Blog Archives

El Dorado County likely letting go of Cronan Ranch land

7/28/2024

El Dorado County officials are considering a transfer of Cronan Ranch property ownership to the U.S. Department of Interior – Bureau of Land Management.

The county-owned property makes up 62.2 acres of open space off Pedro Hill Road and Highway 49 in Coloma. The land is in the middle of BLM property, which is part of the Cronan Ranch Regional Trail system.

Though ideas on how to use the land have been proposed, county staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend selling the property to BLM “to continue the uses that exist out there.”

A trail network does exist on the site. The Coloma/Lotus Advisory Committee previously proposed building a mountain bicycle skills park and an interpretive trail in addition to an equestrian arena and round pen. However, the county lacks funding to develop the property due to the Parks Division prioritizing other projects, according to county staff.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on June 25 to explore negotiations of selling the land.
Figuring out how to best utilize the property been a “puzzling” task, according to District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin. BLM tried to build parking infrastructure on the border of the BLM and county-owned land, she shared, adding agreements and boundary line adjustments have been discussed, but to no avail.
“It got too complicated and you could tell it was going to cost both parties a lot of money for very little, so we stopped pursuing that,” Parlin said.

Parlin, whose district includes the open space, said the property should be sold and folded into to BLM’s existing trail master plan. “I think it’s time to let it go and let BLM pursue what they see in (its) bigger trail plan,” Parlin said.

The county purchased the property in 2004 through California’s Proposition 40 grant funding for $280,000 to be used for a regional trails park or an equestrian center. Selling the land would not require the county to reimburse the money due to a 20-year statue expiring, county staff told the board.

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl noted if the county can’t get back its investment in the property, then other uses or potential buyers should be explored.
“I want to make sure we get as much of our money back, and maybe with interest, as possible so we can take that money and reinvest it in another park,” Hidahl said.

To see the original article in the Georgetown Gazette news, CLICK HERE:

BLM increases fire restrictions in Central California District due to high fire danger

7/27/2024

The Bureau of Land Management is increasing fire restrictions and temporary target shooting limitations for BLM-managed public lands within the Central California District. Increased restrictions are in effect for the Central Coast Field Office, Mother Lode Field Office, and the Ukiah Field Office effective July 24, due to high fire danger. These increased restrictions are in addition to the initial fire restrictions issued by the field offices and the year-round statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.

The additional fire restriction prohibits campfires, barbeques, or open flame of any kind, even if you are in a developed campground. Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jelled petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed both in and outside of a developed campground with a valid California campfire permit, available free at any USDA Forest Service, BLM or CalFire office, as well as online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/.

The BLM’s top priority is always the safety of our staff and recreating public. Please remember to only park legally when using BLM-managed recreation sites. Parking along state routes and county roads can inadvertently cause wildfires and may block access for firefighting engines and emergency vehicles, delaying life-saving services.

This has already been an active wildland fire year with fires occurring close in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threat to public safety. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk, while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe.

The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:

No campfires, barbeques or open flame of any kind, even in developed campgrounds.
No target shooting – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Hunters must abide by state of California laws and regulations. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
No motorized vehicles off BLM designated roads or trails.
No tools powered by internal combustion engines off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).
No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
No explosives.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.

To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires visit www.readyforwildfire.org. Fire restrictions for all California BLM-managed public lands can be found on our website. The latest information is available online or by contacting the Central Coast, Mother Lode, or Ukiah field offices directly.

Central Coast Field Office Fire Order
Mother Lode Field Office Fire Order
Ukiah Field Office Fire Order

Bureau of Land Management Home Page
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Media Contact
Philip Oviatt
[email protected]
661-432-4252

E-bikes on Pines to Mines trail considered hazardous by some, article by "The Union" Staff Writer, Marianne Boll-See

7/17/2024

The Pines to Mines trail (P2M) is envisioned to be a multi-use native surface trail system connecting Truckee to Nevada City sometime in the future. E-bikes on Pines to Mines trail considered hazardous by some
Approximately 50 miles of trail already exists and the implementation of a plan for the additional 22 miles connecting the far ends of the trails in place is expected to be underway some time this summer, according to the United States Forest Service (USFS). Hikers and trail riders call this segment of the P2M trail ‘the missing link.’

Plans for the P2M trail system will someday include a total of 72 miles of trail that former Nevada County Supervisor Richard Anderson spearheaded over a decade ago. Before the connecting 22-mile stretch can be made ready for public use, mainly by mountain bikes and Class 1 bikes, known as electronic bikes, environmental studies and public comment periods had to be completed.

