ENF trails to remain closed through mid-April

Friday, March 27, 2009

By Staff Report (editor@ledger-dispatch.com)

Photo courtesy of Michele Perrella

Muddy conditions have forced the Eldorado National Forest to extend the closure of dirt roads and trails until April 15.
The U.S. Forest Service is extending the current closure of Eldorado National Forest dirt roads and trails until April 15, since many of the routes are too muddy for vehicles to drive on.

Two weeks prior to that date, the forest service says it will reassess the conditions and the weather forecasts to determine if lifting the closure is still reasonable.

This closure does not affect routes located in the Rock Creek area of the Georgetown Ranger District, which are managed with different closure criteria. Information about road and trail closures is posted on the Eldorado National Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado.

Dirt roads and trails, also known as native surface roads, have been closed since Jan. 1, when the three-month minimal seasonal closure was put into effect. Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo said that he elected to extend the closure period by way of a forest order because soil conditions remained too wet to travel on without causing damage.

"I am primarily concerned with the soils in the lower elevations that tend to mud up more easily than those found in the higher elevations," Villalvazo said. "The dirt road closure affects the entire Eldorado National Forest and I expect that some routes will be drier than others."

Villalvazo said that when he lifts the closure, some routes will be too wet to drive on and visitors will be responsible not to drive on them. Once the closure is lifted, the forest service can still cite people for damaging the routes.

"Every year the dirt roads and trails will be closed between Jan. 1 and March 31," Villalvazo said. "And each year, depending on the conditions and the weather forecast, I may need to close them sooner or open them later. This year I need to open them later."



****

That's just great, now it's a 3 month minimum closure:mad3:

depending on the conditions and the weather forecast, I may need to close them sooner

i was pretty sure they could extend it, didn't know they could prepend it too. Marvelous!

I must say I am not supprised, but sure am dissapointed with them.:(
just sent a letter to the Forest Supervisor

Had a feeling this would happen:(

What a joke... NOBODY should be surprised by this. :shaking:

Not surprised, just pissed.:mad3:

There is no point to closing the roads during the snow months in the higher elevations, ie January thru March.

Eldorado's own study showed that very little road damage occurs during the wetting front and the first snowfalls.

It sort of makes sense, if actual measurements of sediment delivery would support closures during the melt, which it doesn't, to close them based on conditions, April thru May to prevent tread damage on the 2 wheel drive roads, because we certainly don't care if the tread gets a little bumpy on a 4 wheel drive road.

All they have to go on are lame sediment delivery models that the entire geological community dispute. Frickin computer models that predict things like sediment delivery from a measured dust layer....:shaking: whatever.

This is just one group of the public, Monte Hendricks, and his groupies getting their way under threat of lawsuit, by having the entire Eldorado National Forest turned into a snowpark for their personal pleasure.

Those of you who filed appeals, do you remember from the "Informal Disposition" meeting that one of the FS personnel (I believe it was Lester) stated that one reason for the seasonal closure dates was because if the FS wanted to extended the dates it wouldn't be able to do so without doing another environmental study? It seems like I recall that being said at the meeting. If that's the case, then how can they get away with extending the date beyond the one specificied in the ROD?

Those of you who filed appeals, do you remember from the "Informal Disposition" meeting that one of the FS personnel (I believe it was Lester) stated that one reason for the seasonal closure dates was because if the FS wanted to extended the dates it wouldn't be able to do so without doing another environmental study? It seems like I recall that being said at the meeting. If that's the case, then how can they get away with extending the date beyond the one specificied in the ROD?


I remember that they needed something that could hold up in court, and a calendar based closure, not a closure based on conditions, was what their FS Attorneys advised.

That way, it could be extended on either side of the fixed dates with an Forest Service Order from the Supervisor.

Those of you who filed appeals, do you remember from the "Informal Disposition" meeting that one of the FS personnel (I believe it was Lester) stated that one reason for the seasonal closure dates was because if the FS wanted to extended the dates it wouldn't be able to do so without doing another environmental study? It seems like I recall that being said at the meeting. If that's the case, then how can they get away with extending the date beyond the one specificied in the ROD?

