state off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas.  The Post Wildfire Recovery Strike Team module will work to help address the effects that catastrophic wildfires can have on OHV route and trail facilities.

Don Amador at Wildfire Recovery Area

BLM's Fort Sage OHV Area

Intense wildfires can destroy important OHV management tools such as trail delineators, signs, kiosks, and campground facilities.  Costly soil erosion and water quality trail structures can often be obliterated by dozers creating access routes for firefighters or blading fire lines around the blaze.

The program will help facilitate numerous volunteer post-fire recovery projects at OHV recreation sites in collaboration with stakeholders such as OHV clubs, volunteers, OHV Industry and other grant programs, land agencies, and conservation groups in the delivery and implementation of post-fire mitigation efforts.

Chris Conlin, Former Deputy Director of the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and Boating and Waterways Division, states, “I strongly endorse QWR’s efforts to create a trail stewardship program that is sharply focused on important post-wildfire recovery efforts on federal and state recreation units that are being devastated in the 2018 Wildfire Season.”

“Both Don Amador and I have been long-time advocates for creation of OHV-specific post-wildfire recovery and rehabilitation programs.  I believe this Strike Team will have a strategic role in current and future collaborative efforts to deliver crucial post-fire recovery assets at important public land recreation sites,” Conlin concludes. 

“Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting, states, “It’s clear to me that OHV recreation sites in California and the West will continue to face the likelihood of more intense wildfires over the next 10-20 years.  I believe creation of our wildfire recovery program it relevant and timely given the impacts that the Mendocino Complex, Carr, and Ferguson Fires had on popular destination OHV areas.”

“I look forward to working with our land agency, OHV club, and conservation partners to recover and reopen recreation areas devastated in the 2018 Wildfire Season,” Amador concludes.

For information about opportunities to partner, sponsor, or support the program please contact Don Amador at: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

LINK TO THE POST WILDFIRE RECOVERY STRIKE TEAM MODULE

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

# # #

Don Amador has 28 years of experience in the field of OHV recreation management, federal/state land-use policy, and post-wildfire recovery.  Don is president of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting, an OHV recreation consulting company. Don serves as Core-Team Lead for FireScape Mendocino, a forest-health collaborative that is part of the National Fire Learning Network.  Don also serves as Operations Chief for the Post-Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance.   Don is a contributor to ModernJeeper.com.

eMTB Trail Fun at CA OHV Park

Don Amador at Carnegie SVRA Trailhead

For eMTBers who are looking for legal off-road trail opportunities in the S.F Bay Area, they may want to check out Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) located near Livermore, CA.

Entrance to Carnegie SVRA

Currently in CA, eMTB use on dirt trails is basically restricted to OHV routes on local, state, and federal lands unless the managing agency is allowing or has authorized eMTB use on native-surfaced routes within its specific jurisdiction.

One of the Off-Road Trails at Carnegie SVRA

Fortunately for those eMTBers who live near a SVRA, they can find legal riding opportunities of various difficulty or challenge on which to test their trail skills or the capability of their eMTB.

George MacDougall (L) and Don Amador (R) at Trailhead

According to California State Parks, the 9 SVRAs are OHV parks which are operated by the OHMVR Division of California State Parks. Each SVRA has an operational program which provides (in most locations) the following services:

• Trails, tracks, and other OHV Recreation opportunities
• Restrooms, camping, shade ramadas, water
• OHV parts store
• Public safety, including law enforcement, first aid, and search and rescue
• Maintenance including repair and maintenance of OHV trails, buildings, equipment and public use facilities
• Interpretive and educational activities and publications promoting safe and responsible OHV recreation
• Resource management designed to sustain OHV opportunities, protects and enhances wildlife habitat, erosion control, revegetation, etc.

LINK to CA SVRA SYSTEM

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1170

Don Amador, President at Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting, states, “Riding our Atom Lynx 27.5 Pro at Carnegie was both a fun and educational experience for me.  The type-1 pedal assist eMTB provided this old guy with enough boost to make it up some fairly steep grades while the suspension provided a plush/stable ride.”

