GOT IT DONE - BLM REPAIRS FIRE DAMAGED BRIDGES

OHV Bridge Post-Fire Repair

Photo courtesy of BLM

 

                 GOT IT DONE – BLM REPAIRS FIRE DAMAGED OHV BRIDGES

OHV bridges have become a critically important part of today’s sustainable trail systems on public land particularly in mountainous or forested regions.  Often they are used to relocate motorized use out of sensitive riparian areas to protect wildlife and water quality or to provide connectivity throughout a unit’s route network.

When those structures are damaged or destroyed by wildfires or other natural disasters, public access to designated roads and trails can be severely impacted for both casual use and permitted competition events. One such federal unit is the BLM’s South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area near Ukiah, California.

 

                             OHV Bridge - Before Repair                     OHV Bridge - After Repair

                                                           Photos courtesy of the BLM

It is a Congressionally-designated OHV recreation area where managed multiple-use OHV recreation is a prescribed use.  This almost 25K area facility has an extensive route network that provides various degrees of challenge for dirt-bikes, ATVs, SxSs, buggies, and 4WD vehicles.  It also provides motorized access to non-motorized activities such as mountain biking, wildlife views, and hunting.

 

 

          OHV Bridge - Before Repair                                   OHV Bridge - After Repair

                                                       Photos courtesy of BLM

In 2018, much of South Cow Mountain was devastated in the River Fire. Some of that destruction included a number of key OHV bridges that provided important connectivity within the route network.   Impacts to the bridge system created safety concerns and often resulted in trail closures or restrictions and also made it difficult for the agency to issue permits for historic off-road motorcycle events.

        Panther Creek OHV Bridge - Before Repair        Panther Creek OHV Bridge - After Repair

                                                     Photos courtesy of BLM

 QWR commends leadership and staff at the BLM Ukiah Field Office for their “git er done” attitude – during difficult times - to repair severely damaged OHV bridges and restore functionality and connectivity within the 94 mile network of designated roads and trails.  

 

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POST FIRE OBSERVATION - FACE CHALLENGES AND EXTEND GRACE

 

CA BCDT - Post August Complex Fire Recon

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Over the last several weeks, I had the opportunity to do my first large scale recon of areas that were impacted by the August Complex Fire.  As some of you know, on August 17, 2020 a severe lightning storm started 38 separate wildfires that eventually grew into what became known as the August Complex Fire. 

It was California’s first “Giga Fire” because it consumed over 1 million acres of private and public lands in or near the Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests.

Crest of FH7 - Pre August Complex Fire (circa 2015) 

    

Crest of FH7 - Post August Complex Fire (circa 2022)
                                                           

For many of us who worked or recreated on lands within the burn footprint it was a devastating and life changing event.  Many important natural and cultural resources along with high value recreation assets were consumed by the firestorm and altered for generations to come.  

Entering August Complex Fire Burn Footprint off of Highway 36

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

As somebody who has done a lot of post-fire recovery volunteer work on forest lands over the last 20 years, I want to state my appreciation to fire and recreation staff who worked hard to mitigate hazard trees, replace damaged signs, and address other management issues in high-use areas such as campgrounds and along key routes.

 

  Intersection - Pre August Complex Fire (circa 2010)

   

                                                                           Intersection - Post August Complex Fire (circa 2022)

On the other hand, there are many areas in the burn footprint that basically appear as they did after the fire was extinguished almost two years ago.  Many signs are burned up completely or wording is not legible. Road or trail barriers have been destroyed and remain as they were when the fire crews left.

Part of Forest Spared from August Complex Fire

Shasta-Trinity National Forest - (circa 2022)

Unfortunately, the large number of recent mega-fires compounded by ongoing COVID mitigation measures, retirements, and high cost of living in certain regions continue to create capacity challenges as the agency works to address routine management efforts, fuel reduction projects, and their recreation program.

