JAN. 28 - TRAVEL MANAGEMENT FOR BERRYESSA-SNOW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

 

National Monument Sign on West Portion of Stonyford OHV Area

Mendocino National Forest

On March 19, 2016, a stakeholder collaborative gathered at the BLM’s Cowboy Camp to participate in the official dedication ceremony for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.  Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell was joined by Members of Congress, local elected officials, state dignitaries, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, BLM National Director Neil Kornze, other FS/BLM officials, and diverse user groups that represented hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, adventure riders, overlanders, and OHV enthusiasts.

Interior Secretary, Sally Jewell, on OHV Tour of Monument

What made the event unique is that OHV recreation was featured as a key partner in development of the plan to bring additional resources to enhance both conservation efforts and existing/ future non-motorized and motorized recreational opportunities within the Monument boundary.

 

Map of National Monument

LINK TO BERRYESSA SNOW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/berryessa-snow-mountain-national-monument

 

As an important part of the BLM’s commitment to improve existing and future recreation opportunities, the agency issued a news release on January 15, 2021 that invites the public to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument’s BLM Trails and Travel Management Workshop on January 28, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. This virtual workshop will provide an overview of the BLM travel management process, which is scheduled to begin later in 2021, and invite participants to provide comment.

 

REGISTER HERE FOR WORKSHOP ON JANUARY 28, 2021 – 5:30 to 8:00 pm

https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-hold-berryessa-snow-mountain-national-monument-public-workshop

 

Many of the OHV organizations that worked with conservation groups on development of the national monument understand that federal lands in or adjacent to the national monument are home to a number of destination and dispersed high quality OHV trail recreation opportunities that exist on designated roads, trails, and areas.

Monument Sign at Entrance to Knoxville OHV Area

BLM Ukiah Field Office

However, there are some areas in the Walker Ridge/Indian Valley Reservoir part of the monument that do not have a designated route network.  Your participation in the travel planning process will help identify trails that are important and those that may be causing resource damage or trespass onto private property.

 

If you use or want to use this area for motorized or non-motorized recreation, be sure and sign up to be part of this travel planning effort.  It will also be good practice for other federal planning efforts that are being developed.

 

PSA - Support Post Fire Winter Seasoning of OHV Trail Repairs

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Post Fire Temporary Closure Sign on OHV Trail

Mendocino National Forest

As federal OHV recreation areas continue their post Mendocino Complex Fire phased reopening of designated roads and trails that provide looped opportunities or connectivity, it is important to respect signs on routes that remain temporarily closed so their post-fire reconstruction treatments can season or stabilize over the winter.

Post Fire Rebuilding of Soil Erosion Structures on OHV Trail

Mendocino National Forest

Many of those closed routes received extensive damage as a result of dozer lines blading out soil erosion control structures on the trail.  Other trails had OHV bridges destroyed by the fire or had huge gullies carved out by heavy post-fire rain events.

Damaged Timber Barriers and Natural Vegetation Barriers

Mendocino National Forest

Another “sign” to look for as you enjoy those routes reopened over the last few months are those trail or area delineators that were either completely or partially destroyed by the fire.

QWR urges the greater OHV community to respect those roads, trails, and areas that remain temporarily closed or burned over sections of the forest where delineators - or vegetation that functioned as natural delineators - were damaged or obliterated.

Be assured, the Forest Service, OHV clubs, and non-profit partners are working hard on various post-wildfire recovery projects so that an increased number of popular motorized routes can be reopened in a timely manner for casual trail riding and permitted events in 2020.

OPINION - ADV to our Forest Past to Guide our Future

ADV Journey to Understand our Past

Opinion

By Don Amador

May 20, 2018

ADV to our Past to Guide our Future

Adventure (ADV) riding is not just a recreation activity where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy spectacular views, natural wonders, and good times with family and friends.  On occasion, it can be a solemn journey to better understand how important historical and tragic events have shaped - or continue to shape - management of public lands.  