“Since 1980, I have spent many a day hill-climbing and trail riding at the Park on a variety of dirt-bikes.  Riding the eMTB offered a somewhat different yet similar experience of joy and exuberance.  While various land agencies continue to review their policies on allowing eMTBs on dirt trails, I think it is important for the eMTB community to realize they have some high-quality off-road routes at SVRAs.” Amador concludes.

According to the CVC 24016 “Green Stickers” are not required at this time for eMTBs to operate on OHV routes. 

"CVC 24016.

 (a) An electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.).

(2) Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released or activated, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function.

(b) A person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, driver’s licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and an electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle."

However, to operate an eMTB at Carnegie you will be charged a $5.00 day use fee.

QWR continues its belief that electric bicycles are here to stay and are becoming an important transportation and/or recreation vehicle for many who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

QWR also believes it is important for land agencies to look for opportunities to try pilot projects as a way to gain insights into this new and evolving outdoor activity.

One just example of a new project or test case comes from the BLM in Idaho.  (see article below)

https://www.singletracks.com/blog/trail-advocacy/idaho-blm-office-will-test-new-travel-management-plan-e-bike-demo/

QWR strongly supports the solution-based efforts of California State Parks and other land agencies to authorize high-quality eMTB trail opportunities on public lands.

# # #

*QWR wants to thank our good friend, George MacDougall, for riding with us today.  George is a retired grants administrator for the CA Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and an avid SxS enthusiast, dual-sport rider, and eMTBer.

  

Adventure to Backcountry Treasure Kicks-Off Great Outdoors Month

Level 2 FS Road - Off of M2

Adventure and Dual Sport motorcycle enthusiasts often ask QWR if it has any suggestions on where to explore new (at least to many riders) remote federal land backcountry areas  with forests, scenic views, access to challenging motorized routes, and high elevation camping opportunities.

Ride Through Conifer Forest

While on a recent multi-day post-winter storm route assessment in the Northeast portion of the Mendocino National Forest, QWR was impressed to highlight and share an approximately 120-mile loop of high elevation native surfaced Forest Service System Roads (designated for street legal vehicles) that provide public access to both motorized and non-motorized backcountry recreational opportunities including the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness area.

Map of Adventure Loop

QWR staged from the Stonyford Rodeo Grounds which hosts the annual Oakland Motorcycle Club’s SheetIron Dual Sport Ride.  QWR works with club members to staff the event’s tech inspection where vehicles are checked for sound compliant mufflers spark arrestors, and current registration.

Start of Adventure Loop

For the purposes of this article, the trip starts at Stonyford and continues north on County Road 306 for about 25 miles where the 1^st leg of the 120-mile loop begins at the CR 313/306 intersection.  This too is where M9 starts.

Designated OHV Trail in Doe Peak Area

The road quickly gains altitude through a chaparral landscape to the ridge near Doe Peak (elev. 3557 ft.). The Doe Peak area has a number of designated OHV routes that offer varying degrees of difficulty for both street legal and non-street legal OHVs.

Looking West from Valley View Fire Lookout

QWR suggests that you travel a few more miles up M9 and watch for the Valley View Lookout sign which directs you a short distance to the site of the historic Valley View Fire Lookout.  Although the lookout is no longer there, the site gives you a breathtaking view across a “big forested valley.”  You will want to spend some time here taking in the scenery.

Log Springs Station

If you are trying to do this loop in one day, you will want to continue on to the Log Springs Summer Fire Camp.  This is a historic Forest Service fire station where you can stop and enjoy the big trees and shade.

Nome Cult Trail

Also at Log Springs is where the Nome Cult Indian trail crosses the route.  300 Indians from Chico and other northern California Tribes camped at this site in 1863 on their journey to Round Valley.  (see above pic for more info).   It is important to spend time here in contemplation of that event. 

Sugar Springs Campground

Just a short distance to the north of Logs Springs, you will enter the M9/M4 intersection where you will take a left and travel west through a conifer forest.  In about 5-7 miles you will want to take a lunch break at the Sugar Springs Campground.  This high-elevation site is in a stand of large trees.  It has a developed campsite with picnic table and fire ring.  There is also a vault toilet.