Pre August Complex Fire - Valley View LO

Mendocino National Forest - (circa 2017)

Post August Complex Fire - Valley View LO

Mendocino National Forest - (circa 2022)

While trail volunteer crews can and do make a difference, the lack of agency volunteer coordinators combined with the high cost of living and astronomical fuel prices - that volunteers must address - does make that partnership model less sustainable at least for the foreseeable future.

Looking South towards Snow Mountain Wilderness from FH7

Mendocino National Forest - (circa 2022)

Despite the many challenges and obstacles confronting us, we need to take time to appreciate what we still have and that is access to much of our backcountry road and trail network.  Sure, some of the views are not as “scenic” as they once were, but maybe we can envision what it will look like for the next generation.

Many of our favorite trails are still there and a blast to ride even though they are now lined with the charred remains of fir or pine trees.

Loss of Forest Canopy over Cold Creek - Post August Complex Fire

Mendocino National Forest - (circa 2022)

And, when we plan a volunteer project it needs to respect and maximize the time donated by our volunteer work force to help the agency continue to provide a high quality recreation experience.

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PSA - TAKE ACTION ON BLM DRAFT PLAN FOR WILLIAMS HILL OHV AREA

 

TAKE ACTION ON BLM ALTERNATIVES FOR WILLIAMS HILL OHV AREA

 

BLM ZOOM CALL ON PLAN – May 11

PUBLIC COMMENTS DUE – May 23

 

Back in 2021, the BLM’s Central Coast Field Office asked the OHV community and other stakeholders for scoping comments for their planning process at Williams Hill OHV area to enhance sustainable OHV recreation opportunities there in an effort to address the increased demand – in our post-COVID world – for managed motorized and non-motorized recreation.

Pic of Exiting Routes at Williams Hill

 

Thanks to your early scoping comments, the BLM has developed a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and is asking the public to review it and provide comments.  In response to those comments, the BLM has prepared two Action Alternatives which are Alt. A and Alt. B.  See highlights in paragraph below.

 

Williams Hill Recreation Area currently provides off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities on 15 miles of roads and trails.  The draft EA includes up to 21 miles of additional trails, which would provide opportunities to establish new loop routes that can accommodate more visitors and provide an enhanced recreational experience; expanding campground and staging facilities; and a training track for less experienced riders. The proposals include strategies to reduce unauthorized entry onto private lands.  

 

On May 11 from 5-6:30pm, there is a zoom public meeting where you can learn more about their proposals.

 

LINK to ZOOM MEETING

https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_B2dVxGKwQba26FxTlFMJHQ

  

COMMENTS DUE BY MAY 23

 

 More information can be found on the project website at https://go.usa.gov/x6TWt

 Written comments may be submitted electronically to BLM_CA_Web_CC@blm.gov

 Or by mail: BLM Central Coast Field Office, Attn: Williams Hill OHV Planning EA, 940 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA  93933.

 

 The BLM has prepared this plan with support from the California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division, recognizing that nature and recreational opportunities on public land are essential to the health, well-being, and prosperity of every family and community in America.   

 

Thanks in advance for your participation in the planning process.

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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.

 

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QWR NEWS RELEASE - CONGRESSMEN PETITION BLM TO REOPEN CLEAR CREEK RECREATION AREA

Will Harris, CA State Parks (L) and Don Amador, QWR/D36 (R)

May 2021 Field Trip of Clear Creek

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Email: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Date: April 7, 2022

 

CONGRESSMEN PETITION BLM TO REOPEN CLEAR CREEK RECREATION AREA

 

 

COTTONWOOD, CA  (APRIL 7, 2022) -  OHV enthusiasts cheer two local congressional representatives  in Central California who sent a joint letter today to the BLM CA State Director, Karen Mouritsen, urging her to take administrative action to reopen the Clear Creek Recreation Area to managed OHV use.  Congressmen Jimmy Panetta and David Valadao said restoring public access would also benefit non-motorized recreation and address illegal uses.

