Blog Archives

MAPS! MAPS! MAPS! New online FS source

3/25/2021

There is a new comprehensive overview of the map products available from the Forest Service.

FOREST SERVICE STANDARD MAP PRODUCTS
The Forest Service publishes a variety of map products to help you plan your next adventure or enjoy your next visit.

MAIN MAP PAGE
<https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/maps>
National Overview Maps
We've released the next generation Interactive Visitor Map!
<https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html>
Visitor Map 2.0, provides the public with an online view of Forest Service roads, trails, recreation sites, wilderness areas, and wild & scenic rivers.

“A Guide To Your National Forests”
<https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/GuideMap-2020.pdf>
is a free brochure showing locations of national forests and grasslands along with contact information.

Forest Visitor Maps, National Forest Atlas, and Wilderness Maps
<https://store.usgs.gov/filter-products>
These maps are available for purchase at the U.S. Geological Survey Store, many Forest Service offices and other retail outlets. Many Forest Visitor Maps are also available for purchase as georeferenced PDFs on Avenza, for use on mobile devices.

- Forest Visitor Maps for each national forest and grassland provide forest-wide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities.

- National Forest Atlases are full color atlases, containing 8.5-inch by 11-inch topographic quadrangle maps at 1 inch to the mile scale and are available for many of the forests in California.

- Wilderness Maps are topographic maps that show natural features such as mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, and vegetation using contour lines depicting elevation gain or loss. Each map covers all or part of one wilderness area and the scale is generally 1 inch per mile (1:63,360).

Topographic Maps
<https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/rastergateway/states-regions/states.php>
FSTopo is the Forest Service series of large scale topographic maps. FSTopo maps are 7.5 minute, 1:24,000-scale over the conterminous United States, and 15 minute X 20-22.5 minute, 1:63,360-scale over Alaska. These maps are available in several formats:

Geo-enabled PDFs and Geotiffs that contain both collar and non-collar editions in a single zipped file.
<https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/rastergateway/states-regions/states.php>

Hard copies
<https://store.usgs.gov/filter-products>
are available for purchase at some Forest Service offices, U.S. Geological Survey Store, and some retail outlets.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps
<https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml>
Motor Vehicle Use Maps identify those roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use are available one or more ways:

PDFs
Georeferenced PDFs through Avenza.
<https://www.avenza.com/avenza-maps/>

Printed maps at Forest Service offices.
<https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/>

Other Map Products
FSGeodata Clearinghouse
<https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/>
The Forest Service Geodata Clearinghouse is an online collection of digital data related to forest resources. Through the Geodata Clearinghouse you can find datasets related to forests and grasslands. You can also find boundaries and ownership, natural resources, roads and trails, and datasets related to state and private forested areas such as insect and disease threat and surface water importance. The information includes map products you can download, raster data, and links to other resources.

National Forests and Grasslands produced maps
<https://www.fs.fed.us/maps/forest-maps.shtml>
Most national forests and grasslands offer online maps or instructions on how to obtain a printed map.

Map Services
Nationwide datasets are published as map services.
These map services are available:
In the REST directory
<https://apps.fs.usda.gov/arcx/rest/services/EDW>

On ArcGIS Online
<https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html>
On data.gov
<https://catalog.data.gov/organization/4ae51f6c-467a-4f9d-b40a-2c52e83c326a?publisher=U.S.+Forest+Service>

Dynamic Maps
ArcGIS Online Applications
ArcGIS Online is a collaborative, cloud-based platform that allows members of an organization to use, create, and share maps, scenes, apps, and data, and access authoritative basemaps and ready-to-use apps. Several National Map Viewer Applications have been created using AGOL and include:
Indian Lands Map Viewer
<https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.htmlid=fe311f69cb1d43558227d73bc34f3a32>

Land Status and Encumbrance Map Service Viewer
<https://www.fs.fed.us/land/ALPLandStatusandEncumbrance/>
Forest Service Communications Site Map
<https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/special-uses/commsitemapviewer>
For more maps please visit ArcGIS Online.
<https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html>