Depending on how many side routes you decided to explore, you may want to consider spending the night at this high elevation campground.  I know I plan to come back up here later this summer.

After leaving Sugar Springs Campground, you will travel a few miles to the M4/M2 intersection.  Take M2 north where it skirts the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness area.  There are also many dispersed camping opportunities with scenic views of the Yolla Bolly Mountains including Sugar Loaf Mountain (elev. 7367 ft.).

View of Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Area

On your 60 mile path east towards Paskenta, the road takes you past many dirt roads that are also open for non-street legal OHVs.   Watch for signs to Cold Springs, Post Pile, Kingsley Glade, and many other interesting sites.

Intersection in Paskenta

There is a small market in Paskenta that sometimes sells fuel.  It would be wise to check with them if you think a gas fill-up is in order.

M4/M9 Connector Intersection

From Paskenta, head southeast about 6 miles on Round Valley Road to the M4 intersection.  Head west on M4 a few miles until you reach the M4/M9 connector route intersection.  Take a left at the intersection and go a short distance to 23N05.  Stay left on 23N05 for about 6 miles until it intersects with M9.  Turn left on M9 and head back down the mountain to CR306 where this journey started.

Forest Management Project along M4

As we alluded to in the first part of this article, this is a very remote and rugged portion of California.  There are basically no services.  Riders have to be well prepared to take on bike repairs, etc.  A good first aid kit is recommended and also a satellite locator that can be used in an emergency.

Enjoy the Ride

QWR was unable to do about a 25 mile section in the NW part of this loop due to a large downed tree across M2 (it was reported to the FS).  Be sure and contact the Mendocino National Forest to see if the roads are clear. 

LINK to North FS MVUM Map (mostly M4/M2)

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5373888.pdf

LINK to North Central FS MVUM Map (mostly M9)

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5373887.pdf

June is Great Outdoors Month and QWR’s adventure bike module hopes some of you might decide to challenge yourself on this loop.  If you go, please let us know how you liked this remote portion of the Forest.  It will be an adventure to be remembered. 

# # # 

PS – This would also be a great adventure loop for those of you with high clearance SUVs and 4WDs.

Need for Trail Volunteer Workforce Continues to Grow

Clearing 50-inch OHV Trail

Mendocino NF

Between April 27-30, 2017, up to 4 trail clearing crews comprised of certified volunteer chainsaw operators,  other volunteers, and Forest Service recreation staff worked together to clear recreation trails and roads impacted by downed trees and/or overgrown vegetation. 

Private Sector/FS Trail Clearing Crew

The coordinated effort took place at the Stonyford OHV Area on the Grindstone Ranger District which is located on the Mendocino National Forest in Northern California.  This is part of the ongoing volunteer trail program managed by agency staff in cooperation with private sector recreation stakeholders.

Trying out the Kobalt 80 Volt Electric 14-Inch Chainsaw

 According to the agency, the south end of the Grindstone Ranger District offers over 200 miles of some of the most enjoyable and challenging OHV routes in the nation. The "Mendocino OHV Corridor" is a designated 40 mile, east-west route across the south end of the Forest connecting the Stonyford OHV Staging Area and the Upper Lake OHV Staging Area.

Before Brushing on Trail 20

The riding area varies in elevation from 1,700 feet (at Fouts Springs), to almost 6,000 feet (near Goat Mountain). Vegetation varies from low elevation chaparral to tall pine and fir forest in the high country.

After Brushing on Trail 20

The Grindstone Ranger District not only offers access to high quality OHV recreation, but its extensive route network provides motorized access to non-motorized activities such as equestrian use and hiking in various Wilderness areas, fishing in streams and lakes, and dispersed camping in the backcountry.

Clearing Log on Forest Road M10 for Motorized Access

to Non-Motorized Recreation

The Forest Service states it established a policy for training and use of cross-cut and chain saws. Sawyers covered by those policies often maintain trails on national forests and grasslands, help fight wildfires, and work in wilderness where crosscut saws are required. The national saw directive standardizes training, evaluation, certification, and safety procedures for sawyers operating on lands managed by the agency.

