Simply put I need info today. I posted in a few other threads and have a list of 5-10 people that are willing to say that they have used the trail but I was hoping for more like 100-200..

If you have EVER been there please email or PM me with your contact info and your experience with the trail.. TODAY!!

This trail and one of the very few American river access points is currently land locked and closed, we have an opportunity to re-open it!

Ask around in your clubs, get me LOTS of names..

ASAP (today!)

thx

B

Pictures..
http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=10791


2001
http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery2/d/11232-2/brandon12flex.jpg

2002
http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery2/d/10863-2/Jergins_11_3_02_15.jpg

Links
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92742&highlight=jergins+trail
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227930&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275601&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212559&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89968&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87400&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3408&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6176&highlight=jergins
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8022

What was the reasoning for the trail closure?

Ride on
Brewster

the road that has existed since the 1800's crosses through someones property and they put up a fence. It is not closed, it is blocked.

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery2/d/10809-2/weber_road_cut6.jpg

I'm pretty sure this cleanup was the only time I ever got to run that trail (and they closed it shortly afterwards, IIRC).

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92742&highlight=jergins+trail
http://www.rcrc4x4.com/LandIssues/BLM11_03_02/thumbnails.html

good enough, just need to say people have been there..

Thanks for the links, printing out this stuff is good too!

Brandon,

Where is this trail again? This is not the route I was talking to Camo about that lead to the river...is it?

Old School stuff on it that I found:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-8022.html

brandon, i got your email, unfortunately, i have never been to that trail, it closed right after i got into the hobby:(

Sent you a pm, trying to round up some more people that used to go with us.

Emailed you too. I was on that little trail many many times. Most of the Pirates have been there. I know Roksamy has been and even Grady... I like short day runs and the chance for a little fishing and that trail was perfect for me... :D:D

been there, in fact i am in the pic :laughing:
i have some pics of my stock 82 wheeling there

derek

I've been to the trail head. That must have been right after they closed it. I would love to run it someday. Sent an e-mail.

Myself and most of the Pirates used the trail before it was blocked.

If you need more info from me let me know.

Brandon,

Where is this trail again? This is not the route I was talking to Camo about that lead to the river...is it?

Old School stuff on it that I found:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-8022.html

Yep, that is the one - well it goes to the river anyway ;)

Nothing extreme, just a fun little trail down to the river.

Emailed you too. I was on that little trail many many times. Most of the Pirates have been there. I know Roksamy has been and even Grady... I like short day runs and the chance for a little fishing and that trail was perfect for me... :D:D

I am sure Grady remembers it ;)

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery2/d/11282-2/r0300117.jpg

been there, in fact i am in the pic :laughing:
i have some pics of my stock 82 wheeling there

derek

I'll add ya, I am sure I have your info somewhere but can you PM me a phone number for the list in case I don't find anything else?

Thanks, I will keep everyone posted. I know a lot of people that have been there (with me), I just don't want to volunteer them without their permission..

Myself and most of the Pirates used the trail before it was blocked.

If you need more info from me let me know.

Hey Tim,
At the least just names and numbers - I still have my old pirate roster (somewhere) but I don't want to put everyone down without asking. I may go calling up people later..

20 people and counting..

Cool short trail with a good ending spot :D

Did you get me your contact info? Atleast a phone number so I can get ahold of you if need be..

thx, and thanks for posting the pics :cool:

I have been there....went with Bigrob. Fun little trail!!

I have been there....went with Bigrob. Fun little trail!!

If you haven't already PM/email me your contact info!

:grinpimp::smokin::D

Whatever happened to that club the "Mountain high toys" or whatever they were called? they used to have a website back in the day.....

They had a good number of members, if you could contact them you may get a few more names.


Didn't they do that trail all the time? :confused:

Or maybe I am still not thinking of the right place....

not sure if anyone did that trail "all the time" since really it was just river access. I took a couple guys from New Zealand down there and they had a blast (layed my jeep over in the ditch thing, oops).

Anyway, 22 people on the list - let's make it 222!

i used to go there all the time, probably around '96-'98 or so.

My list is up to 24 names now, I'll keep it going until the lawyer needs it..

If your wife or girl friend went, give me their name/contact info too!

24 isn't that many for trying to get a trail BACK open..

Hey Tim,
At the least just names and numbers - I still have my old pirate roster (somewhere) but I don't want to put everyone down without asking. I may go calling up people later..

PMed you my number. Call me for more numbers.

I went around 99'. I love that place... real nice rock pile at the very end near the river.

I went around 99'. I love that place... real nice rock pile at the very end near the river.

Hit me with your contact info and I'll add ya to the list!

I was there
In fact that was the crew I was in doing the waterbars.
Somehow got missed in the photo , but that's ok I just wanted the trail to stay open , although I hadn't been on it before that workparty day.
Seems a real shame that the forest service let/got us to do all that work then the trail was closed immeditely after

I am sure you are in the other pictures, added you - thanks!

Up to 37 people..

Jack Armstrong was there... :(

yep :(

http://rcrc4x4.com/Tributes/Jack/JackA2.jpg

Good Times..

38 people..

I went there many times in early 2000's,with my old 72 bronco and another person who turned his bronco into a buggy,I liked that trail,close to sac and fun.

I went there many times in early 2000's,with my old 72 bronco and another person who turned his bronco into a buggy,I liked that trail,close to sac and fun.