Active Fire Mapping Program
<https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/>
The Active Fire Mapping Program is an operational, satellite-based fire detection and monitoring program managed by the Forest Service Remote Sensing Applications Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Active Fire Mapping program provides near real-time detection and characterization of wildland fire conditions in a geospatial context for the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. Detectable fire activity across all administrative ownerships in the United States and Canada are mapped and characterized by the program.
Roadless
Roadless maps
<https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/main/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zijQwgwNHCwN_DI8zPwBcqYKAfDlZggAM4GuhHEaMfj4Io_MaH60fpYzEgzAdhgD5-E_w88nNT9QtyQyMMskwUAUTs3ig!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&pname=Roadless-%20Maps&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ss=119930&pnavid=151000000000000&navid=151150000000000&ttype=main&cid=null>
The 2001 Roadless Rule establishes prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting on 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas on lands managed by the agency. The intent of the rule is to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas in the context of multiple-use management.

National Forest System Land Ownership and Boundary Information
<https://www.fs.fed.us/land/ALPLandStatusandEncumbrance/>

All these maps are available off of one NFS webpage - MAIN MAP WEBPAGE:
<https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/maps>

BCHC urges comment on e-bikes and drastic change of trail use for Tahoe Basin

3/23/2021

Tahoe Basin-e-bikes
MARCH 18, 2021
FROM:T ROY PATTON, BCHC, VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC LANDS
Once again, the Tahoe Basin area is pursuing opening more trails to e-bike use.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock)

Comments must be received by MARCH 28, 2021 (instructions below). If equestrians do not comment, they will be left out of any further ability to comment on these changes in the future. It is imperative that these trails are looked at to see which ones are used by equestrians and which might be suitable for e-bike use and which trails we would like to keep for strictly hiker and equestrian use.

You can review the trail maps, get more information and comment by going to the following: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54566

Some of the proposals in the project are: *my comments are in blue italics
. Change 87 miles of non-motorized trails to motorized trails open to class 1 e-bikes only – this is taking trails from one user group and giving them to another. In return they will construct 1mile of non-motorized trail!
. Change 1 mile from motorized use to motorized trails open to class 1 e-bikes only. E-bikes, bicycles and motorcycles are all classified the same. Why not put them together.
. Designate 4 miles of existing non-motorized trails as motorized open to motorcycles only, seasonal – why not put e-bikes (or all bikes) on the same trails as motorcycles under Forest Service guidelines, they are all motorized?
. Construct 23 miles of multi-use trails that are designated as motorized trails open to class 1 e-bikes only - why not just designate these trails for all bikes, e-bikes and motorcycles rather that multi- use where you are inviting accidents and user conflicts.
. Construct 5 miles of new trails designated as motorized trails open to motorcycles only, seasonal – Again group bikes, e-bikes and motorcycles all on the same trails as they are all in the same classification.
. Construct 3 new trailhead facilities
_______________________________________________________________
Basically, this results in 97 miles of new motorized trails for e-bikes and motorcycles and in return they will give 1 mile of new trail as non-motorized! Does that seem a fair trade?
As always, they make getting to the comment page a little difficult. The web address listed above may not get you directly to where you can comment. It may take you to the Tahoe Basin page with the title “Projects” at the top. If so, try the following:
. Under “Land & Resource Management” click on “Projects”
. Under the Heading “Under Analysis” click on “Basin Wide Trail Analysis Project”
. On the right side of the screen click on “Comment/Object on project”
This will take you to the page where you can type your comment. Please read the top of that page and try to format your comments to answer their questions.
If you ride these trails or know anyone who rides or is a horse owner in the Tahoe Basin, please share this information with them. Also, share this information with other horse groups in your area (whether you ever plan to ride there or not). They are basing approval strictly on comments they receive. We need to bring forth as many concerns as possible from all equestrians throughout California. I am sorry for such short notice, but we have been receiving more information from various sources and I wanted to include as much information as possible.
Thank you for your help.
TROY PATTON, BCHC, VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC LANDS
[email protected]

Copyright © 2021 Backcountry Horsemen of California, All rights reserved.

