MOTHER LODE TRAILS

Spenceville Wildlife Area closed for annual turkey hunt March 25-April 2

3/24/2023

Every year, the Spenceville Wildlife Area is closed for the official CA Fish and Game turkey hunt. It will be closed from March 25, the opening day of turkey season, to April 2 this year.

This means no hiking, no horse back riding, nothing but hunting to licensed hunters who have won the lottery picks.

(photo by Suzanne Vacarro, Gold Country Trails Council)

Placer County wildflowers starting to bloom

3/23/2023

Spring Equinox has arrived!
As we draw closer to Placer County's poppy and lupine super bloom, remember to:
1. STAY ON THE TRAIL! (Protect the native ecosystem and make sure seeds are there for the next year).
2. Pack in, Pack out (Be responsible with all your trash).
3. Stop by a California Welcome Center for Outdoor Recreation maps & info, or download GPX files from Gold Country Trails Council.
4. Some of the best hikes are described here on Mother Lode Trails. Be sure to check them out under the NEWS tab.
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Downed trees reported on almost all Empire Mine trails

3/18/2023

Received this from a Gold Country Trails Council member:
"Today I rode at Empire Mine and it was destroyed with downed trees. The fire road was semi clear with one tree down, but all the loops had down trees. The main HardRock trail was clear to a point. There were so many, I can't report them all. The other side of Highway 174 was a little better."

Internet restored for Mother Lode Trails

3/17/2023

UPDATE:
We are back online! The fiber is working perfectly and now we'll be catching up. Thank you, Race Communications!

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The photo is from February 28, the day the Internet died. We aren't going camping anytime soon. Normally at this elevation we get no more than a few inches of snow which melts off in a day or two. This year and last January were dramatically different. We call them the Donner Party years.

We have been really spoiled by the Race Communications fiber gigabit network over the past two years and became dependent on it for phone, streaming, Internet, etc.

We will keep you trail users updated as soon as we have our Internet back!

El Dorado CO Parks and Trails Plan meetings coming up March and April

3/15/2023

Be sure to read the Mission Statement below and see if it agrees with your goals for their Parks and Trails Plan.

Meeting dates and times:

The 2nd Parks and Trails Master Plan Workshop is March 22, 2023 from
6 PM - 7 PM at Pioneer Park Community Center.

Address: 6740 Fair Play Road, Somerset, CA 95684
Registration is not required to attend.
The 3rd Parks and Trails Master Plan Workshop is March 29, 2023 from
6 PM - 7 PM at Buckeye Elementary School.

Address: 4561 Buckeye Road, Shingle Springs, CA 95682
Registration is not required to attend.
The 4th Parks and Trails Master Plan Workshop is April 5, 2023 from
6 PM - 7 PM at Pollock Pines Community Center.

Address: 2675 Sanders Drive, Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Registration is not required to attend.
The 5th Parks and Trails Master Plan Workshop is April 19, 2023 from
6 PM - 7 PM via Zoom. Registration is not required to attend.

The Parks and Trails Master Plan website and workshop information can be viewed here.
Henningsen Lotus Park 2023 Parking Passes are available for purchase at the Chief Administrative Office, 330 Fair Lane, Bldg. A, Placerville, CA 95667.

Mission Statement As identified in El Dorado County's General Plan:Goal 9.1 - Parks and Recreation Facilities
Goal 9.1 with its supporting objectives and policies directs the County to provide adequate recreation opportunities and facilities including parks, trails, and resource-based recreation areas for the health and welfare of El Dorado County residents and visitors.
Objective 9.1.4 directs the county to conserve and promote County rivers and waterways, particularly the South Fork of the American River, as recreational and economic assets. Policies identify the River Management Plan, South Fork of the American River as the implementation plan for river management policies, and call for support of acquisition of a public river access adjacent to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Goal 9.3 - Recreation and Tourism
Goal 9.3 aims to increase opportunities to capitalize on County recreational resources by encouraging tourism and recreation based businesses and industries. Associated objectives and policies address the need to protect and maintain existing natural and cultural resources and those recreation businesses and industries that attract tourism.