On March 14, the Tahoe National Forest Service posted the final decision after environmental studies were completed, and the decision was ‘Finding of No Significant Impact’ also known as FONSI.
“Essentially what that did was clear the trail for implementation and is tentatively set to start this season so roughly this summer,” Lauren Faulkenberry, from the Tahoe National Forest Service (TNFS) said.

Some individuals who had concerns about the P2M trail project as it was proposed were disappointed. A controversy over how the use of electronic bikes will dominate the P2M trail and pose a safety-related concern during the public comment period was heard.

“The Forest Service just posted the Final Decision of FONSI or ‘no impact’ and, as feared, made zero accommodations or concessions for the many concerns from the community. E-bikes will officially be allowed on 72 miles of narrow, single-track trail, much of it through pristine natural habitat.

It’s beyond disappointing, especially when they got out one final blow with The Union publishing their inaccurate, misleading press release,” CH Smith, resident of Nevada County said.

Smith included images of bike tracks riding through wildflowers near the Spaulding trail where bicycles had gone off trail, and video clips of e-bikes spreading over rocky terrain and twisting slopes in a segment of the P2M trail called Hole in the Ground. Faulkenberry from the TNFS told The Union that the environmental study showed no impact for electronic bikes.

“There was an analysis on the bike impact done, and it showed no environmental impact. Class 1 bike use was comparable to mountain bikes in the way that they might impact the trail in the existing trails,” Faulkenberry said.

Objectors to the P2M trails project included Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA).
“BCHA’s membership fully supports the concept of the Pines to Mines Trail. We support the development of a trail connecting Nevada City with Truckee, the desire to expand public access to trails and open space, and how such a trail could support local economic development. We remain concerned, however, that agency’s proposed authorization of Class 1 motorized electric bicycles (e-bikes) on the trail would result in an adverse and disproportionately negative effect on the safety and enjoyment of the trail by riders on horseback,” a letter signed by Mike Hughes, President of Backcountry Horsemen of California said.

Another letter written to Jennifer Eberlien, Regional Forester USDA Forest Service found fault with the draft decision on the environmental assessment before it was approved.
“Bikers’ speed and frequent unwillingness to yield on narrow trails, even in areas with ‘educational’ signage are at the expense of other users’ enjoyment and of the environment/nature/wildlife, and makes bike access on singletrack multi-user trails often inappropriate, dangerous and misguided, especially on the Spaulding Lake Trail and the eastern stretch of the Pioneer Trail,” Smith said.

More public comments regarding e-bikes and the potential safety-related hazards to hikers and equestrians on the P2M trail have been fielded.

117 unique comments were received during the public comment period before the final decision was announced; 115 were in favor of the trail; 75 were in favor of an alternative to allowing e-bikes on the trail, according to John Brokaw, project contact with the USFS.

“The proposed action and the final decision notice was to provide additional opportunities for recreation and access to open space… We have potential to attract additional recreation users to the area,” Brokaw said.

A lot of the implementation that will be done depends on the funding that the TNFS can secure and volunteer groups, according to Faulkenberry.

In 2021, the Truckee Trails Foundation secured $100,000 in funding from Nevada County in order to conduct the necessary resource studies under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Nevada County, Truckee Trails Foundation, United States Forest Service, Nevada County, Bear Yuba Land Trust, and Bicyclists of Nevada County, have partnered together to help make the dream of a long-distance trail a reality.

FROM MOTHER LODE TRAILS:
From the list of partners, the Gold Country Trails Council was left out of this article. They were on the original steering committee when the P2M trail was proposed as a non-motorized trail, and have donated funds to the trail's construction. They are on record objecting to electric motorized bikes on this trail."

At this time, Trailforks.com, a trail map app powered by ‘The Outside,’ already shows the future 22-mile segment of the P2M as a “black diamond” trail, and lists types of bikes recommended; there is no mention of other users’ needs for this ‘multi-use’ trail such as hikers or equestrian groups. The ‘black diamond’ rating means that the 22- mile stretch is very difficult, with 3,421 feet of elevation to climb, ride, or ascend by bicycle.

Opponents to e-bikes also took issue with the ‘misinformation’ that the TNFS has presented on their website that states, “The Tahoe National Forest strives to offer diverse and accessible recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities,” said acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Matt Jedra.
“It is not designed for disabled or beginner cyclists, nor the old or infirm, by any stretch of the imagination. And access to both ends of this new stretch is currently, and likely to remain, extremely difficult as well,” Smith told The Union.

Erin Tarr, executive director of the Bear Yuba Land Trust told The Union that a meeting with all the partners in the P2M trial project was planned for next week, and more information may unfold in regards to funding or next steps.