PM me your contact info, I need all the names/numbers I can get! Give me your buddies info too!

I used the trail a few years back to gain access to the river.

IIRC there was a simliar situation in CO when a guy bought land that had a designated dirt road on it for 100 years and attempted to close it. I am not sure what happened - ultimately though, the guy cut down many trees and tore up the land to prevent access....he ended up being convicted in a case against the USFS.

I've been going down there for well over 30 years, used to be a great little peaceful place until :mad3:

Lets hope the exposure will work in the trails favor this time.

Pm'd ya Brandon

I ran it a few times. I'll dig around for some pics.

I was also on the cleanup run the day before BLM closed the gate.

We should be able to get copies of the BLM signup sheets from all the meetings we went to prior to it being gated, and prior to access to the gate being blocked.

We should also be able to get a copy of the BLM signup sheet from the cleanup day.

I ran it a few times. I'll dig around for some pics.

I was also on the cleanup run the day before BLM closed the gate.

We should be able to get copies of the BLM signup sheets from all the meetings we went to prior to it being gated, and prior to access to the gate being blocked.

We should also be able to get a copy of the BLM signup sheet from the cleanup day.

True, but if the BLM wanted to help they would have a long time ago. The process with BLM was never finished so really I don't think they have the right to close the gate on their end but I think they are happy someone else did so personally unless there is no option leaving them out for now sounds good..

I too have been many times. Great place to watch the rafters go by. I know Ian, Rob, me, the HBRK guys, and a few others I can think of. I will post this on the Zombie site to get some more bites for ya. Pm'd ya.

True, but if the BLM wanted to help they would have a long time ago.
True -- but they have to respond to a Freedom of Information Request.

FWIW, this BLM has *NO* interested in allowing motorized recreation -- expect a fight at every turn. I'm not saying NOT to fight -- far from it -- but expect a fight.

The process with BLM was never finished so really I don't think they have the right to close the gate on their end but I think they are happy someone else did so personally unless there is no option leaving them out for now sounds good.
The way I recall it is the BLM was happy to have the gate closed by someone else, but that they completed their management process anyway.

Of course I have tried to repress much of those memories. :(

Randii

thanks to all, 45 and counting..

True Randii, the BLM is a whole other story..

Worst case we help a few miners get access to their claims and they invite us out to their claim sometime, I don't feel too bad about that..

The thing is were not trying to get access to an off road park, we are proving this road has been open to the public and in use for X amount of years regardless of who owns it (BLM, private, etc).

Tom is fully aware of Al Franklin and the rest of the BLM and he is the one running this show, his choice at this time is to leave BLM out of it but that may change.

I have been there numerous times, in fact my buddy used to date the daughter of the people who owned some of the land I think...... I will give him a call.......pm you now lets get this trail open!!!!:D

We used to go there almost weekly when I was in highschool. pm'ed ya

Whatever happened to that club the "Mountain high toys" or whatever they were called? they used to have a website back in the day.....

They had a good number of members, if you could contact them you may get a few more names.


Didn't they do that trail all the time? :confused:

Or maybe I am still not thinking of the right place....
All the Mountain High Toys guys still wheel together, we just dont have a club. Brandon pm me an I can hook you up with atleast 20 names of buddies when we used to go there all the time...

I have been there....went with Bigrob. Fun little trail!!

Yep, goodtimes for sure!!

pm'ed

ahhhhhh the good old days. "hey.... let's make a jergens run on the way to rubicon"

"hey.... rubicon was fun, let's make a jergens run on the way home" :D

Been there too B :smokin:
Rick-

Kim and I.

Open Open Open.

sending the list over tonight - but I can always send revised ones. Most beneficial would be people that have been there for a looong time - say 30 years plus. So ask gramps if he used to go down there ;)

I was there in a past life...let me know if you want my info:D

Ok, emailing my list off - 59 names with contact info. Some sent a name but I need some sort of contact info to go with it. If you can help me add to my list please get in touch. I can always send a followup but this one is heading out for now..

Is there still usfs trail number, where is the trail, I have people in Foresthill that would help open it up. thanks

BLM not usfs..

Brandon, I found some more photos we could use.....more if I look deep in
the box...and some of Grady snorkling. No I can't post them:shaking:! OH, Ive been using this trail and others down there for over 40 years, as I live there....almost!

Brandon, I found some more photos we could use.....more if I look deep in
the box...and some of Grady snorkling. No I can't post them:shaking:! OH, Ive been using this trail and others down there for over 40 years, as I live there....almost!

That was a good time :smokin:


The oldest picture you have would really help. Thanks :grinpimp:

I've been down Jergins with Vince Howdyshell before they closed it...

Rich Klein
530-417-5333

I went there to fish in the 90's, tapered off as my kids grew up and needed more time. Problably 20 time or so.

Any update on this

it goes to court next month, I turned in my list of contact info and I am waiting.. like you ;)

If anyone else wants to be added to the list it isn't to late!!

I BELEAVE YOU ALL READY HAVE MINE BUT IF NOT I WILL PM YOU with it. and i also have a bunch of old pics of the trail and if you still need them hit me up and i will dig them out. aaron

So does anybody know the out come of this?

Still closed, don't know what, if anything is in the works.

I've got the guys number next to my computer, been meaning to call. They have a bit of a vested interest (mining claims) so chances are they are not going to announce if they gain access..