California State Parks, Nation’s Largest State Park System, Launches Free Mobile App

3/2/2023

Press Release: California State Parks is proud to announce the availability of a new mobile app that will make it easier for visitors to connect with nature and enhance access for all to the nation’s largest state park system. Powered by OuterSpatial, the mobile app is free and provides visitors with real-time updates about on-the-ground conditions and access to a library of park and trail information, including directions to parks, interactive maps, visitor guidelines, park brochures, points of interest, events and more. Download the official California State Park app before heading to the outdoors.

“During the pandemic, public lands provided an incredible sanctuary for humans around the world. Californians visited our iconic state parks in large numbers, with many visiting the outdoors for the first time,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We’re excited that many people discovered the benefits of the outdoors. With the OuterSpatial-powered app, new and avid outdoor enthusiasts will be more prepared for their outdoor experiences by being able to view real-time updates, such as trail closures or parking restrictions, at home or while exploring the outdoors.”
Below are some of the things visitors can do with the new app:

Get transit, biking, walking and driving directions to their favorite state park and trails.
Navigate safely while on trails by knowing which trails are suitable for hikers, bikers, equestrians and their furry friends.
Locate parking, restrooms, picnic areas and other park amenities.
Access information about natural, cultural and historical points of interest.
Share experiences and photos and connect with others who love the outdoors using a social feature.
Engage with park staff to show their appreciation and letting them know about maintenance and other issues.
Discover other regional, state and national outdoor public spaces nearby.

To get started, visitors can follow this link: outerspatial.link/csp. If on an iOS or Android device, following this link will download the OuterSpatial app and take the visitor directly to the California State Parks community. If on a desktop device, following this link will take the visitor to the California State Parks community on the OuterSpatial website, where they can then seamlessly transition into the app using tooling on the website.

As a reminder, it is always helpful for visitors to have a solid understanding of the terrain prior to visiting, and it is even more helpful when that knowledge is augmented by tools to help keep them oriented and safe. A physical map, compass, GPS-enabled device or phone with plenty of battery life and previously loaded with apps and maps is essential to navigation in the remote parts of California.

TO SEE THE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE FROM CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS, CLICK HERE.

Avalanche warnings for all trails and roads in the central Sierra - Feb. 27, 2023

2/27/2023

Wind slabs will continue to grow in size and extent as the gale-force SW winds keep piling wind-blown snow onto slopes near ridges, on open wind-exposed areas, and in gullies. The wind-blown snow will combine with the new snow that falls during this storm, making some of these wind slabs very thick, and the resulting avalanches could be deep.

Triggering wind slabs will be very likely today, and natural wind slab avalanches will become very likely by this afternoon. The largest, most fragile wind slabs will form on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain, but some wind slabs may also develop in open areas below treeline due to the strength of the wind. These avalanches could be very large and travel down into below-treeline areas.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The avalanche danger will rise quickly as a strong winter storm brings new snow and continued gale-force winds. Slabs of wind-blown snow and storm snow will avalanche on steep slopes during this blizzard. Avalanches will be very likely by this afternoon, and traveling on, near, or below steep slopes is not recommended during this storm.
During this storm, traveling in, around, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

CLICK HERE to see updates on the avalanche forecasts from the Sierra Avalanche Center

Your participation is needed on Empire Mine survey

2/25/2023

From California State Parks Sierra District:
"Help us shape the future of interpretation at Empire Mine State Historic Park with this Visitor Survey!
Empire Mine SHP is developing a new Interpretation Master Plan that will guide the planning process for future programs, exhibits and events at the park. We want to learn about your park visits, and hear your ideas for improving the visitor experience. "

There may be things you would like to have considered and added, such as toilets at Penn Gate, bans on electric motorized bikes, make yourself heard!

We need all all trail users! The survey is quick and easy.

Go here:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31177

OR SCAN: just scan the QR code above.