Rattlesnake Fire Info Board Directs View to Fallen Heroes

Recently while helping support the 2018 SheetIron Dual Sport Ride, hosted by the Oakland Motorcycle Club, I took an ADV ride on Forest Highway 7 that bisects the Mendocino National Forest.  The purpose of the trip was to pay respect to the wildland firefighters who lost their lives battling the 1953 Rattlesnake Fire.

Crosses Mark Spots where Fire Overran Firefighters

According to the Forest Service, on July 9, 1953, a brush fire was reported in Grindstone Canyon several miles northwest of Elk Creek on the Mendocino National Forest. As the fire raged out of control, the Forest Service requested volunteers from the New Tribes Mission that was located about 25 miles south of the fire to help.

Tribute to Fallen Firefighters

That evening, the main fire was contained and 24 men were sent down into the canyon to put out a spot fire. After this was accomplished, the crew sat down to eat their supper. They had just begun to eat when the wind shifted direction and the original fire jumped its line and started down the canyon.

One of the firefighters from above ran down to warn the crew to get out of the canyon. Nine of the men scrambled up the hill to the firefighter who was warning them and made it to safety. The other 15 men tried to run down the canyon to a road below, but were overtaken by the rapidly moving fire.

Bell at Rattlesnake Fire Overlook

Fourteen firefighters from the New Tribes Mission and one Forest Service employee from the Mendocino National Forest lost their lives making it one of the deadliest in Forest Service history. The brush fire burned over 1300 acres before being brought under control on July 11, 1953.

Response to the tragedy led to changes in wildland fire training, firefighter safety standards, firefighter knowledge and awareness of fire weather and fire behavior. The Rattlesnake Fire is reviewed every year by wildland firefighters across the nation in basic firefighting training and fire refresher training as part of "Lessons Learned".

LINK TO FOREST SERVICE RATTLESNAKE FIRE OVERVIEW

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mendocino/recarea/?recid=25300

Sitting on the bench at the Rattlesnake Fire Overlook where the information board directs your vision across the canyon to the white crosses that mark where the fire overran our fallen heroes is a somber experience.

Rattlesnake Fire Overlook

It also gave meaning to, and strong motivation for, the ongoing efforts of collaborative forest health efforts where diverse interest groups seek to enhance programs that reduce the number of Megafires by increasing fuel reduction projects on private and public lands. 

Sharing Passion for Trails with Next Generation of Land Managers

Chico Student at OHV Information Kiosk - Stonyford OHV Area

Mendocino National Forest

QWR, as part of its Sound Trails Initiative (STI), spent the last 5 days doing various post-fire and other trail stewardship projects on the Mendocino National Forest.

Merriam-Webster defines “Stewardship” as:  the conducting, supervising, or managing of something [and/or] the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care [i.e. trail-based recreation]

QWR believes an important element of trail stewardship is helping pass on your expertise and field experience to a new generation of public land managers that are enrolled in outdoor recreation education at institutions of higher learning such as Chico State University and their Recreation, Hospitality and Parks Management Program.

Designated Trail for Dirt-bike, ATV, SxS, Buggy, and 4wd Use

Mendocino National Forest

According to Chico State, students develop appropriate, professional capabilities, and attitudes required for work in a variety of settings. They learn to advise customers, to organize and plan, to budget, and to manage both leisure services and recreation and park resources. Using technology to enhance the provision of leisure services has become a distinguishing characteristic of our graduates.

Chico Student at Wilderness Trailhead

Example of Motorized Access to Non-Motorized Recreation

Mendocino National Forest

Fieldwork is offered in various recreation and resource settings; students serve full-time internships with public recreation agencies, private or commercial recreation businesses, hotels and resorts, therapeutic programs, or parks and natural resource-related agencies. The Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management has one of the largest and most respected programs of its kind in the nation. Fifteen diverse and dedicated faculty members strive to ensure the best professional education for program majors, minors, and graduate students. The department was first accredited in 1986.