The Union also contacted the office of Joe Chavez, the Tahoe National Forest Trail and Recreation Specialist for updates and details, however, Chavez is out of town until next week.

Nine segments of trail
To find its way from Truckee to Nevada City, the P2M trail works its way through nine segments.
Beginning at the Five Mile House to Rood Center, the 5 mile stretch of trail is described as a gentle descent via Willow Valley Road and links to Nevada City.
This single segment is in contrast to the 20 or so miles of rugged backcountry terrain of Red Mountain and beyond that trail users call ‘the missing link.’

To see the complete article and photos, click here:
lwww.theunion.com/news/e-bikes-on-pines-to-mines-trail-considered-hazardous-by-some/article_4c184016-43bb-11ef-84ba-a772417959cb.html

To contact Staff Writer Marianne Boll-See, email [email protected].

Tahoe trails to see controversial change adding e-bikes to non-motorized trails

7/14/2024

With hundreds of miles of dirt trails and smooth singletrack, stellar views and steep terrain, the Lake Tahoe basin is considered by many to be the country’s mountain biking capital. Now, it’s on the verge of becoming a bastion of off-road electric biking as well.
Last week, federal officials approved a major — though somewhat controversial — plan that will open up 106 miles of Tahoe’s trails to e-bikes, which to date have been prohibited on those pathways because they are motorized. The plan also lays groundwork to build 45 miles of new trails at key junctures designed to stitch disparate segments together into cohesive transit routes for bicycle commuters and recreational riders.

Bicycle advocates say the plan could turbo-charge a broad effort to create the kind of cohesive trail network that could make Tahoe a fully bikeable region — a vision many have dreamed about for years.

This is also probably the first time in the United States that e-bikes have been given this much access to a forest.
“It’s gonna be a big moment,” said Drew Bray, executive director of the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association. “Linking trails together so you can get around the basin without having to get into a car or travel on a road is going to create more opportunities for people to have a good outdoor experience.”

The plan applies to the U.S. Forest Service’s 154,000-acre Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, which oversees about 78% of the basin’s landmass and attracts an estimated 7.8 million visitors per year. The 362 miles of trails the unit manages tie into neighborhoods, ski areas, city centers, state parks and lakeside beaches and “are some of the most highly visited in the United States,” according to a draft environmental assessment document outlining the plan.
The Forest Service is finalizing the environmental assessment document and expects to release it in August. Then e-bike riders will be permitted to ride some of Tahoe’s premier sites: the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path through Camp Richardson that leads to some of the lake’s best beaches; the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort; and the peaks above Incline Village, to name a few.

There won’t be any changes to the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile keystone of hiking and mountain biking, or the segment of Pacific Crest Trail that passes through the basin, neither of which allow e-bikes.
Importantly, the Tahoe plan applies only to Class I e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted and top out at around 20 mph — a speed comparable to mountain bikes traveling downhill. Class II and III e-bikes, which have hand throttles and don’t require pedaling to accelerate, will remain off-limits.

New trail connections won’t be laid down until at least next spring, and it’s too early to speculate on which ones will be given priority, according to Mike Gabor, the forest engineering staff officer with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit who has been overseeing the trails analysis.
The impetus for opening Tahoe trails to e-bikes was simple, Gabor said: People are already taking e-bikes on trails — even though it may be against the rules — and demand for the vehicles is increasing nationwide. E-bike rental shops have opened in both north and south Tahoe in recent years, and the vehicles are a choice conveyance for locals and visitors alike.

“We’re seeing pressure just by the nature of the change in how the American public is using these bikes,” Gabor said.
Integrating e-bikes into public lands nationwide hasn’t been a smooth process due to public pushback against allowing speedy, motorized vehicles to share space with hikers, joggers, bicyclists and equestrians. Certain types of e-bikes can travel much faster than conventional pedal bikes, and opponents say the vehicles may tear up trails, carry inexperienced riders into tough terrain where they can get into trouble, and cause more conflicts and close calls among trail users.
California, however, has largely affirmed the shift to battery-powered bikes. In 2017, a state law took effect allowing e-bikes on public trails unless land managers specifically prohibit them. In state parks, the vehicles are allowed just about everywhere traditional bicycles can go. Regional park and open space districts are split; some have sanctioned e-bikes while others largely restrict them.
National forests have been relatively slow to mix in e-bike use, and even some that have tried have faced public resistance. An effort to open parts of Tahoe National Forest to e-bikes was hampered by a lawsuit from wilderness advocates before gaining final approval earlier this year.
A forest embracing e-bikes, as the Tahoe basin unit is poised to, might be unprecedented, Gabor said.