Updates??

none that I know of, anyone else?

Anyone know any fun trails around? I miss being able to go play without driving two hours..

none that I know of, anyone else?

Anyone know any fun trails around? I miss being able to go play without driving two hours..

I totally agree!

Jack Armstrong was there... :(

I remember a couple of jergens trips with Jack.....and you, Glenn

Billy Bob found himself there once:D

Can anybody give me some coordinates or a map to where the trailhead was? The trail closed a little before my time as I am only 17 so not sure where the exact location is. Google maps seems to show the trail as Rescue Rd. from what I've gathered where the general vicinity of the trail is. Correct me if I am wrong though. I want to know the exact location because I may know the land owner restricting access. All I know is he has a key to a gate to a trail that led through BLM land that went to the confluence of Weber Creek and the American River. Seems to fit the description. I would love to see this trail open as it seems to be within only 5 minutes from my house. Anybody have any updates or whom to contact in the BLM office? Also did a little research on public easements. Was there a documented case of what this landowners agreements were in regards to the easement? Because if there was an original agreement that the landowners property would be used for public easement to the BLM land then technically he has no right to shut down the trail. PM me the directions so its not out in the public. Thanks.

These are many years back. Green Valley to Deer Valley. There is a house below that has a dedicated entrance to the trail, atleast he did..

Trail to the right.. behind the fence.

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/jergins

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/albums/jergins/driveway.jpg

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/albums/jergins/weber_road_cut6.sized.jpg

Thanks, Brandon. I've been trying to get some answers form BLM but they have yet to get back to me. Well anyways I read the final draft of the management plan for the South Fork of the American River and despite the initial goal of BLM to keep Boulder Mine Rd., Jurgen's trail, open as they stated earlier in the draft they passed Action 58. Action 58 closed all of the South Fork American River Management Area to off-road use.

The major change for this area revolves around the Pine Hill Preserve... here's some of the back-story.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8034
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5953
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7931
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12704
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17553
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36937
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227930

Also, here's an older document i wrote:
http://www.4x4wire.com/isuzu/randii/Jurgens/Jergens_Speaking_Points.doc

We were outmaneuvered and outgunned, and this is going to be a tough one to reverse unless the property owner at the bottom is fully onboard... and even then, BLM is working from status quo, now, and The Folsom Field Office has not been a friend to OHV. Through even as late as a few years ago, illegal access continued from the top by property owners from Kanaka valley Road, but the BLM closed them out, too... even if they don't enforce it.

Randii

Here is a reply to an email I sent about a week ago in regards to the trail.

"Thanks for your comments regarding motorized use on BLM-administered land in the South Fork American River area and the Boulder Mine/Weber Creek area specifically.

The South Fork plan including Action 58 was adopted by BLM in 2004 after years of public meetings/involvement. The OHV community was extensively involved in public meetings specific to the motorized use issue in the Boulder Mine/Weber Creek area. In the end, the public recommended closing the road to the Weber Creek confluence to motorized use.

The road in question was NOT designated as a motorized route (in other words, it was closed to this use) under our master management plan---the 2008 Sierra Management Plan---which was four years in development including numerous public meetings (two held in Placerville), comment periods on draft planning documents, and many other opportunities for the public (including the OHV community) to get involved. Though we received scores of comments and even an appeal by the OHV community in Nevada County concerning our route decisions in the Greenhorn Creek area, we did not receive a single comment on the Boulder Mine/Weber Creek area.

After years of land-use planning we have no interest in revisiting our motorized use decisions in El Dorado County.

As for the Boulder Mine/Weber Creek area, this is a MOOT point. There is currently NO general public access to the road in question. The access across private land via Jurgens Road has been destroyed/blocked by the private landowner. Access across private land via Kanaka Valley Road is blocked by multiple gates. The general public has no right to pass.

James"

major thanks for the interest, the whole process and history just makes me sick :(

It's nice that the BLM worked so well together with us to restore and maintain the area right before closing it :mad:

My last involvement was with the local land owner. Can't blame him for not wanting trash in his backyard, parties, etc. At the time he did have his own access though, and a rig to use on it. I wonder if ANYONE is using the road anymore..

I'd like to even ride it on my mountain bike, if I could get to it..

The South Fork plan including Action 58 was adopted by BLM in 2004 after years of public meetings/involvement. The OHV community was extensively involved in public meetings specific to the motorized use issue in the Boulder Mine/Weber Creek area. In the end, the public recommended closing the road to the Weber Creek confluence to motorized use.
This is a bullshit revisionist rewrite on the way it went down... :rolleyes:

The road in question was NOT designated as a motorized route under ... the 2008 Sierra Management Plan---which was four years in development including numerous public meetings ... and many other opportunities for the public to get involved. ...we did not receive a single comment on the Boulder Mine/Weber Creek area.
This is closer to the truth, but c'mon, was it practical to think that anyone would comment about retaining theoretical access to an inheld property to which actual access was unavailable? :rolleyes: r-a-i-l-r-o-a-d...

After years of land-use planning we have no interest in revisiting our motorized use decisions in El Dorado County.
This is probably the MOST true statement ever heard from the BLM Folsom Field Office... problem is that this has been their approach for more than a decade: they have no interest in allowing motorized use on BLM land. :shaking: So much for their much-claimed multiple-use mission.

I'd like to even ride it on my mountain bike, if I could get to it..
Wanna borrow my inflatable and Evinrude?

