2020 WILDFIRES MAX CAPACITY

View of August Complex Fire near Doe Peak

Picture taken from Stonyford, CA

COVID AND WILDFIRES MAX CAPACITY

Not sure where to start or what to say as I watch over 300 wildfires cut a swath of destruction across public and private lands in California.  Just as many of us in recreation stewardship or management are recovering from the 2018 Wildfire Season in Northern California, we are now facing another round of challenges that stem from the devastating wildfires that were ignited by thousands of recent lightning strikes.

For those of us who recreate on the Mendocino National Forest (home of the largest wildfire in CA history) that have been working on post 2018 Ranch Fire efforts to recover and reopen that area to multiple-use recreation, it’s hard to fathom the still growing 116K acre August Complex Fire that is now torching additional important recreation opportunities and cultural/natural resources. 

Cabins, ranches, homes, and private timber lands are also being destroyed or threatened by the August Complex Fire.

As somebody who spends a lot of time on the Mendocino NF in either a professional or personal basis, I want to share a couple of stories with pictures of resources that are in the path of the wildfire.

For ADV or Backcountry enthusiasts, the article below highlights important roads, scenic views, and cultural resources that are at risk.  

ADV OVERVIEW OF NORTH MENDO

 http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2017/05/adventure-to-backcountry-treasure-kicks.html

Also, I want to share an article about an historic wildfire that took the lives of firefighters back in 1953. There is a memorial to them along FH7 and is a popular site to visit to remember and better understand their sacrifice and what wildfires can do.  The article below contains a number of pictures of that memorial including the crosses that were placed on a hillside where the fire overran the firefighters.

One small story of hope in this current firestorm is the fire may have spared the crosses on land that is considered sacred ground by many.

RATTLESNAKE FIRE MEMORIAL ALONG FH7

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2018/05/opinion-adv-to-our-forest-past-to-guide.html

Given COVID-19 restrictions and lack of fire-fighting capacity, we have a long tough road ahead as the 2020 wildfire season continues to explode.

COVID-19 UPDATE - Respect Reopening Process

RESPECT REOPENING PROTOLS

According to a Region 5 news release on May 14, 2020, many Forests will be reopening this weekend in California.  Also, other federal recreation sites throughout the West, including portions of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, will also be reopening.  

QWR believes it is important for OHVers to honor the agency’s request to follow various COVID-19 mitigation measures – including the call to recreate locally - as highlighted in the R5 news release below:

LINK TO REGION 5 REOPENING NEWS RELEAS

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD738552

VALLEJO,CA  - May 14, 2020—National Forests in California are increasing access to the public by providing additional developed recreational opportunities. National Forest websites and social media pages will have the most up-to-date information on re-openings. Whenever possible, please recreate locally.

Visitors should practice self-sufficiency when visiting national forests and come prepared with all the essentials needed for a day trip, including food, emergency supplies, and the ability to pack-out trash. Remember to recreate responsibly by keeping the following in mind:

• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
•  
• Do not gather in groups and follow the latest guidance from health officials
•  
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
•  
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use

Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continue. Certain services may still be unavailable, please plan accordingly.

Since many units are operating at a reduced capacity due to furloughed or sick staff, cleaning or PPE shortages, etc., QWR believes it is important for OHVers to come with their own hand sanitizers and toilet paper per chance toilets are still closed or have not been cleaned or stocked.

The loss of recreational opportunity due to COVID-19 closures has been hard on both the user community and agency staff. The crisis has also interrupted those dynamic on-the-ground partnerships that help keep our riding areas managed and open.

Respecting the various COVID-19 mitigation measure recommended by land agencies in coordination with local and state officials will help them remain open though the summer and expedite additional reopening of state and federal OHV recreation areas.

*Make sure you call or check the website of any unit you plan to ride or camp at BEFORE  you leave.

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COVID-19 - Reopening Protocols for Recreation Organizations

Covid-19 Mitigation Tools

Cloth Mask, Hand Sanitizer, No-Touch Thermometer

COVID-19 – Reopening Protocols for Recreation Organizations

As many states and local jurisdictions begin their reopening process, QWR believes it is important for recreation groups to be proactive and develop Covid-19 protocols for future in-person meetings and volunteer trail events.

The White House has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again.  This is a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.

LINK TO WH PHASED REOPENING STRATEGY

https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/

That strategy encourages the public to continue the practice of good hygiene as highlighted below:

·         Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces

·         Avoid touching your face

·         Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow

·         Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible

·         Strongly consider using face coverings while in public, and particularly when using mass transit

QWR believes that recreation groups and non-profit conservation organizations may want to add a No-Touch Infrared Thermometer to their list of suggested mitigation tools and PPEs such as cloth masks and hand sanitizers with alcohol content greater than 60%.

LINK TO NIH INFORMATION ON NO TOUCH THERMOMETERS

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25520984

In some areas of the country where spread of Covid-19 continues having that screening capacity to identify members who are running an elevated temperature makes sense and might help decision-makers lift restrictions on in-person meetings and volunteer events.   

Bo Hui Model T-168 No Touch Thermometer 

QWR suggests that recreation stakeholder groups develop in-person/event meeting protocols that adhere to required social distancing and other Covid-19 health guidelines and obtain cloths masks, hand sanitizer, and possibly a no-touch infrared thermometer that can be included in your post-reopening Covid-19 mitigation strategy.

LINK TO ARTICLE ON DEVELOPING WORKPLACE TEMPERATURE SCREENING

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/us-covid-19-workplace-temperature-64518/

It also important to remember that post-reopening mitigation requirements for in-person meetings and volunteer events may vary widely depending on local, state and federal jurisdictions such as the Forest Service, BLM, State Parks, and County Government.  Be sure and contact them for more specific guidelines or requirements.

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Don Amador worked in the healthcare field for 20 years and served as Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Registered Radiologic Technologist