Spenceville Wildlife Area CLOSED March 27 through April 4, 2021

3/21/2021

A reminder about the annual spring turkey hunt and temporary closure of Spenceville. No one is allowed in but those with special turnkey hunting permits.

Tahoe National Forest Approves E-bike and OHV Additions to Truckee Trail Network

3/18/2021

Truckee, Calif. – The U.S. Forest has recently approved the East Zone Connectivity Project authorizing construction of marquee additions to the Truckee trail network. New trail construction will occur on the west slope of the Verdi Range adjacent to Boca and Stampede Reservoirs near Truckee, Calif.

Specifically, the Connectivity Project approves:

The construction of seventy miles of motorcycle single-track, including key connections to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the community of Verdi, Nev.
The restoration of forty-one miles of user created OHV trail through sensitive areas.
The construction of several new staging areas and trailheads.

In addition, the Connectivity Project designates thirty-five miles of existing non-motorized trail as open to Class 1 eBikes, including the Sawtooth Trail, the Jackass Ridge trail system, Emigrant Trail, and the Big Chief Trail. This is the first major addition of authorized, Class 1 eBike use on National Forest System trails within the surrounding area.

“From the historic paths of the Washoe, the Emigrant Trail and the Transcontinental Railroad,” said Jonathan Cook-Fisher, Truckee District Ranger, “to the more recent additions of Interstate 80 and the Airport District, the Truckee area has often found itself at the center of a trail and transportation network. We hope that the opportunities afforded by the East Zone Connectivity Project, along with other regional trail projects, honors this history. Our community continues to provide an excellent example of collaborative planning and recreation access that others can emulate.”

“Specifically, the addition of single-track motorcycle trails to our recreation network was a missing piece, as was the additional opportunities for Class 1 eBikes,” Cook-Fisher continued. “In the future, we envision multiple routes to travel on between the communities of Lake Tahoe’s North Shore through Truckee and on to Verdi or Reno, or west over the Sierra to points beyond.”

CLICK HERE to see original article in YubaNet.

Scotts Flat, Rollins Reservoir, other NID Campgrounds opening March 1, 2021

3/10/2021

The campgrounds at Scotts Flat Reservoir, Long Ravine and Orchard Springs at Rollins Reservoir are open on a first come, first serve basis. No reservations are required. The high country campgrounds remain closed. COVID-19 guidelines are in place for campers and day-use visitors.

NID is taking reservations for the summer camping season with no payment required at this time in case there are changes in our COVID 19 status that would mean campers were unable to use the reservations.

You can read more about the campgrounds and make reservations at NID Recreation.

Hidden Falls Expansion Project update from PLT

3/10/2021

Hidden Falls trails roll forward!
Placer County's Hidden Falls Trails Expansion Project was approved at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 8th. This project will eventually give access to an additional 30 miles of multi-use public trails through 2,500 acres of spectacular oak woodlands and scenery on permanently protected Placer Land Trust Preserves, with new trailheads and parking.

We thank all of you who supported this project, from the original landowners who had a vision for conservation and recreation to those who recently shared their wishes with the County Supervisors. One of those supporters, John Taylor, expressed his excitement about the future of this project: “Fourteen years ago, my family sold the Taylor Ranch to Placer Land Trust for the specific purpose of providing public recreational access to the property. The public is now on the cusp of reaching that goal: access to a fabulous recreation area that will be an outstanding resource for Placer County.”

The next step of this project will be to create public access to Placer Land Trust’s Big Hill Preserves. The County has recently been awarded more than $3M in State grant funds to build a parking lot and trailhead off Bell Road. The County estimates this will take 2-3 years to build. In the meantime, we will continue with our current activities (within our COVID-safety protocol) that allow the public to visit these beautiful lands— stay tuned for more guided hikes, family-friendly events, volunteer days, and more.

We hope that everyone will rest assured that Placer Land Trust's lands will always be subject to conservation goals and restrictions, including continued agricultural use and habitat protection. In line with that vision, we plan to continue grazing on the preserves for land management; the trail system on our lands north of Hidden Falls will be much less dense than at Hidden Falls Regional Park; and recreation on our lands will retain a “backcountry” feel. As in nature, balance is the key to any successful community. We are optimistic that we can find balance in the use of these lands — including the protection of natural habitats and wildlife; agricultural uses that benefit ranchers, our local economy, and forest health; and meeting the needs of people to get outdoors for their physical and mental health.