Randii

It makes me sick as well. Its great to see BLM put so much effort into their original goal of the area.
"Access – Roads
1. The BLM shall maintain the Boulder Mine Road and the existing road to the
confluence of Weber Creek and the South Fork American River. This road shall be
subject to seasonal closures, generally from December 1 until April 1, but variable
depending on conditions.
2. The BLM shall develop a comprehensive road maintenance plan for the Planning
Unit.
3. The BLM shall develop an adopt-a-trail/adopt-a-route program while developing a
year-around monitoring plan with the local community.
4. The BLM shall allow people to bring in their own boats by road."

Great effort BLM :mad3:. My best guess is the damn ARC got involved (American River Conservancy). They do a lot of lobbying in this area for land use management. They are very very much environmental wackos. They don't approve of OHV use. Im surprised their members even own a vehicle in fear of its harmful effects to humanity.

As for use, a good friend of mine's grandfather owns the section on the Kanaka Valley side. I know he has used it. Went wheeling down there, no signs saying closed he said but the road was very overgrown is what I got out of it.

Get ahold of me next time you go visit your good friends grandfather :)

These are many years back. Green Valley to Deer Valley. There is a house below that has a dedicated entrance to the trail, atleast he did..

Trail to the right.. behind the fence.

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/jergins

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/albums/jergins/driveway.jpg

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/albums/jergins/weber_road_cut6.sized.jpg

Wow....those pictures don't even look the same as it does now days. Today I was looking at some property around the area and took a trip down Jurgens to see what it looked like. That dirt is all paved now along with that road that goes up the the left to the house on the hill. You can't even tell now days that there used to be a trail if you were continue straight ahead in the picture.

I ran into the home/property owner that owns that road to the left. He and his wife were out taking a walk with their infant. The first thing they mentioned is they were glad it was closed because of the shooting that was taking place out there. He said the miners have not been back in and there is no mining taking place as permits have expired or something along those lines. The guy across the road is the majority property holder and owns quite a bit of land around there, looking like it stretches all the way to Campbell Circle. But they also mentioned there is more than just him as far as land owners that have property that is on or crosses the trail, so it would take the OK of more than just one person to be able to gain access to the trail....which we all know will never happen again.

What about prescriptive rights? When a property owner has not objected to public use of a road that crosses his property, then prescriptive rights to continued public access exist. If the owner gates the road, it is a simple process to report it to law enforcement that you wish to excercise your rights to cross. Through the courts it should be reopened and there is, I believe, a five year statute of limitations when claims can be filed contesting the closing. I believe that even a new owner can't close a road because the Presc. Rights supercede their ownership.

Sounds like more involved here and BLM is scrambling to create another means to close it. Best of luck in the Good fight.

Unfortunately not as easy as it sounds, still takes legal action which takes $$$. I wish BRC did that but it's small compared to other issues I guess. They did donate cleanup materials which meant it was clean when it closed....

This BLM does not want any OHV use in the area and any chance they have to keep the lands closed off they will take it. If you take a look on Google maps, the trail is known as Rescue Rd. and crosses through about 4-5 properties. I have been in contact with the BLM field office in regards to this trail and their responses are all bullshit. They say it is to protect the rare plants but if you read the areas management plans, Pine Hill and Sierra Management plan, it specifically says the plants are impacted minimally by OHV use. No where in any document BLM has does it say the trail is closed but the officials I have been in contact with say it is. I will post up the management plans quotes later. This BLM field office is not the best to deal with. I get snippy responses and my most recent email that I quoted the management plans OHV use for Boulder Mine Rd. has not been responded to for over a week. A place to start would be to email the Pine Hill Preserve manager, Graciela Hinshaw, ghinshaw@blm.gov, with your concerns. Jurgens trail/Boulder Mine Rd. falls under the jurisdiction of the Pine Hill Preserve. I am trying to get some answers but it is a very slow process with this BLM.

Here are the two management plans excerpts. Just got back from the BLM office today to see who I could talk to and also to pick up some maps. Everyone was busy, go figure. Anyways its a long uphill battle to get this trail back. We are negotiating with multiple landowners and a very environmental BLM field office. The next fight will be just as hard as the next. I'm willing to fight though, who knows if it will get anywhere. Im young, I got enough time by the way I look at it.

Sierra Management Plan: Feb. 2008
Off-road Vehicles: In the Pine Hill Preserve, only non‐motorized recreation will be allowed, with the possible exception of one road that has a history of receiving heavy recreational use. This road is currently unused because private landowners have cut off public access. There are a handful of Stebbins’ morning glory plants concentrated at one point along the road, and a few dispersed Layne’s butterweed plants on the cut bank along another section of the road. Vehicle activity on the road itself is unlikely to affect these plants, although it could affect potential reproduction of the plants in the road. The Pine Hill Preserve Management Plan which will focus on the conservation of the listed plant species will determine the status of this road as well as any other recreational uses to occur at the Preserve

Pine Hill management Plan: July 2008
Off-road Vehicles. One road in the Salmon Falls unit, used primarily for recreation, has
a long history of off-road vehicle (ORV) use. This road may remain open to the public,
and moderate vehicle use may be allowed, as long as this use does not conflict with
protection of the rare plants. Recent development on private property has blocked
historical vehicle access to this part of the Salmon Falls unit for both public and
management uses, although land owners allow access by foot through their properties for
management purposes. A desirable strategy to solve the access restriction in this part of
the Preserve would be the acquisition of lands or easements to allow for direct access.
No other roads in the Preserve have a similar history and use pattern or will remain open
for vehicular recreation.