West side of Empire Mine SHP

East side of Empire Mine SHP

Snow hazards for trail riders

2/24/2023

Winter trail riding can be fun if you’re prepare with these tips. Of course, you try to avoid the trail riding hazards that might get you and your horse into real trouble, such as blizzards and ice storms. But Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor. A nice winter day can turn nasty in minutes. You might find yourself riding in snow far deeper than you’d anticipated or suddenly sliding downhill on an icy trail.

Keep in mind that moving through deep snow will tire your horse, especially if the snow is wet and heavy. Scale back your ride, especially if he isn’t in top shape. Otherwise, he may become worn out and sore, and/or develop muscle cramps.

Here, we give you tips on how to negotiate seven winter riding hazards:

Hazard #1: Deep snow
Why it’s hazardous: Your horse may panic in a deep snow bank and flounder about, possibly pulling a muscle, or straining tendons and ligaments. Deep snow can also cover underlying trail hazards, such as holes and sharp objects.
What you should do: Find and stick to trails and roadways where the snow isn’t as deep. Keep your horse well collected, with his weight back over his hindquarters. A collected horse usually has a “spare leg” to catch himself, because his weight is more evenly distributed in relationship to his center of gravity; he’ll be more agile with less effort than if he carries his weight on his forehand. At the same time, give him enough rein so that he can use his head and neck for balance.
Keep in mind that moving through deep snow will tire your horse, especially if the snow is wet and heavy. (Fine, powdery, dry snow is much easier for him to step through.) Scale back your ride, especially if he isn’t in top shape. Otherwise, he may become worn out and sore, and/or develop muscle cramps.
Avoid brushing against snow-covered trees and bushes. You can get chilled if a load of snow falls down your neck, and onto your bare hands and saddle seat. Your horse may also spook at the falling snow.

Hazard #2: Snowdrifts
Why they’re hazardous: Blowing, drifting snow can fill ditches and gullies, leaving a smooth landscape. You won’t know your horse is walking into a hole or deep gully until the ground drops out from under him, and he’s floundering or falling down.
What you should do: Stick to familiar trails; don’t travel cross-country, where the terrain is rougher. Avoid riding through the drifted areas, if possible. You may not be able to gauge drift depth until your horse is up to his belly and struggling to wallow through.

Hazard #3: Frozen ground
Why it’s hazardous: Frozen ground is second only to sheer ice in slickness. Even grass is slippery when frozen. Your horse’s feet are designed to cut into the ground a little with each step, for traction. If he can’t dig into the hard, frozen surface, his feet will slip at every step. And he may go down so quickly that you won’t have time to pull your foot out of the stirrup and get out of harm’s way.
What you should do: Take it slow.Travel at a walk, and avoid sudden turns
or stops. Try to stay on flat terrain. Especially try to avoid going downhill; horses usually have better traction going up than down.
Never go around the side of a hill; instead, ride straight up or straight down the hill. When you get to a more level area, you can continue in the direction you wish to go. When going downhill, a surefooted horse that’s going straight can slip and slide all the way to the bottom and still keep his feet underneath himself. Even if he slides down on his haunches, he won’t fall. However, if he’s traveling at an angle to the hill, his feet may slip out from under him, causing a bad fall.
If your horse is reasonably surefooted, don’t dismount, unless you can get well away from him as you lead him. It’s safer to stay on him than to risk slipping and falling. Once you go down, your horse may then inadvertently slide into or run over you. If the footing is that treacherous, you won’t have any better traction than your horse, especially if you’re wearing smooth-soled riding boots. He has four legs for balance; you have only two.
If you do need to dismount, stay well out of your horse’s way and off to the side, in case he slides or falls. Dismount off his right side, if it seems safer.
Even if you’re traveling on dry, safe terrain, beware of shaded areas and north-facing slopes that don’t get much winter sun. These areas may still be frozen and treacherous.

Hazard #4: Ice
Why it’s hazardous: All ice is treacherous, from frozen puddles and ice-covered streams to melted snow that’s re-frozen. A heavy, wet snow that then freezes to the ice can provide a little traction, but a wet snow or rain that freezes over ice will just make it even more slippery. A fine, powdery snow on ice may also make it more slippery.
On ice, your horse can easily lose his footing, scramble, and fall down, then have trouble getting up again. If your horse does the “splits,” he may seriously injure himself, as well as put you at risk as he struggles and falls.
What you should do: Avoid riding across patches of ice, if at all possible. Watch for ice hidden under fresh snow, which is especially treacherous. If you suspect there’s ice under the snow in a certain spot, go around it.

