All Categories

UPDATE: Empire Mine SHP Hardrock Trail open - closure changed to October 18, 2022.

9/22/2022

UPDATE 9/22/22
A sign at Penn Gate yesterday said the closure of the Hardrock Trail has been bumped to Oct. 18. Meaning the trail is open now and won't close until Oct. 18.

UPDATE 7:15 PM:
A Empire Mine SHP representative said they are starting to work on the mitigation of the Sand Dam. Trail will be closed at access points due to heavy equipment and trucks. For safety reasons, it is advised that trail users assume the Hardrock is closed.

POSTED 4:00 PM
Riders and hikers have spotted this sign at Empire Mine. So far, no official posts from State Parks, but it is assumed that the proposed tree work is commencing. They have about 100 trees marked to come down. As soon as we hear more, it will be posted.

UPDATE: Foresthill USFS area Tevis trail CLOSED until Jan. 1, 2023 because of Mosquito Fire

9/18/2022

SEPT. 18 UPDATE
As many of you know, the middle section of the 100-mile WS Trail, including the canyons and
Cal-1/Dardenelles west of Foresthill, was burned by the Mosquito Fire. As of writing, this fire continues to burn along the eastern perimeter, measured at nearly 75,000 acres and 34% contained. There are more than 3,700 personnel assigned to the fire and dedicated to getting it contained by mid-October.

As a result of the damage sustained from the devastating fire, the Foresthill USFS District lands are closed to the public until January 1, 2023. This district manages the lands from the top of Palisades Ski resort (formerly Squaw Valley) to the western border of the town of Foresthill. This section of forest includes approximately 60 miles of the WS Trail.

Prior the fire, the WSTF had been meeting with the Foresthill Ranger District, Tahoe National Forest office of USFS regarding the trail maintenance and improvements that we started before this year’s 2022 Tevis event.

As the Tahoe National Forest District lands open up, WSTF—and its sister event the Western States Endurance Run—will access all available funds to work with the USFS to recondition the fire-affected trail. There should be opportunities for additional funding to restore areas hardest hit during the Mosquito Fire. We hope to be able to combine forest restoration funding with WSTF monies to resume the work we began this summer.

The timeline of this work is not yet known until the Mosquito Fire is contained. WSTF crews hope to get to work this winter on some of the lower sections of the trail after the district opens back up in January.

This is huge and dangerous fire affected many entities, property, people and the animals they love dearly. The west end of Michigan Bluff was particularly hard-hit. Thankfully evacuations are gradually being lifted as areas are deemed safe.

All of us who love this historic Ride have a huge task ahead of us to restore this trail. We will be stronger together on the other side of this devastating event, however long that takes.
If you would like to help with the Western States Trail Reconditioning Project, please click here to find out how.

================================
POSTED SEPT. 12, 2022:
From the Tevis Trail Facebook page Sept. 12, 2022:
WST - yellow highlight
KS - Kaput Spring
DW - Deadwood vet check
DT - Devil's Thumb aid area
SB - Swinging Bridge
LC - Last Chance vet check

Mosquito Fire - Monday Sept 12th - 1 pm - 46,587, 10% contained
Impacts to the WST:

* The fire has burned over approximately 12 miles of the WST between Devil's Thumb and Chicken Hawk vet check.
The fire is still making its way northwards in El Dorado Canyon, and fire fighters are continuing to put in indirect containment lines on the north end of Deadwood Ridge to the west to try and tie the fire back over to Foresthill Rd.

* Fire fighters have been up at Robinson Flat, moving down Rd 43, and over towards Last Chance.
They have put in a dozer line along the WST from Rd 43 all the way to where the trail drops into the canyon at Pacific Slab Mine after leaving Last Chance. This is partially the old dozer line from when that area burned during the American Fire in 2013. They were in contact with ranchers to get the cows moved out of that area.

There was a recent scanner report of road damage to Rd 43 (the dirt road the Ride uses after leaving Robinson Flat) from heavy equipment passing over it, and they were going to mitigate that issue.
WST - yellow highlight
KS - Kaput Spring
DW - Deadwood vet check
DT - Devil's Thumb aid area
SB - Swinging Bridge
LC - Last Chance vet check

https://www.facebook.com/TevisCup/photos/a.180835061940668/5718590744831711/

UPDATE: Foresthill USFS area Tevis trail CLOSED until Jan. 1, 2023 because of Mosquito Fire

9/18/2022

State Parks has Events page

9/16/2022

Example of the search function:

It is always difficult to find all the events at one park in one place, and our local State Parks, Auburn SRA and Folsom Lake SRA, weren't the exception. But now there is a good page that lists most all the events so you can plan your outing. There is a filter on the left so you can select your park and date range.

CLICK HERE to see the State Parks Events page.