Planning for the future isn’t always easy, but we think future generations will be very glad we did!

--Placer Land Trust Steward
(530) 887-9222
www.placerlandtrust.org

Hidden Falls expansion APPROVED by Placer CO Board of Supes

3/9/2021

An update from Gold Country Trails Council's Hidden Falls Expansion Project Liaison, Jeffrey Foltz:

"I would like to take this opportunity to THANK everyone from GCTC over the past several years who wrote letters, emailed, and meet with Placer County Supervisors in support of Hidden Falls expansion.

Your perseverance and commitment to this great trail project paid off last night. After a 5-1/2 hour meeting, with many speaking for and in opposition, the Board of Supervisors approved the project on a three to two vote. Absent any challenges to the approval, the first phase of the project could be opened to the public within three years. That would include parking and 30 miles of new trails to ride.

Big thanks to those who participated in the meeting last night. If I haven't thanked you personally, please forgive me. Having to social distance, being kept in separate rooms before you could speak and limited capacity in the chambers was a challenge.

It truly was a team effort, with many other trail groups supporting the cause. We never want to take developing new trails or protecting what we have for granted.

“Thank You All”

Jeff Foltz, GCTC Liaison, Hidden Falls

Heads up: feral pigs at Hidden Falls

3/8/2021

A horseback rider was on the Creekside Trail at Hidden Falls yesterday and encountered two adult wild pigs with 6-8 babies. They were unafraid of the horses or people.

Be aware that feral pigs can be dangerous to horses, dogs and humans. They are fast, smart and have sharp tusks. They have been invasive in almost all the parks in California. Avoid them.

Police seek cyclist who left scene of trail collision with hiker at Tilden Regional Park

3/5/2021

62-year-old woman was injured after she was struck from behind at Tilden Regional Park's Nimitz Way Trail around midday on February 26. East Bay Regional Park District police are asking for the public’s help in finding a person who left an injury collision scene at a popular parks trail last week. (Photo does not picture individuals involved.)

PUBLISHED: March 3, 2021 at 5:03 p.m. | UPDATED: March 4, 2021 at 6:22 a.m.
In a statement, police said officers responded to Tilden Regional Park’s Nimitz Way trail around midday last Friday and learned that a 62-year-old woman had been hiking when a bicyclist struck her from behind. Both fell to the ground, but the bicyclist got up and asked the hiker if she was okay before riding away northbound on Nimitz Way.
Berkeley Fire Department firefighters also responded to the scene, treating the hiker for a small cut to her head before releasing her, police said.
Police released a limited description of the bicyclist as a white male in his thirties, riding a lighter green bicycle and carrying a dark navy-colored backpack.
Anyone who visited the park’s Inspiration Point or Nimitz Way between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., or who may recognize him, may call the parks police department’s anonymous tip line at 510-690-6521.

Parks spokesman Dave Mason said Wednesday that the parks system has seen about a 30 percent increase in visitors since last year’s start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with only “amount of trail conflicts and safety issues.” “This one is a good example,” Mason said. “Thankfully, she’s okay.”
Mason said most visitors have been heeding increased park signage for pandemic-safety restrictions, as well as a “pup pro” campaign meant to urge visitors to leash up dogs around cattle: “We all just need to be mindful in parks and follow the rules, slow down, follow speed limits and be aware for hikers, just be good visitors.”

CLICK HERE to see the original article in the Mercury Newspaper.

Tree clearing in Lone Grave area today, March 4

3/4/2021

This from Gold Country Trails Council: Paul Hart and his team from the Tahoe National Forest will be out at Lone Grave trails (Highway 20 above Nevada City) today with their chainsaws clearing trees on the trails.

They'll be using their dirt bikes to make coverage easier. In addition to the Forest Service, Gold Country Trails Council members have also clearing trees down on the trails after the last storm. The trails should be fairly well cleared soon, but we have another storm coming in.

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