OHV Restoration Project - St. John's Mountain

Funded by CA State Park OHV Restoration Grant

Mendocino National Forest

QWR commends the Forest for encouraging interns and students to learn about recreation and resource management at the dirt or ground level.   A number of students from Chico State worked alongside agency staff and federal partners at the Oakland Motorcycle Club’s annual Jackhammer Enduro to better understand how both casual OHV recreation and permitted events are managed by the agency.

QWR was privileged to take one of the students on a full day tour of the OHV program on the Grindstone Ranger District.  The field trip in a SxS included on-site reviews of various federally funded or California State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant funded designated trails, destination and dispersed camping opportunities, trail signing, kiosks, conservation and restoration projects, and how OHV routes can often provide motorized access to non-motorized recreation.

User Pay-User Benefit Fee Station at Developed Campground

Mendocino National Forest

As the Forest Service and BLM continue efforts to maintain and enhance their recreation programs, QWR believes that it is important for the OHV community (public land agencies and partners) to share their experience and passion for trails with a new generation of land managers.

Natural Wonders Await Adventure Riders in 2016

Don Amador on Mendocino NF

Exploring less-traveled backcountry forest roads on a dual-sport or adventure motorcycle is one of the reasons that riders, in growing numbers, have taken up the sport.

Road 18N04 on Mendocino NF

Because of the increased precipitation this spring in California’s Northern Coastal Range, adventure riders can experience a wide array of natural wonders that await them along the route.

High elevation meadows that have been brown for the last 4-5 years are now a lush green color.  Douglas Fir and other conifers are sprouting new growth.  The Dogwood Trees are in bloom.

Dogwood Tree

Depending on the elevation, you will see a lot of California Valley or Mountain Quail.  Deer antlers are now covered in thick velvet.

Many Blue Oaks have dense foliage and look healthier than folks can remember.  Ponderosa Pines are looking good too.

QWR just wanted to share a few photos and some thoughts from a recent trip on the Mendocino National Forest in the hopes that some of you will take the opportunity to explore and enjoy some of our natural treasures in 2016.

See you on the trail.

Trail Culture Ensures Project Completion

Upper Lake Ranger District Volunteer Team

Mendocino National Forest

Culture is described by Merriam-Webster as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization. 

QWR believes the partnership that exists on numerous Forest Service and BLM units between user groups and agency staff is helping foster a “Trail Culture” that bodes well for future collaborative efforts to maintain sustainable trails.

Pre-Event Work Day to Stage Materials

A recent example of a federal unit that has integrated a trail culture mindset into its recreation program is the Upper Lake Ranger District (ULRD) on the Mendocino National Forest.

MCMA Club Members,FS Recreation Staff, and LE Officer

Install Peeler Core Trail Barriers

To help the agency address several important trail improvement projects, the ULRD staff worked with the Hayward Motorcycle Club, Marin County Motorcycle Association, Quiet Warrior Racing, and the BlueRibbon Coalition to armor three new OHV water crossings which needed culvert bank reinforcements before the arrival of any large rain event.

Pre-Event Work Day Staging Materials at Culvert Armor Project

There was also an old forest-health project related skid-road that had been receiving unauthorized OHV use.  That use was shortcutting a designated OHV route. 

Culvert Bank with Cement Armor and Tread Blocks

The skid-road project included installation of several peeler-core barriers and signs which told the riders the shortcut route is closed to public use.

Volunteers Finish Culvert Bank Armor Project

 Success for this trail volunteer event is directly related to the ULRD’s long-standing trail culture which has instilled a sense of shared values, commitment, and responsibility within agency staff and the user community.

FS Recreation Staffer Hauls in Materials

In the weeks and months leading up to the main volunteer work day, there was a lot of event planning that included field trips to assess the resources/materials and number of volunteers needed to complete the mission.

Most importantly there were several pre-event work days to stage key materials at the job sites to help ensure the highest and best use of volunteer time.