Eldorado National Forest Road and Trail Closure due to Mosquito Fire

9/11/2022

.Forest Order No. 03-22-16
Eldorado National Forest Pacific Southwest Region
Mosquito Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Eldorado National Forest.
This Order is effective from September 9, at 12:00 pm, through December 31, 2022.
1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Mosquito Fire Closure Area, as described below and shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
The Mosquito Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the southwest corner of the Eldorado National Forest (ENF), Georgetown Ranger District, in Slab Creek Reservoir, and continues for approximately 3.8 miles through Slab Creek Reservoir, generally east to its head with the South Fork of the American River, then continues approximately 13.2 miles east along the South Fork American River to its intersection with US Highway 50, then continues approximately 0.1 miles generally southeast along US Highway 50 to its intersection with Ice House Road, then continues approximately 20.8 miles generally northeast along Ice House Road to its intersection with Forest Service (FS) Road 13N22 (Van Vleck Ranch Road), then continues approximately 5.4 miles generally northeast along FS Road 13N22 to its intersection with Forest Service Trail 15E21, then continues approximately 3.5 miles generally northeast along FS Trail 15E21 to its intersection with the Desolation Wilderness Boundary, then continues approximately 8.5 miles north and northeast along the Desolation Wilderness Boundary to its intersection with the ENF Boundary and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (TMU) Boundary, then continues approximately 2.3 miles generally north along the ENF Boundary and TMU Boundary to its intersection with the ENF Boundary, TMU Boundary and Tahoe NF (TNF) Boundary, then continues approximately 22.2 miles generally west along the ENF Boundary and TNF Boundary, to its intersection with the Middle Fork of the American River, then continues approximately 34.5 miles generally southwest along the Middle Fork of the American River, to its intersection with the ENF Boundary near Cement Hill, then continues approximately 31.5 miles along the ENF Boundary generally south, to the starting point at its intersection with the ENF Georgetown Ranger District Boundary at Slab Creek Reservoir.
2.Being on any National Forest System Road within the Mosquito Fire Closure Area, as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the Mosquito Fire Closure Area as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a). Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
3. Owners or lessees of land and residents of such private landholdings, to the extent necessary to access their land. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. Executed in Placerville, California, this 9th day of September 2022, at 12:00 pm. JEFF MARSOLAIS Forest Supervisor Eldorado National Forest Pacific Southwest Region.

To see the updated orders, visit Eldorado National Forest website HERE.

To see the original document CLICK HERE
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1059205.pdf

Auburn SRA expands temporary closure to all park units due to Mosquito fire

9/10/2022

AUBURN SRA EXPANDS TEMPORARY CLOSURE TO ALL PARK UNITS DUE TO THE MOSQUITO FIRE
CLICK HERE FOR ORDER https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=412637927621127&set=a.268959168655671
"ALL Park Units in Auburn SRA will remained closed unit further notice.
This closure includes, Lower Lake Clementine, Upper Lake Clementine, Mammoth Bar, Driver’s Flat (Ruck-A-Chucky), Yankee Jims, Ponderosa, Mineral Bar, Cherokee Bar, Quarry, Cool Staging, The Confluence, and China Bar. We are in a Mandatory Evacuation Zone: Foresthill Road will be closed at Lincoln & Foresthill, The Confluence will be closed at Old Foresthill and Hwy 49.

Our hearts go out to our community, together we will get through this. Please remain vigilant, be prepared, and stay safe."
--AUBURN STATE RECREATION AREA

CLOSED: Auburn SRA, Folsom Lake SRA and major portions of TNF and trails affected by Mosquito Fire

9/9/2022

A large portion of the Tahoe National Forest will be closed to the public until at least Dec. 31, the U.S. Forest Service wrote on its website.

TRAIL CLOSURES
Trails closed by the fire, according to previous Bee reporting, include the French Meadows Reservoir near the Middle Fork American River, the Western States Trail near Foresthill and the Pacific Crest Trail near Lake Tahoe.
The Rubicon Trail in El Dorado County is also closed.
Those who cross into the boundaries of the Mosquito Fire closure could land jail time or a fine of at least $5,000, the U.S. Forest service wrote on its website.

STATE CLOSURES
The entire Auburn State Recreation Area is closed “until further notice,” according to the state website. The park is south of Interstate 80, stretching from Auburn to Colfax along the American River.
Friday morning air quality in Auburn reached hazardous levels, with an AQI of 420 due to particulate matter.
Campers with reservations will be refunded.

The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area also closed parts of its park due to the Mosquito Fire. The Peninsula Campground and day-use area is closed “until further notice.” Air quality near Folsom, as Friday morning, was unhealthy, according to Sacramento Region Spare the Air.
Campers with reservation will be refunded.