Went to the rubicon weekend before last, had fun but I really miss local wheeling regardless of difficulty.

:(

If any mtb'ers wanna go for a ride some time let me know, even from Kanaka or whatever it is called..

Yeah tell me about it :mad3:. 5 minutes away from a once open recreational area but yet no access. There is hope or at least so ive heard from the local guys. PM me for details. I'll post up pics of what it looks like now at the river when I hiked in.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t65/buttika15/DSC03343.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t65/buttika15/DSC03342.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t65/buttika15/DSC03347.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t65/buttika15/DSC03346.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t65/buttika15/DSC03345.jpg

I took these hiking through the Kanaka Valley side which is now BLM Land. Gate is from the private residence of Kanaka Valley but is not locked. Its good to see someone is using the area from the private residence. :mad3:. Anyway rumor is expect good things to come on both BLM side: maintaining seasonal closure and on the homeowner side. Trying to get details but damn this BLM is quite the beauracracy. :flipoff2:. Ive been wanting to hike the whole trail but its been a bit too hot recently to hike that terrain. Pics when I do though. Hopefully good things are in store and the gates will come down on the homeowner side...

How did you get in there to hike it? I've been wanting to hike the trail but I can never find a good route in down by the river.

Well similar to get to Jurgens except: Green Valley To Deer Valley To Kanaka Valley. Follow Kanaka Valley down to a dirt parking area for the new BLM land. There are old dirt tracks in the meadows you can follow. But once in Kanaka Valley stay to the far meadow. There are two if you look on satelite images. Stay to the far one. It looks skinny on the satelite image. Follow that down until it starts to become wooded brush again. Take a right at that point across a creek. Stay right and you should be able to see the road of the residence. At this point the BLM land and the residence meet. There is a dirt road you can hike that takes you down to the river. PM me if you need help. There are two other ways in but they are top secret at the moment. :D

I am so sick and tired of trying to contact the BLM Motherlode Field Office. Seems everyone in this branch does not wish to deal with the people who actually use their land. Typical government agency. Im tired of sitting at my house with the urge to go wheeling and having to tell myself I cant because there is no where local to go. The BLM Motherlode Field Office has no urge or even intelligence to consider a sustainable approach to motorized access. What we have around the lands here is a power grab by this BLM to obtain or classify land under the Pine Hill Preserve to ensure they have absolute enviro-nazi power to administer the lands as they wish. Meaning absolutely zero OHV use for now until the end of time. Land I used to ride both 4x4 and quads are now closed with a sign simply stating: Pine Hill Preserve. No Motor Vehicle Use. It angers me to realize the governemnt agency which supposedly administer our lands with their supposed multi-use mission is closing my backyard right in front of me. Save the Land so we can't use it! Well you saved the Land BLM but I am glad so many people now are better off because of the one rare plant saved by closing an already dirt trail/road. Through my conversations with this office I have come to multiple conclusions. First, not one person in this office can tell me the true status of Jurgens Trail. I get the reply its closed. I ask where is it documented because no where is there a specifically stated closure in both the Pine Hill Preserve Management Plan and the South Fork American River Plan. Both are ambigous statements as I have quoted above in earlier posts. In the responses I have recieved, neither contain the same answer nor have I been led to a specific document. Point is that this BLM is out to lunch. I am sick of their bullshit lies and lack of ability to properly administer our lands. Second observation is that after the trail has been closed for the past few years is there still a spark to kindle to rally to get this thing back open. I know the true battle was fought during the planning procces but is it possible to get another rally behind this thing or is it too late with too little interest? There has to still be people who want this trail back open. My question is how or where do we begin to start a movement to get this back open? I just believe it is our duty to show the BLM after years of closure how bad we want this trail again. Rant over.

Count me in!! I want it open and My club does too!!

Good to hear! I know a lot of the local guys would love to see this thing open. Brandon??

Open, Open, Open!!!

you take the land owner to court over prescriptive rights, the mining claim owners wanted to do this and were trying to raise money to do it but gave up eventually. It takes $$$$

It's land locked so BLM got lucky basically - but they aren't the problem right now...

I did some homework on it before, got people to say they have been going on that access for more than whatever the required time was etc, that's just part of it. I'm not a lawyer, but to open it we need one. Once that battle is fought BLM could still put up a fence, that's the next battle..

BLM was lucky and they were very much glad to be. Agreed, first step would be to gain access via the homeowners then introduce to the BLM what we won in court. Unlikely BLM would even consider opening OHV use again. I have an uncle thats a lawyer that deals with land issues but I don't think he has the time nor do I have the money. Its a shitty situation both ways. As Brandon was saying the road should be a prescriptive easement. The usual time span of use is like 5 to 30 years to thus create a binding easement. This trail easily fits into a binding prescriptive easement as it has been in use since just after the gold rush. These homeowners will not budge off the pedestal. They have full use of our lands to themselves and that is what pisses me off. The road is still being used by these homeowners on both the Kanaka Valley side and the Jurgens side. Its all bullshit but maybe we should now have this thread be pictures and memories from the past. It wont open until one of us purchases a claim and lawyers and even better buy the property of the guys who blocked it. I thank you guys who fought for it in the past.