LINK TO FS NATIONAL SAW POLICY

https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/regulations-policies/saw-policy

Volunteers taking the chainsaw course need to become Red Cross certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED.  It is a requirement for chainsaw certification. QWR encourages trainees to take the course well ahead of the chainsaw class.

Monitoring Soil Catch Basins/Trail Conditions 

Example of Functioning Sediment Catch Basin and Rolling Dip

Managing sustainable OHV and other recreation programs on federal lands is a complex challenge in the 21st Century.  QWR believes the need for a trained professional volunteer workforce will continue to grow as federal agencies roll out new programs such as the Forest Service’s National Trail Strategy or face fiscal impacts such as budget cutbacks.

A Motorcycle-Based Chainsaw/Swamp Team

Steve Freitas/Valley Climbers MC (L) and Don Amador (R)

QWR wants to thank the Mendocino National Forest, Oakland Motorcycle Club, Polka Dots Motorcycle Club, Valley Climbers Motorcycle Club, and the other work party volunteers for their commitment to helping maintain access to high quality motorized and non-motorized recreation on public lands.

Region 5 Overview/Video on Forest Health, Partnerships, Wildfire, and Recreation

R5 Regional Forester, Randy Moore, Reviews

Trail Armoring Project on Mendocino National Forest

QWR wants to commend Region 5 for its effort to inform the public on the agency’s mission and commitment to the residents of California and the resource.

As many of you know, there are outstanding OHV/OSV recreational opportunities in Region 5 which includes all of the National Forests in California.

QWR has had the privilege to work with the Region’s recreation staff on various projects, planning efforts, and trail workshops.  QWR can attest to the Region’s commitment to partnerships and to having a high-quality system of designated OHV/OSV roads, trails, and areas.

Soil Scientist, Roger Poff, Explains R5 OHV Soil Study

2014 QWR Trail Workshop - Tahoe National Forest

Links are provided to Region 5’s outreach webpage that addresses a number of issues which include; timber, recreation, fuel reduction programs, wildfire suppression, forest collaboratives, and partnerships.

Region 5 Mission Overview

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/landmanagement/?cid=FSEPRD479938

Regional Forester, Randy Moore, Video on Mission of Region 5

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/landmanagement/?cid=fseprd486009

QWR believes it is important for user groups to make a similar commitment to remain engaged with the Region and Forests in regards to the planning process, forest projects, partnerships, volunteerism, and recreation management efforts.

FireScape Mendocino - A Forest Collaborative in Region 5

It is also important for public land agencies to continue efforts to enhance their outreach program by publishing robust narratives that highlight the agency’s various challenges, opportunities, and solutions.

Partnerships are "The Catalyst" in Managed Recreation Programs

Having just returned back to the office from the California State Park Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Commission meeting held in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra, QWR wanted to share with you the recent edition of The Catalyst, the newsletter for the Interpretation of California State Parks.

This issue covers a lot of exciting activities in the CA State Park System including “Earthsnorkeling,” interpretive geocaching, storm water management, junior lifeguards, access for Wounded Warriors, and partnerships.

Vol. 16, No. 1 – The Catalyst

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/735/files/CatalystSpringSummer2015.pdf

QWR’s, Don Amador, wrote the following “partnership” article for the issue and it can be found on page 20.  Please feel free to check out The Catalyst and share it with your friends.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

Maybe the single most important factor in modern OHV recreation is the use of diverse partnerships as a synergistic force multiplier when it comes to the management of motorized use on designated roads, trails, and riding areas.

New Sign Installed by Volunteers in Partnership with

the BLM's Bishop Field Office and OHMVRD

Today, partnerships are a core element of any successful local, state, or federal OHV program.  In 2015, OHV management is not just about getting a few riders together to build a trail.  Rather, it is a holistic approach on a site level that addresses diverse trail-related projects, including forest health, soil loss, water quality, education, law enforcement, fuel reduction, signing, trail maintenance, trail construction or reconstruction, and habitat restoration.