Mosquito, Oxbow Reservoir Fire affecting trails

9/9/2022

9/11/22 UPDATE
Lead Agency: TNF
Size (acres): 41,443
Percent Contained: 10%
Estimate of Containment: October 15, 2022
Personnel: 1,808

===============
9/9/22 UPDATE
25,108 acres according to FIRIS
0% containment
Total Personnel: 1,700
Structure threatened: 3,666
5,400 Population affected in MANDATORY zone
4,300 Population affected in WARNING zone
Fuels Involved: brush, timber
Cause Is Under Investigation.
Unified Command: CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, USFS Tahoe National Forest, Foresthill Fire Protection District, and Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

Mosquito, Tahoe NF, USFS. Unified command with Cal Fire and PCSO. Timber, brush and hardwood litter. Active fire behavior with uphill runs, wind-driven runs and short-range spotting. Numerous structures threatened. Evacuations, road, area and trail closures in effect. See Western States Trail map below.

CalFire page: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/9/6/mosquito-fire/

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8398/

Portion of American River Parkway trail closed for two- month construction project

9/1/2022

Those who enjoy trekking down the American River Parkway into areas of Rancho Cordova should be prepared for detours during the next two months. A portion of the trail is now closed, due to construction.
The closures are from the El Manto entrance to the Sunriver Park entrance of the parkway, according to the city of Rancho Cordova. Officials noted that the trail will be opened for the busy Labor Day weekend from Saturday to Monday.
During the closure, crews will work on a storm drain outfall along the parkway near the Ambassador Park Drive entrance. The project aims to repair the outfall and help prevent future erosion, according to the city.
According to city officials, construction will take place six days a week, Mondays through Saturdays, to expedite the parkway’s reopening, which is expected to take approximately eight weeks.
For the next two months, a detour will be along Ambassador Drive, Yukon River Way and Klamath River Drive.

https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/238724/portion-of-american-river-parkway-trail-closed-for-two-month-construction-project/

Calf Pasture Meadow Restoration Begins August 31, Red Peak Trail Alert

8/31/2022

USFS News Release August 29, 2022
PLACERVILLE, CA – Work on the Calf Pasture Meadow Restoration Project will begin on Wednesday, August 31st and continue for 4 to 5 weeks to restore approximately 30 acres of degraded meadow habitat. Calf Pasture is located in the Van Vleck and Tells Creek area on the Pacific Ranger District and was acquired by the Eldorado National Forest in 1984. The meadow is highly degraded due to the effects of intensive logging and grazing dating back to the 1800s and from trail incision along the Red Peak Trail.

Red Peak Trail Advisory
Heavy equipment including excavators, dump trucks, and loaders will be in operation. Work is expected to occur Monday through Friday -- not during weekends or holidays. Red Peak Trail will remain open for the duration of the project, however the route may vary based on the location of the heavy equipment.

Trail users, particularly equestrians, should be aware that conditions may be noisy and dusty. Trail monitors may be present to alert the public of the presence of heavy machinery and direct them to the appropriate route around the machinery. When trail-monitors are not present, flagging will be used to guide hikers around the work area.

"Partnerships with American Rivers, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, along with help from a number of volunteer organizations are making it possible to get this important restoration work done," said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais.

The project goals include:
   - Restoring approximately 30 acres of degraded meadow habitat to benefit aquatic- and meadow-dependent species.
   - Increasing water storage capacity and restoring meadow-floodplain connectivity.
   - Reducing stream water temperature and increasing stream base flows and moderating peak flows.
   - Reducing conifer encroachment in the meadow.

The project is using "Stage Zero" methods that are designed to restore deeply incised channels to their pre-disturbance condition consisting of shallow multi-threaded channels across the floodplain. Actions will include:

   - Filling in a large gully that dissects the meadow with locally sourced fill material.
   - Rerouting the currently incised Red Peak hiking trail from within the meadow to the adjacent forest around the head of the meadow.
   - Constructing riffles and grade control structures within Bassi Creek to raise streamflow and allow for floodplain access.
   - Stabilizing the restored meadow surface by adding coarse woody material.
   - Transplanting existing vegetation from non-impaired areas of the meadow, and spreading native seeds.

Do not approach heavy machinery while in operation. If a trail monitor is not present, do not try to walk around the equipment while in operation; instead, wait until you make eye contact with the operator, and they will let you know when it is ok to pass.

The Calf Pasture Restoration Project was designed by Eldorado National Forest in partnership with American Rivers and Wildscape Engineering and will be implemented by McCauley Construction. The project is being funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sacramento District California In-Lieu Program, which provides mitigation funding from authorized impacts to aquatic resources. Volunteers from Elegant Ears Mule Club, Trout Unlimited, California Native Plant Society, and the El Dorado High School Natural Resources Department are also assisting with the project.

Additional information can be found on the project website at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55803
or by contacting Eldorado National Forest project managers Eric Nicita, Soil Scientist at eric.nicita@usda.gov /
530-957-3780 or Vince Pacific, Hydrologist at vincent.pacific@usda.gov.

Press Release Contact: Jennifer Chapman
jennifer.chapman@usda.gov
www.facebook.com/EldoradoNF
Twitter:@EldoradoNF
|

<<Previous

Archives

Categories