“We’re literally, I think, the first forest in the nation to be making these kinds of holistic changes to our trail system,” he said. “There isn’t really an example to follow.”

After reviewing 660 public comments submitted last fall on the plan, Gabor said about half of the responses were supportive — the other half expressed concerns or skepticism. One person who commented on the plan last fall wrote they were “strongly opposed” to opening trails to e-bikes due to “the number of uneducated/inconsiderate/underage operators and the lack of enforcement of existing laws/etiquette.”
Bray, of the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, anticipates some early trail tension but said it can be defused with basic patience and compassion among individuals who cross paths.
“All users need to be responsible for their choices, how they ride, how they interact,” he said.
“These bikes aren’t going away,” Bray added. “They’re in the community and lots of people use them. So this (plan) seems like a step in the right direction.”
Reach Gregory Thomas: [email protected]
To see the complete article in the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, CLICK HERE:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/tahoe/article/e-bikes-top-trails-18527662.php

Discover Nature’s Secrets with Tahoe National Forest!

7/10/2024

Discover Nature’s Secrets with Tahoe National Forest!
Dive into the fascinating world of flowers and discover how they attract their buzzing pollinator friends!
Plus, unravel the mysteries of tree aging and learn to identify various tree species like a true forest detective!

Get ready for an exciting nature adventure --fun for all ages!

📅 Date: Tuesday, July 16th AND August 6th
🕒 Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
📍 Location: Madelyn Helling Library
and
📅 Date: Tuesday, July 16th AND August 6th
🕒 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
📍 Location: Penn Valley Library
and
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 17th
🕒 Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
📍 Location: Grass Valley Library
and
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 17th
🕒 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
📍 Location: Bear River Library

CLICK. HERE for original article at Nevada County:
https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7664

New name, new focus for Ace 4 Safe Trails

7/4/2024

Formerly Action Coalition for Equestrians, our new group is larger in scope; advocating safe trails for all users -- equestrians, hikers and cyclists.

People have recognized the ACE (Action Coalition for Equestrians) name for the past 20 years, and have long associated ACE with its work dedicated to the preservation and growth of equestrian trails in the Sierra Foothills. Celebrating our 20th anniversary, we now enter our 21st year with a new name:
“Ace 4 Safe Trails”
People have recognized the ACE (Action Coalition for Equestrians) name for the past 20 years, and have long associated ACE with its work dedicated to the preservation and growth of equestrian trails in the Sierra Foothills. This year we are coming back with a revised name, renewed energy, and a modified purpose!
Celebrating our 20th anniversary, we now enter our 21st year with a new name: “Ace 4 Safe Trails”
Our new name reflects our new purpose to serve a variety of trail users and our new focus on trail user safety. Ace 4 Safe Trails now serves many more trail users, including hikers, seniors, equestrians, bird watchers, nature lovers, families with children, joggers, scouting groups, the disabled, and any others who enjoy being outdoors and using trails.
One of our primary functions is to represent the many California State Park trail users who enjoy the simple peaceful pleasure of wandering down a trail, relaxing, de-stressing and enjoying nature. Among our objectives is to serve as an advocate for trail users, to raise California State Park’s awareness of trail safety issues and user safety concerns, and to work with State Parks to ensure they provide safe trails for all park visitors.

SPI Forestlands CLOSED to public access due to wildfire risk

7/3/2024

EFFECTIVE JUNE 28, 2024
Due to wildfire risk conditions, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has closed its California and Oregon forestlands to public access. These closures will remain in effect until further notice. Public roads that cross SPI forestlands will remain open, but no walk-in access will be allowed. For those looking for maps of SPI property lines, there are several third-party applications available for purchase.Unless otherwise posted, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) offers responsible recreational opportunities for public access on our private, working forestlands. As plans are made to recreate on our lands, it’s important to understand the rules that keep our lands safe, clean and available in the future.

SPI’s private forest lands are generally open to individual members of the public for responsible recreational use such as hiking, bicycling, fishing, hunting, or cross-country skiing as long as they are properly licensed by the State where necessary. We do not allow target shooting, trail building, off-road vehicle use, overnight camping or any fires on our property. In addition, we do not allow the taking of forest products, wildflowers, mushrooms, or other vegetative matter, non-game species, water or soil, or rock samples except by express written permission from SPI.
SPI does not allow motorized use beyond locked gates. Limiting vehicle access helps lead to:

Less erosion. We are required by law to maintain roads and protect watersheds and fisheries from erosion.
Less commercial timber loss, allowing us to help meet the demand for wood products.
Fewer fires caused by humans. During most years, California is very prone to wildfires. People start more than half of all wildland fires.