How did we have access before? Did the land ownership change and the new owner shut it down?

Same owners. Just one day they got pissed.The road on the Jurgens side passes through 3 properties. The first owner totally destroyed the access to the trail via his driveway and I believe a second one put up some other stuff. Anyways there is like 2 or 3 fences now. As for prescriptive easements CA is only 5 years of adverse use. Just have to prove adverse use. So that was obviously done. Talking with one of the neighbors of the property owner that blocked access they said the miners took it to court over blocked access to their claims and were only allowed restricted access to their claims. The miners now do not even use the road. On the other hand during the dispute I was told neighbors further down Jurgens road offered BLM to use their property as an alternate easement to access the road in which BLM denied the offer. So in truth and to put it simply, its not going to open anytime soon. Will it ever? Maybe. But it will take money and time most of us don't have anymore due to the threat of other major trails closing. It pisses me off but the power is in the hands of the landowners. Any effort to get this thing open would start with the landowners. But they don't even let people walk across their property to access the trail anymore as Brandon and I were gonna walk it and then some things fell through. Yes, it can and should be a prescriptive easement but we can only claim this in court and we need lawyers meaning we need money. On a side note, I wonder how BLM would respond if we obtain access and an easement further down Jurgens Rd. I know there is one there for a fact but it would require permission from some landowners. Hmm...

:(

My list is up to 24 names now, I'll keep it going until the lawyer needs it..

If your wife or girl friend went, give me their name/contact info too!

24 isn't that many for trying to get a trail BACK open..

There's legal info here www.gotroadrights.com regarding old roads, if you need it for your attorney.

A mining road is not usually a public road but some mining roads are also public roads, and it may be less expensive to prove that the road is a public road as opposed to going at it as a prescriptive easement.

Whether or not the road is a public road depends on a few factors.

It’s an old road. Look at BLM plat maps for homesteads that may have been accessed by the road. Look at the homestead maps. Look at old survey maps. Look on county parcel maps for the road being recorded as a public road. Look on deeds for the road being recorded as a public road easement. Look everywhere you can!

Many old roads served multiple users - miners, homesteaders, travelers, etc. Roads accessing a spring, creek or river usually served multiple users.

Keith Pullman
www.gotroadrights.com

The Bureau of Land Management documents the construction of private and public roads across U.S. public lands and assigns each road a right-of-way number (such as EC98 or E122). “EC” and “E” stand for “encumbrance,” as in the land has been encumbered in some manner. BLM records mining claims and other encumbrances in the same manner. Homesteads are recorded on BLM plat maps (it’s a master plat map).

As homesteads were established and recorded in Coyote Canyon, in the County of San Diego, the BLM assigned right-of-way numbers to De Anza Road (De Anza Road is the historic Anza Trail).

De Anza Road was recorded by BLM with the following right-of-way numbers:

EC98, EC99, E122, E141, E145, E144.

A map of Imperial County shows a slew of EC numbers. These roads are not roads that were constructed by local, state or U.S. agencies. These roads are private or public roads constructed by the local populace across U.S. public lands and recorded as such by BLM.

At one time, BLM had a book of all “EC” roads. I was told by BLM that the book is not longer in print. Well, I’m sure we all know why BLM no longer prints the book!

Of course, one must also look at old homestead maps, survey maps, parcel maps and deeds. In most cases, a road is recorded somewhere by a city, county, state and/or U.S. agency.

Not to worry! The book may not be in print, but BLM plat maps, homestead maps, survey maps, etc, still exist. BLM plat maps, homestead maps, survey maps, and a whole slew of other maps, relative to California, are held at BLM’s main office in Sacramento (some are held at local BLM offices).

BLM plat maps (not all of them) can be accessed via BLM’s website. Do a search “BLM plat maps” and follow the links (you will need Meridian, Township, Range and Section Numbers).

I hope this information and the information on our website helps everyone understand their ‘road rights’ and how private and public roads across U.S. public lands were established and recorded.

Keith Pullman
President and Director of Operations
Coyote Canyon Citizens Association
www.gotroadrights.com

One other thing:

Don't trust the BLM plat map to be 100% accurate! Employees make mistakes!

Thanks for the info Keith. The road from what I understand began as an old access road to get lumber down into the river canyon along with 4 others in the area. The road itself does show up on various maps as Boulder Mine Rd but does not extend the full length of the remainder of the trail. The important part is that the Boulder Mine Rd portion of the trail, the beginning, runs through the properties that have since blocked access. I am working on acquiring some old plat maps and working on researching some deeds and easement documents in the area. But like I said earlier, this is not going to do anything without a court date. This has already been done by miners who used the trail to access their claims. They lost access to about a couple days of the year they are able to access the claims. They no longer use the trail from my understanding. Essentially, BLM claims the trail is now closed under there South Fork of the American River Management Plan, the plan is ambigous in there statement regarding OHV use of the trail. So, say there is a documented easement in the land deeds or we prove prescriptive easement. The BLM side is closed as well and that is a whole different animal. What this has allowed is the BLM to increase there control over the managed lands and more specifically the rare plants in the Pine Hill Preserve without actually doing it themselves. So until something drastic changes the trail will forever be closed.

