Tahoe NF Uses New Wet Weather Management Tool
(Trail 25 will be open when conditions allow)
QWR is proud to announce - that because of pro-active work by agency scientists, researchers, recreation specialists,
volunteers, and partners - the Tahoe National Forest recently issued a DECISION NOTICE and FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT for the 2017 Motor
Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that removes fixed seasonal closures on a number of
access roads and motorized trails in the Burlington area.
LINK TO DECISION NOTICE http://a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai.com/11558/www/nepa/103192_FSPLT3_3893096.pdf
Over the last several years, QWR has posted updates in
regards to ongoing Forest Service field studies to help develop an
evidence-based method for opening trails based on direct soil moisture measurements
and trail condition. Four pilot studies were
conducted on the Los Padres, Mendocino, and Tahoe National Forests.
Don Amador Helping with Wet Weather Field Study
Mendocino NF
The field studies involved measuring soil strength and soil
moisture, and correlating those measurements with observed levels of trail
damage. This prediction of risk is now being used to develop threshold values
to determine when to open or close trails as highlighted in the aforementioned
announcement.
QWR commends the agency research team and partners for
helping develop this important new tool for managing trails – in a flexible manner - for public enjoyment when soil conditions allow.
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