Local Conservation Group works on Restoration Project to Enhance

Watershed Protection at Popular OHV Campground on Inyo National Forest

The Power Sports Industry has stepped up to the plate with grant programs such as the Motorcycle

Industry Council’s RightRider Access Fund, Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative Grant Program, and the Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program.

Many states have an OHV grant program to help support the efforts of local and federal land agencies to offer the public high-quality and environmentally sound OHV recreational opportunities.

For example, California State Park’s OHMVR Division has a grant program that supports county and federal OHV recreation programs throughout the state. Those funds go to help with trail maintenance, trail construction, soil loss mitigation, habitat restoration, law enforcement, and safety education.

OHV recreation on public lands has evolved into a highly complex and diverse, partnership-related

“systems approach” concept. It is important to highlight those partnerships to illustrate the evolution of managed motorized trail opportunities. Recently, I was privileged to do an area review of just such an effort.

The Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (RCD) and the Bureau of Land Management recently entered into a ten-year stewardship agreement to cooperatively manage the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area. RCD and the BLM are focused on projects related to road and trail maintenance, forest health improvement, fuel reduction, education and outreach and other efforts. For example, trail-armoring projects are being implemented because of this partnership.

OHV "Partnership" Bridge Installed to Protect Watershed

at BLM's Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

The aforementioned RCD/BLM agreement acts as a force multiplier when combined with this

unit’s long-standing partnership with California’s OHMVR Division and Commission.

This is a good case study of how a comprehensive “many-hands/partners” approach to OHV trail and

resource management is working in a synergistic manner to protect our natural environment

while providing high-quality motorized trail opportunities.

# # # 

Registration/Agenda for 2015 NOHVCC Annual Conf. Oct. 27-31 in Sacramento, CA

QWR is proud to be attending the 2015 NOHVCC Conference in the Sacramento area this year.  The dates for the 2015 Annual NOHVCC and INOHVAA Joint Conference are Oct 27 – 31.

NOHVCC has moved the conference back to California, the State in which the first conference was held.  They have lined up the mobile workshop to be at the Prairie City SVRA, which is the site of the Hangtown Pro-motocross track.  To add even more value to the conference this year, in addition to the NOHVCC and INOHVAA conference sessions, the All-Quad Council of Canada (AQCC) and the California OHV Commission will be meeting just prior to the conference start.  All this means great networking opportunities for you. There will be training modules for ATVs, Dirt-Bikes, and SxS.

Knowing that many agency recreation staff are on tight budgets, QWR has worked with the OHV Division to allow for agency staff who cannot afford the hotel ($95/night/govt. rate) to camp out either in a tent or RV at Prairie City SVRA.   If you plan to camp at the SVRA, please RSVP to Jeanne Sisson with dates you plan to camp to:

Link to Prairie City SVRA

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1221

OHMVRD - Jeanne Sisson - Jeanne.Sisson@parks.ca.gov

Here is the Conf. Overview/Registration

http://nohvcc.org/Education/Conference.aspx

Here is Conf. Registration

http://nohvcc.org/docs/default-source/miscellaneous-files/2015registrationpacket38BECA9C5DEE.pdf?sfvrsn=2

This is a great learning and networking opportunity!  I hope to see many of you there.

Happy Trails,

Don Amador

Tesla Fire Spares Carnegie SVRA Core Riding Area

Carnegie SVRA Currently Closed to OHV

QWR just got back from a quick recon of the Tesla Fire which burned about 2,700 acres in eastern Alameda County.  The fire started on August 19, 2015 and appears to have spread eastward onto the currently closed expansion property at Carnegie SVRA.  On August 22, CALFIRE stated the fire was 100% contained.

Carnegie SVRA Core Riding Area Spared

Viewing the landscape from the Tesla/Corral Hollow Road today, it appears that most of the trails and supporting infrastructure, including the Park’s Sector Office, at the 1,500 acre riding area was spared from the wildfire.

Looking West Past SVRA Work Yard to Alameda Hills

QWR believes that wildfires in Oak grasslands are an important part of the environmental equation.  Grassland fires can help with the control of insects and disease.  Oak trees in general are fire resistant and we believe a lot of them will return next year in a stronger state of health.