Hiked down to the confluence yesterday to do some fishing. Its absolutely beautiful down in the canyon this time of year. Still seeing vehicle use through the Kanaka Valley side which is of no surprise to me. I ran into a property owner from the private residence above while I was down there and he was a little upset I was using his "backyard". Its just a shame this is the mindset of property owners around this area. Anyways, after being down there I realize this area needs its access back, its that special.

I spent more time and more miles on my car participating in the BLM's South Fork management plan, and helped with several cleanups / service days. I miss that area.

If you find anybody from Kanaka Valley, and they cop an attitude, see if they'll spill name and contact info. I can look back and see which of those 'stains lobbied during the management process to shut off OHV access, ostensibly out of concern for fire-safety. We knew at the time that KV owners were OHV-ing down to the river with regularity, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if they still were, regardless that BLM's plan excludes the use. It would be moderately amusing to execute a citizen's arrest on the lawbreakers that help close off access to others so that they could retain exclusive use.

Randii (yes, I'm bitter)

Oh, I will be more than happy to help you with that. There has always been fresh tracks down to the river each time Ive hiked down there. The gate BLM put up on their side isnt locked anymore, it has since been cut off. It angers me to put it nicely.

Wow...It seems the BLM has been BSn' ya. The OHV access has not been removed fron the plan we worked on several years ago. This was admitted to during the recent meetings for the recently aquired lands in Kanaka Valley. They tried to tell me it was but I told the director do take a closer look...he did and the admission was made:shaking:. The gate on Kanaka Valley is illegal:mad3:....there is no HOA of any kind. The residents put it up to keep the traffic out. There was constant , day and night, inconsiderate people using that access. That is a county road all the way to the river. It's the same old story.....everyone pisses and moans about closure but how many of you are willing to "occupy" and risk a trip to jail. So, I challange all who want to access this area to step up....let's "OCCUPY". We need to do a "Jarbidge" on this landowners....soon. But until we stand up in masses i will continue to use my secret access for the time being.

I guess I didn't post like I thought I did last night, yea I don't think OHV was removed just the access was. I agree with ya Vince, but you might want to remove that last sentence and just let me in on that info ;)

I'd be all over a trip to the river..

Well according to the asshats working at BLM (James Barnes), they informed me, despite my claims the management plans did not specifically state OHV closure for this area, that OHV use was closed. They were spewing out of their ass everytime and I called them on it, but they could never answer my simple question. I also had a feeling the Kanaka Valley residents werent a HOA, the road is public on county maps. The gate was recently put up, I remember driving past where the gate is now multiple times. Im in, lets occupy! Im going down to the river. Lets organize OHV users to "Occupy Jurgens".

During the the Eldorado DEIS bull sh*t, I obtained some old county maps showing county maintained roads from the 50's specifically 4/8/1954. See attached - maybe it can help, and if not, it's still interesting.
Note the road named "Luneman rd. 97" was a county maintained road.

Note - I did a check regarding the mining claims also. There are three claims in the area (Dobbs #1, #2, #3). All of the claims are active and current for the BLM and the county. Location dates of 4/22/1984.

Hey Brian would you call me please?

Thanks for the maps and claim info. Lets spread the word and get a large group of OHV users that want their access back and occupy! This is more than just opening access for Jurgens.

Does anyone have a map?

Looks like the Kanaka residents were smart. I think they took over maintaining the road beyond the gate to make it private. I attached the map.
That only accounts for the Kanaka side-not the Jurgens side (prescribed easement). Bebe I'll give you a call this evening.


Kanaka Valley Map (http://edcapps.edcgov.us/dot/CountyRoads/map7H55.pdf).

Edit: This map only shows the current status of the access road in question; how this status changed from pubic to private is supposedly ILLEGAL.

back to square one, too bad we don't have an organization to fight for these types of things. I know it's not a priority but a non named organization donated banners and advertizing stuff for one of the cleanup and repair projects which is great but once the owner closed off access that was it. Not impressed :(

For now, our best bet is to focus on the Jurgens side. The homeowners on the Kanaka side are well organized, http://www.kanakavalley.com/, just read the letters and postages they have written. I dont understand why an organization wouldnt fight after the closure. Perhaps they would rather maintain access, easier for them, than to fight to reopen it. Not impressed as well. Has this been brought to the attention of BRC or whomever else can work with us in reopening more recently? Seeing its just a matter of access now, BLM did not close off OHV use, thats one less battle. How could we occupy the Jurgens side, ideas?

The new added land has nothing to do with the fact that the gate on Kanaka Valley Rd. is ILLEGAL. That info is straight from the former fire chief of and lifelong resident of Rescue. The fire dept. never contested because they were given access.....the fire dept. does not like gates of any kind. If anyone would know it would be him.......his family has owned American River property since 1850. The gate on Kanaka Valley was never contested because we (locals) always had another route to the river. Now we have 2 ILLEGAL road closures, and most of the old timers are gone:( Hey Kanaka Valley residents.....remember 1931?...probally not since there are no more pioneer famlies living there. We can "occupy" but we are gonna need a couple hundred not a couple dozen people to peacablly assemble......show of hands....I'm up for it.

True, the map I posted does not explain the legality of how the homeowners closed off access. These homeowners are merely elitists that want the entire canyon for their personal backyard, read the letter they sent to their Senator. Lets do something about it. I say F**K 'em, Im in. Thats two, we need a hundred more. Who's next?