As our lands are commercial working forests, we will close areas where we are actively operating. There are also times we will close our lands to all forms of recreation due to wildfire danger and other safety concerns. Land closures will be posted and we require that the public respect closures for their own safety and the safety of those working on our lands.
Any activities conducted as a group must receive express written permission from SPI prior to entering upon the property. Commercial use is strictly prohibited without a permit.
Why we limit access:

As a fire prevention measure.
To provide for the recovery and restoration of areas impacted by wildfire.
To protect public safety, especially in active harvest areas.
To help prevent erosion of roads.
To deter illegal woodcutting.
To prevent damage to young regenerated forest stands.
To deter illegal garbage dumping.
To prevent Christmas tree theft.
To protect sensitive research project areas and equipment. Monitoring equipment has been placed in areas where research is under way. Please do not disturb it.

SPI Policy:SPI's ownership is private property. Recreational use is available to individual members of the public, provided the property is treated with respect. We reserve the right to refuse access to anyone. Access is subject to California Penal Code Section 602 and California Civil Code Sections 846, 1008, and 1009. Please be advised that if you enter SPI's property you do so at your own risk, and SPI shall not be liable to you for any injury to person or property, in accordance with applicable state laws.
Access Methods

Many of SPI’s roads also provide access to federal lands. Roads shared with federal landowners that are designated for public use are open for recreational purposes, but federal road policies may also preclude access to protect forest resources in specific areas.
In Washington, all access for motorized vehicles is prohibited on our roads unless authorized by SPI.
In some instances, SPI installs gates to limit access where we have the sole ownership of the road or operate under cooperative agreements with State and Federal agencies.
Access behind locked gates is limited to non-motorized methods such as walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, or horseback. E-bikes are allowed in most areas, though are prohibited in Thurston, Lewis, Cowlitz and Pacific counties in Southwest Washington.
In all areas, in an effort to protect meadows and sensitive plants and reduce erosion, vehicular use is limited to existing roads, and no access is permitted near active logging operations.
Please do not block gates which may be needed for emergency vehicle access for fire and medical reasons.

Area ClosuresAside from the closures associated with wildfire risk or active logging areas, any area may be posted as closed to public access for any number of reasons including but not limited to fire danger, recovery and restoration of an areas after a wildfire, potential road damage, wildlife protection, proximity to residential areas, facility protection or current leases or permits to others.
Make sure you obey posted signs!
Recreation Access HotlinesSPI maintains phone hotlines with information about regional information on current public access status.

California: 530-378-8274
Oregon: 541-689-1011
Northwest Washington (Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties): 360-488-4977
Southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific and Thurston counties): 360-623-1299

Applicable State Laws
California Civil Code § 846. Permission to enter for recreational purposesAn owner of any estate or any other interest in real property, whether possessory or non-possessory, owes no duty of care to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others for any recreational purpose or to give any warning of hazardous conditions, uses of, structures, or activities on such premises to persons entering for such purpose, except as provided in this section.
A "recreational purpose," as used in this section, includes such activities as fishing, hunting, camping, water sports, hiking, spelunking, sport parachuting, riding, including animal riding, snowmobiling, and all other types of vehicular riding, rock collecting, sightseeing, picnicking, nature study, nature contacting, recreational gardening, gleaning, hang gliding, winter sports, and viewing or enjoying historical, archaeological, scenic, natural, or scientific sites.
An owner of any estate or any other interest in real property, whether possessory or non-possessory, who gives permission to another for entry or use for the above purpose upon the premises does not thereby (a) extend any assurance that the premises are safe for such purpose, or (b) constitute the person to whom permission has been granted the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed, or (c) assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by any act of such person to whom permission has been granted except as provided in this section…..[Exceptions omitted. See the code for the full code section]
Nothing in this section creates a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to person or property.

CLICK HERE to see this complete article on the SPI website.

Hidden Falls Regional Park CLOSED Tuesday, 7/2 through Saturday, 7/6, due to EXTREME HEAT WARNING

7/3/2024

WHERE CAN I CHECK THE CLOSURE STATUS BEFORE MY VISIT TO HIDDEN FALLS?
Notifications will be posted to the following website:

https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park

or by calling (530) 886-4901. You may also check our social media sites for updates.

HOW WILL CLOSURE DAYS BE DETERMINED?
Staff will determine extreme fire weather days in consultation with weather and fire officials and would generally coincide with conditions that prompt Red Flag and Excessive Heat warnings.
Location
Hidden Falls Regional Park
7587 Mears Place
Auburn, CA 95602

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