Hazard #5: Packed snow
Why it’s hazardous: Packed snow can be just as slippery as ice. A polished trail or road, packed by hoof traffic or vehicles, is ice, and very slippery indeed.
What you should do: Try to find a path through undisturbed snow, which is much less slippery than a packed track. Ride to the side of the trail if you need to. If you’re traveling with a group, keep in mind that while the ride leader may be gaining traction in fresh, undisturbed snow, the horses who follow will be on slippery, packed snow.
The ride leader should go slowly to allow for this hazard.
Hazard #6: Freezing rain/ice stormWhy they’re hazardous: Your horse is at great risk for an injury-inducing fall. Unlike other hazards, which you might be able to go around, ice coats every surface. Preparing for a ride, or if you dismount, you’re likely to slip and fall.
What you should do: If all surfaces are coated with ice, choose a better day for a ride. If you’re on a long ride and get caught in freezing rain or an ice storm, choose the safest route home possible. Keep to a walk, and avoid sloping ground, even if it means going a longer way around an area of risky footing.

Hazard #7: Slippery mud/deep mud
Why they’re hazardous: Wet, slippery mud puts your horse at risk for a fall. Deep mud also increases your horse’s risk of falling, as he may not be able to pull his feet up quickly enough to catch himself, especially if he hits mud unexpectedly.
Also in deep mud, your horse may struggle and flounder, possibly pulling muscles, tendons, or ligaments, or damaging joints. As he struggles, he may kick off a shoe. The mud itself can pull off a shoe.
What you should do: In slippery mud, see the precautions for negotiating frozen ground (Hazard #3), especially on hills. If the trail is dry, still watch out for shaded areas, such as timbered slopes, where the ground may still be wet and muddy. Also watch for wet soil over frozen ground, especially as spring approaches.
In deep mud, keep your horse calm, and go slow; it takes extra effort for him to pull his feet out at each step. If he moves faster than a walk (or tries to jump over or through a muddy area) and becomes mired, his momentum may throw him down head over heels, taking you with him.
If you must dismount in mud, scrape the mud off the bottom of your boots before you remount. Muddy boots can slide out of the stirrups, impeding your balance. Use a rock, sagebrush—whatever is available—to remove the mud.

Article written by seasoned equine journalist Heather Smith Thomas, a lifelong horsewoman and cattle rancher, is based in eastern Idaho.

CLICK HERE to see the original article and photos in Horse and Rider magazine

Where to find wildflowers in Northern California

2/22/2023

Feb. 22, 2023. Here’s what to expect this season. A generous amount of water dropped over Northern California this winter, and rolling green hills adorned with wildflower blooms are anticipated throughout the Golden State.

Previous superblooms, or an unusually high number of wildflowers, have drawn large crowds to California state parks. This year “the wildflower bloom is expected to be good to better-than-average” in parts of California, said Jorge Moreno, a spokesman for the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Wildflower season typically starts at the end of February and lasts until early May. In the Sierra foothills, you’re more likely to spot the colorful flowers starting in March.

Where to spot wildflowers in Northern California
It’s still too early to tell how big the blooms will be this year, but there have already been some sightings of flowers. Here are some parks to consider as wildflower season gets rolling. You’ll want to double check to see if flowers have bloomed yet before heading out:

South Yuba River State Park, in Nevada County, is hosting wildflower walks.
Stevens Trailhead, in Colfax, is another popular location for flower sightings, however the park doesn’t start seeing flowers until around May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
North Table Mountain near Oroville.
Jepson Prairie near Vacaville.
Hidden Falls, known for its California poppies, in Auburn.
Russian Ridge Preserve, in San Mateo County.
Sagehen Creek Loop near Truckee in Tahoe National Forest.

CLICK HERE to read the original article in the Sacramento Bee newspaper

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