Take a look at this. I think I see the "Rescue Rd" cutting through the main preserve on the SE side?

http://www.blm.gov/ca/pdfs/folsom_pdfs/Proposed_RMP_Final_EIS/A_4c_srma_sfam_11x17.pdf

The first map is the overall map - the second is the OHV map....note that Rescue Rd. is grey, that could mean that it's a county road. Need to find out.

More pieces of the back-story...
http://www.sierracascadelandtrustcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Pine-Hill-Preserve.pdf

There's some interesting interpretations of law floating around on this forum... IMHO, all of 'em are possible and none of 'em confirmed until a Black Robe drops a hammer with say-so on the issue. Given past experience with management in the Folsom BLM Field Office, I'd guess that BLM LEO have pretty clear instructions for enforcement against OHV access... discussion above notwithstanding.

I could imagine a few ways to manage this... and I've already donated more time than I care to think about working the official process via the management process, letters, office visits, etc. If there's desire to execute organized an organized effort, I'm game to participate -- individual scoff-law efforts won't do it, IMHO, it needs to be well-planned, well-executed, and well-publicized. Any such organized effort should probably be discussed outside of public view, at least to start. Pick a day, pick a place, and pick a time... let's see who shows up and who's willing to take a cite to prove a point. I have some spare wall space where a framed citation could hang with pride, how 'bout you?

Randii

This is the best way to do it, its just a matter of how and when at this point.

I don't live in your area but if thier is anything I can do to help pleas let me know I feel it is the duty of all wheeling enthusiast to help keep and get land opened up for ohv use

Ps its geting so bad here I'm thinking of taking over the local range rover dealerships 4wd testing area

First time I ever went rockcrawling was on this trail, I would love to be able to take my wife /friends there again. Hopefully something can be done to get these gates removed and public access restored.

Major thanks for the interest. I would love to see acces back as well. I have been aquiring information regarding historical use-maps and documents and such. But this pertains to nothing without legal action. Going to court is one path to take, but in my opinion, wont be as effective. I feel, like has been said previously, we need to assemble in mass and have the law come to us rather than us go to the law. But as Randii mentioned it shouldnt be planned in a public arena at first. Lets give these homeowners a real surprise knocking at their front door! Just keep your ears open. The ball will begin to roll starting most likely with the local guys and hopefully word will spread. How does the beginning of summer sound, end of May early June? What better way to kick of the summer than getting our access back?

I'm game....just can't do it alone. Hey Scout....stop by my place sometime so we can talk. I live next door to where you bought the scout.

I'd be in for a great reason, miss that place!

RockLimo, will do. Im back up in Oregon for another semester of school but im done around the first week of May. I stopped by your place last month to help Wes with a Cherokee axle but I dont think you were home. I will definitely swing by once I'm back so we can plan a few things. Good to see this ball rolling. Ill contact a few local guys who would be willing to help out too. So if anyone reading this thread and wants to help: contact whoever you may know that is willing to join in and fight for access that tentatively there will be action this summer if they want to join. We need bodies!

Pm me when you guys want to do something. I can probably get a few guys from my club to join as well.

That would be great, thanks!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/productreviews/skyshockhoops/hoopsaction.jpg :)

I happen to know that EDC is interested in all of their County roads and the public access they grant in regards to the feds. If it is indeed a County Road, you have a great ally. Use them and win.

That is the ticket. Im trying to get the map to prove it. The first good bit of the trail is Boulder Mine Rd. which was used to access the respective mine. I have a hunch with the age of the mine that once upon a time it was in some form county. Ill be taking a trip up to the county office soon.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/427089_264936766918858_100002076104597_593751_1834 371566_n.jpg

Ok, just was browsing through some old maps and found a couple that document the trail back in 1949. Good to know it was a documented route over sixty years ago.

Can you e-mail the whole thing to me or tell me where you found this? Was in the Berkeley library or from Lightfoots post in the Rubicon section?

I believe it was Lightfoots link. It was from the USGS historical maps search anyways. I have two different PDF's I can send, I am sure there is more, whats the email you would prefer?

Here is the link to the map generator. Just double click a location and it gives you a list of historic maps to download.
http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/usgs/maplocator/(xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd&layout=6_1_61_48&uiarea=2&ctype=areaDetails&carea=%24ROOT)/.do

See post 108 - this is the same road, "97" on that map of county maintained roads. I do have the actual hard copies of the maps if needed.

I think "97" is the continuation of Jurgens Road itself which is still county maintained and not the trail itself.

Call me tomorrow Hunter, I got some contacts for you...we may have some "help" on this :D



I will pm you my cell.


Bebe

Sweet! Thanks Bebe, Pm'd ya. I have a few other angles I am trying to work with as well that I have been looking at so hopefully good things are in store.

Wow, this is great news!
Please let me know if I can be of any help

Some friends and I that use to run this trail would be willing to help out if we can, let us know what we can do!

Jeff

Can you e-mail the whole thing to me or tell me where you found this? Was in the Berkeley library or from Lightfoots post in the Rubicon section?

I have the PLAT4GPS maps for Cali as well as Garmin 24k. Garmin's does not show anything but Jurgens road and Jasper Rd/circle...does not show Bolder mine Rd. CA-PLAT4 does show them as well as all the parcel boundaries and landowner names. The old mine is w/in the State preserve (Pine Hill) and the mine road begins in private property (off Jurgens Rd, 3 different owners), goes through BLM, then through private (3 more owners) and ends in the preserve.