Happy Trail Volunteers on Job Well Done

As with other joint agency/user volunteer days there are a number of important take-a-ways to appreciate.  First, the project mission is accomplished where both natural resources are protected and

responsible OHV recreation continues.  Second, the project helps instill ownership and pride of public lands in the user community as they work to manage sustainable trail systems. 

LE, Recreation Staff, and Users Complete Trail Barrier Project

Finally, long-term relationships and trust are cultivated between agency staff and the recreation community as they share sweat equity out on the trail.

QWR wants to thank all FS and BLM units that have embraced the trail culture concept on their unit.

And, we look forward to working with other units that are in the process of creating successful trail-based recreation programs.  Working together is a good thing.

User/Agency Trail Field Trips Important Part of Collaborative Process

Stonyford OHV Program Manager - Sarah Ridenour-Chamberlin (R) Explains 

Soil Erosion Structures to Forest Supervisor - Ann Carlson (L), 

and Forest Recreation Officer - Katy Rich (C)

QWR is committed to the collaborative process as a strategy to bring land agency staff and the trail-based recreation community together with a common goal of both protecting resources and providing a high-quality outdoor experience.

Much of the collaborative or stakeholder process is centered on attending meetings where information is shared, values are appreciated, and relationships are formed.

QWR believes that “out-of-the office” field trips where private sector partners invite agency staff to review the development and management history of an OHV area is also an important element of the stakeholder process.

Mendocino Forest Supervisor - Ann Carlson, Reviews

St. John's Mountain Restoration Project (Funded by a CA OHV Grant)

with Agency Staff

Recently, leadership from the Mendocino National Forest toured the multiple-use recreation program on the Grindstone Ranger District.  With one of the largest destination OHV programs in the country, the District is a good case study on how OHV management prescriptions have evolved over the last 36-40 years.

Mendocino NF OHV Manager Reviews Work Order

with Trails Unlimited Crew

On the Mendocino and several other National Forests/BLM units, managed recreation didn’t start with the 2005 Travel Management Rule.   Rather, it has been a multi-decade process where the 1960s-era mining, firebreak, or logging road-based route network was gradually converted to a sustainable trail system that consists of engineered contour trails, soil loss structures, and road-to-trail conversions.

Functioning Sediment Catch Basin on System Trail

Managed federal OHV trail-based recreation programs are hard to sustain on current (and future) recreation budgets appropriated by Congress.   In some regions of the country, the Forest Service and BLM receive grants from state funding sources such as the CA OHV Division Grant Program or OR’s ATV Grant Program.

In the 21^st Century, successful OHV trail programs must also rely on partnerships with the private sector such as OHV clubs, conservation groups, and other local stakeholders.   Those entities can be the source for the agency’s professional volunteer workforce where users are given chainsaw certification classes or other trail maintenance training.

Getting Ready for a Day of Trail Clearing

QWR commends those user groups and agency units where an all-hands-approach has been adopted and implemented.   QWR understands that it can take a lot of agency staff time to manage a substantive volunteer program.   However, a robust volunteer corps can also play a supportive role in helping the agency obtain non-federal resources/monies (i.e. grants to help manage their trail program, fund projects such as an OHV bridge, or donations for construction labor/materials).

Post 2012 Mill Fire Volunteer Work Party

 The collaborative process is a two-way street.  Don’t wait for agency staff to call for a meeting or workshop.  As a private sector partner, looks for ways to engage your federal contacts either at meetings, field trips, or volunteer work parties.  Be willing to do some heavy lifting yourself. 

Successful Day of Trail Clearing

QWR believes the quality of our trail future is directly proportional to the quality of the collaborative process/stakeholder involvement on your Forest or BLM unit.

TRAIL NEWS UPDATE – FS National Trails Strategy

Don Amador on FS System Trail

Mendocino NF

QWR commends the Forest Service for its effort to develop a national trails strategy for sustainable motorized and non-motorized trails.