 

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing and Director of Government Affairs for AMA District 36, states, “The joint letter sent by Congressmen Panetta and Valadao petitioning the BLM to reopen Clear Creek is just the sort of good news the OHV community needs to hear.”

 

The letter also cited the field trip last year of Clear Creek as an important opportunity for local stakeholders and government representatives to learn about the risks associated with reopening the area, as well as for BLM to hear the concerns of the community that strongly supports reopening of the recreation area.

 

“I believe this joint letter will be the catalyst for starting an administrative planning process for reopening Clear Creek and reestablishing it as an important part of the OHV recreation land matrix to help address capacity challenges at other federal and state riding areas in California,” Amador concludes.

 

# # #

 

Contact Don Amador via email for a copy of the April 7 joint letter from Congressmen Panetta and Valadao

OPINION/REFLECTION - Perfect Storm Leads to Recovery

 

                                                            Vestal Road -  Tehama County, CA

OPINION/REFLECTION

By Don Amador

February 15, 2022

 

 PERFECT STORM LEADS TO RECOVERY

  

Over the last three years, many in the greater OHV recreation community experienced a perfect storm that consisted of dealing with massive wildfires in the West, COVID shutdowns, and political unrest.

 

It upended our lives, family, and nation.  On top of that some of us lost a loved one, suffered a serious illness/injury, or lost a job.

 

Crossing of Seasonal Creek - Tehama County

For me it has been a long and difficult journey.   Just how we respond to those trials defines who we are or teaches us what we should be.

 

The good news is we are a resilient people and that positive attitude is often helped by signs we see along our pathway.

                                              Historic Toilet at FS Lookout - Survived Zogg Fire

                                                           Shasta-Trinity National Forest

 While the wildfires were some of the largest and most intense in recorded history, many historic structures and recreation facilities were spared by an unexplained combination of dedicated firefighters, community grit, and providence.

 

In the early days of COVID, it appeared that government officials and health officers were trying to enact guidelines and mandates to protect public health.  But it did not take long for some to see that political science was driving a lot of policy.  Recent revelations appear to back up that impression.

 

I am still trying to process the national political malaise that infected our national body politic. It wreaked havoc all the way from the family dinner table to Washington D.C.

 

The views seen along my recent motorcycle ADV recon ride to review impacts of the Zogg Fire near Redding, California inspired me to write this piece (it also doubled as physical therapy for my rotator cuff surgery). Those scenes include a dirt road through green hills, a seasonal creek crossing, and an historic toilet at a Forest Service lookout that was spared from the Zogg Fire.

 

Growing up in Humboldt County, I always appreciated the simple things in nature.   Riding along dirt roads and seeing creeks, mountains, and valleys inspired me then as they do now.  

Don Amador at Pattymocus Butte Lookout - Spared in Zogg Fire

Shasta Trinity National Forest

 

I believe the trails and roads you take on life’s journey are important.  This ride reinforced that axiom for me.    

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PSA - New Career Opportunities at CA State Parks

 

QWR is posting this notice for our members of our OHV and resource management network who might be interested in pursuing a career with CA State Parks.  There are a number of ways that folks can support responsible recreation and land management and one is actually starting a career with a land management agency.

 

The Park and Recreation Specialist in particular, is a good professional entry level position for college graduates or young professionals.

 

The links below highlight three new online exams that have been released and are now accessible through CalCareers. Qualified candidates will have access to take the exams all year around and on a continuous basis.  The classification titles and links to view the official exam bulletins below:

 

1.            Park and Recreation Specialist : https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/Bulletin.aspx?examCD=2PBAN

 

2.            Staff Park and Recreation Specialist: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/Bulletin.aspx?examCD=2PBAP

 

3.            Senior Park and Recreation Specialist: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/Bulletin.aspx?examCD=2PBAR

 

Thanks in advance for reviewing these State Park opportunities.