Early Stage of 2012 Mill Fire at Stonyford OHV Area
Mendocino National Forest
Over the last few years, large wildfires throughout the
West have had a significant impact on cultural/natural resources and managed
recreation programs including those prescriptions related to OHV activities.
This article will focus on partnerships that help the
Forest Service protect archeological sites where the protective vegetation –
that acts as a trail delineator - has been burned off.
A good case study is where in 2014; Sean Griffith led a
volunteer crew to install trail delineators to help protect an archeological site
in California’s Sierra Nevada. This
project was part of Sean’s progression to obtain Eagle Scout status.
According to the agency, Sean planned, directed, and led
21 scouts, adults, family members and friends in a project to protect an
archeological site on the Mi-Wok Ranger District of the Stanislaus National
Forest. The district’s Camp Clavey, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) area has a
section which passes by an archeological site. The 2013 Rim Fire burned much of
the area, and Sean’s project was to build barriers on both sides of the OHV
trail to delineate the trail and protect the site.
Sean selected the project well in advance, but delays
happened due to the government furlough, the Rim Fire and hazard tree removal
activities. That’s when his perseverance paid off. Once started, the project
was completed in 4.5 hours.
“Sean set a good example of being a dedicated steward of
the National Forest with the Eagle Scout project he undertook,” said Chuck
James, District Recreation Specialist, who was Sean’s mentor and advisor
throughout the project.
“Having a partnership with the Forest Service is a
win/win for both organizations. Six Eagle projects through the Forest Service
have been completed since I’ve been involved with the scouts,” Sean declared.
“It’s been an honor to have worked together with the agency and I know that my
project will make a difference in protecting the Forest.”
QWR believes partnerships such as this one on the
Stanislaus National Forest or the volunteer efforts on the Mendocino National
Forest to address the 2012 Rim Fire are excellent examples of how various interest groups can work together to protect both cultural resources and recreational
access.
Don Amador on 2013 Volunteer Project
to Protect Archeological Site
State or OHV industry grant programs can also play
an important role as a force multiplier in post-fire trail rehabilitation efforts
or other projects that protect the resource and enhance OHV recreation on
designated roads, trails, and areas. For example, the CA OHMVRD Grant Program helped purchase the materials used on the Stanislaus NF project.
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