Looking East from SVRA Sector Office 

 QWR also believes that fire can often be a benefit on landscapes where trail design and layout is planned.   With the vegetative cover removed, it is easier to see the lay of the terrain and how a proposed route can be constructed to take advantage of natural features to reduce water runoff and soil erosion.

Entrance to Tesla Mine 

QWR urges riders to monitor the Carnegie SVRA website for updates on when the park will reopen.  There may also be post-fire rehabilitation efforts that need the help from trail volunteers.  Let’s be supportive of SVRA staff as they work to reopen the park as soon as possible.

Carnegie SVRA Website

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172

With wildfires burning throughout the West, QWR wants us all to remember the fire crews out on the frontlines working tirelessly to protect life, property, and natural/cultural resources.

Forest Service Chainsaw Class - Important Training Tool for Trail Volunteers

Mendocino NF Chainsaw Class and Instructors

Managing sustainable OHV and other recreation programs on federal lands is a complex challenge in the 21^st Century.  Most successful programs have these common factors; appropriated funds, support from line-officers, dedicated recreation staff, supplemental monies from fee programs, state or other grants, and volunteers. 

QWR's Don Amador

 

For this article, QWR wants to focus on trail volunteers and their growing import in the aforementioned equation.   To bolster their volunteer workforce, the Mendocino National Forest recently held a chainsaw certification class for volunteers.

Blowdown on FS Motorcycle Trail

According to the agency, before Forest Service volunteers can operate a chain saw or a crosscut saw on a Forest Service project, they need to attend an official Forest Service training course on the safe and proper use of these saws.  The Forest Service has training courses specific to the use of saws for firefighting and for other purposes.  Usually, the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) course is the preferred crosscut and chainsaw class for non-fire personnel.   The operational and safety based training course for volunteers will help both experienced and inexperienced sawyers use chain saws and crosscut saws for limbing, bucking, brushing, and—to a limited degree—for felling smaller and less complex material.  Safety is the number one element emphasized in the chainsaw training.

Trail Crew Clearing Blowdown on FS 4wd, SxS, ATV, and MC Trail

The training is very comprehensive.  Topics include, but are not limited to: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), area size up, proper body positioning and stance,  familiarity with OSHA requirements and regulations, physics of “binds”,  physics of “kickback”, sawyer/swamper communication, cutting area control, danger tree awareness,  job hazard analysis and emergency evacuation plans,  Forest Service radio communication, radio procedures and how to use a Forest Service radio;  parts of the chainsaw,  how to sharpen chainsaw chain,  and saw maintenance;   and of course the inclusion of safe chainsaw handling, starting and stopping procedures, use of escape routes,  and field practice with limbing and bucking practicum.

LINK to FS Chainsaw Course (with volunteer section)

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/fire-aviation/management/?cid=stelprdb5366863

Bill Aaron, a Region 5 chainsaw instructor who taught our class, states, “Trail volunteers are an important part of the Forest Service trails system.  Without their assistance the upkeep and maintenance would be much more difficult, and they are an integral key in the trails program.”

Chainsaw and Rack on QWR's DRZ400 Trail Maint. Bike

The Forest Service also states that volunteers who have completed saw training successfully are usually certified at the "A”  or “B” level. The level of certification indicates the types of saw work, along with any restrictions, that the volunteer can perform.  The "A" level is considered “apprentice” and the "B level is considered “intermediate” with restrictions limiting them to limbing, brushing, and bucking.

After training is complete, a line officer (usually the district ranger or unit manager) issues the volunteer's saw qualification card. Saw training and recertification is required every 3 years.

Don Amador, QWR President, states, “A skilled trail volunteer workforce is a force-multiplier and they not only help keep trail clear of trees and other vegetation, but their donated hours can be used as a match for grants from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.  Volunteers continue to be an important factor in the land-management equation.”

Chainsaw Certification Card

“I considered it a privilege to have been part of this chainsaw class where safety and proper cutting techniques were emphasized.  Recent wildfires at popular OHV areas such as Stonyford on the Mendocino National Forest and Hull Creek on the Stanislaus National Forest highlight the need for a skilled volunteer workforce,” Amador concludes.

# # #