LINK TO FS NATIONAL TRAILS STRATEGY

http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trail-management/strategy/index.shtml

According to the agency, for the past two years, the Forest Service has gathered the body of knowledge which now forms the core of the Trails Strategy discussion draft. Through engagement with employees at all levels of the agency, non-governmental organizations and partners, other trail management agencies, and the health care and private industry, we are striving to define and implement a strategic approach for closing the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

Trail Inventory

Six Rivers NF

QWR encourages trail professionals and advocates to download the discussion draft strategy.  QWR believes this is a very positive program and will provide important high-level guidance to line-officers and agency trail champions at the Regional Office, Forest, and District levels.

Rubicon Trail

This is a very exciting process and bodes well for the future of trail-based recreation on lands managed by the Forest Service.

# # # 

OHV Recreation Key Partner in National Monument Dedication

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on

4x4 Tour

Article by Don Amador

March 20, 2016

Word count: 529

Note to editor: Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this article

OHV Key Partner in National Monument Dedication

COWBOY CAMP, CA (March 19) - A popular BLM equestrian campground was the site for the official dedication ceremony for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.  Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell was joined by Members of Congress, local elected officials, state dignitaries, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, BLM National Director Neil Kornze, other FS/BLM officials, and diverse user groups including OHV recreationists.

Mendocino NF's Ann Carlson and BLM Ukiah Field Office's Rich Burns

Welcome Folks to Dedication

California Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird 

What made this event unique is that OHV recreation was featured as a key partner in development of the plan to bring additional resources to enhance both conservation efforts and existing/ future non-motorized and motorized recreational opportunities within the Monument boundary.  

Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell

Congressmen Mike Thompson and John Garamendi Hand Out

Certificates of Appreciation

All of the speakers noted that OHV recreation has been, and will continue to be, an important part of the recreation program in the Monument.

OHMVR Commission Chairman, Ted Cabral, Visits

with Jay Watson, Director of the Student Conservation Association

In addition to the official dedication ceremony, the event had two other official activities.  Those were a morning hike on non-motorized trails and an afternoon 4x4 tour of the BLM’s Walker Ridge where the agency is getting ready to start the route designation process.

Rigs Lined Up for Start of 4x4 OHV Tour

Secretary Sally Jewell, former CEO of REI, was very engaged with the 4x4 tour’s participants which included the Mendocino 4x4 Club, Matson Breakey/MetalCloak, CA OHV Program staff, BRC, Tuleyome, and FS/BLM officials.

Official 4x4 Tour Map

The group got to visit with Secretary Jewell on a broad range of subjects including the CA OHV program, trail volunteerism, partnerships, modern trail management prescriptions, potential new trail designations within the Monument, special recreation permit reform, and other OHV recreation topics.

Secretary Sally Jewell Talks with 4x4 Tour Group 

 A lot of credit for this collaborative effort goes to Tuleyome, the regional conservation group that has been working with OHV and other stakeholder groups for the past 6-7 years to help ensure a bright future for multiple-use recreation on lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM.

This part of California is host to numerous destination OHV areas including BLM’s Cow Mountain Recreation Area and the Knoxville OHV Area.  The Mendocino National Forest manages both the Upper Lake and Stonyford OHV Areas.  This area is also home to many OHV permitted events including enduros and dual sport/adventure rides.

OHMVRD Booth at Dedication

The California State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD) was at this event to highlight the important long-term relationship between the FS/BLM and OHMVRD’s grant program that helps support trail maintenance, restoration projects, and law enforcement on the federal units.

Site of Monument Dedication

OHV recreation will continue to play an important role in helping shape its future by participating in development of the Monument Management Plan.  This will be a multi-year process where local input will be critical. 

California Conservation Corps is an Important Trail Partner

OHV clubs and individuals will also continue to be an important volunteer workforce to help maintain current and new trail opportunities. 

Mendocino NF Staff 

These types of bipartisan partnerships between OHV, land agencies, and conservation groups will continue to evolve as a key element to managed recreation in the 21^st Century.

 # # # 

Don Amador is a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition and serves as their western representative.  Don is also president of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting.  He writes from his office in Oakley, CA.  Don may be reached by email at: damador@cwo.com