From what I recall, they could not shorten it without doing a environmental study. The Forest Supervisor could extend it with just a Forest Order

From what I recall, they could not shorten it without doing a environmental study. The Forest Supervisor could extend it with just a Forest Order

Yes, I understand that is probably true. But the reason they gave for having a seasonal closure at all was because if they didn't they would have to do an EA every time they wanted to close it down due to wet conditions. It didn't make any sense when he said it, but that what I recall from that meeting. I had a feeling at that time that it was just BS and a way to brush us off.

We should be able to accept real wet season closures...



IFthey werent' appended or prepended to calendar-based closures. Calendar-based closures are unmitigated bullshit. A wet-season closure based on real data should then be acceptable.

you are all entirely right that early and mid-season closures are just dumb and political. During spring breakup, we have to be honest here, there is an actual potential for sedimentation and erosion.

We should be able to accept real wet season closures...



IFthey werent' appended or prepended to calendar-based closures. Calendar-based closures are unmitigated bullshit. A wet-season closure based on real data should then be acceptable.

you are all entirely right that early and mid-season closures are just dumb and political. During spring breakup, we have to be honest here, there is an actual potential for sedimentation and erosion.

That's why in 2005 at the scoping meeting we suggested elevation as well as date based decisions. Of course that's too much work.

Mountain Democrat
April 1, 2009


Members needed for forest committee


The U.S. Forest Service is seeking nominees for a 15-member Resource Advisory Committee that will evaluate and recommend projects and funding to improve Eldorado National Forest watersheds and facilities. The advisory committee will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and will represent a wide variety of interests. Applications for the RAC can be obtained on the Eldorado National Forest Website at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado and need to be submitted by April 20.

“I am looking forward working with a Resource Advisory Committee,” said Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo, who is delegated to approve projects for the secretary of Agriculture. “Bringing together 15 people who represent wide ranging interests will be good for everyone involved and National Forest resources.”

“The committee will have approximately $300,000 available each year for the next four years for projects it recommends to the forest supervisor for approval,” said Ron Briggs, chairman of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. “Project funds were authorized by the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act, and became available for use on Eldorado National Forest projects when the county elected to form a RAC under Title II of the act.”

The funds may be used for projects that improve maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. These projects will likely create additional employment opportunities in the local economy.

RAC committee members are officially appointed by the secretary of Agriculture for a term of four years and serve without compensation. Members must be able to commit the time necessary to carry out the committee responsibilities by attending several meetings each year. Members must reside within the state of California and to the extent practicable, within El Dorado County.

By law, the 15 member committee is composed of a wide representation of National Forest interests that are grouped into three categories. An additional person is also appointed for each category (three total positions) as a replacement should a committee member leave for any reason from that category. A replacement may represent any interest in the category but does not act as a member until a permanent vacancy occurs.

Category 1: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests:

• Organized labor

• Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation

• Energy and mineral development

• Commercial timber industry

• Federal grazing permit holders or land use permit holders within the RAC area

Category 2: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests):

• Nationally recognized environmental organizations

• Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations

• Dispersed recreation activities

• Archaeological and historical interests

• Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups

Category 3: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests):

• State-elected office holders or their designee

• County or local elected office holders

• American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas

• School officials or teachers

• Citizens representing the affected public at large

Nominees will be evaluated based on their training and experience working with the interest they represent, their knowledge of El Dorado County, their demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision-making and their contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC.

An interest form is available on the ENF Website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. Applicants must complete a cover letter and the short interest form initially. The letter should address reasons for wanting to be a member of the El Dorado County RAC, which community interest category you would represent, an overview of your experience and experience that demonstrates an ability to work collaboratively with people of differing views.

Nomination letters are due April 20.

For more information or about the responsibilities of the RAC contact: Frank Mosbacher , PAO, Eldorado National Forest, (530) 621-5268.

That's why in 2005 at the scoping meeting we suggested elevation as well as date based decisions. Of course that's too much work.

Reminds me of a different FS office conversation.

-I drove up and the gate is locked - how come?
Ranger: We close the road each season for snow.
-Yes, but in the past after a few inches of snowfall stays.
Ranger: That happened 3 weeks ago.
-OK, but it melted a couple days later and it was still open until today.
Ranger: But it will snow soon, its the seasonal closure.
-Was a policy made to close on a date? Where can I read it.
Ranger: No, its the Supervisor's discretion.
-We're closing roads before the snows now? I thought the point was public safety since the FS will not plow it.
Ranger: Well, there's rock fall that might happen too and we don't want to be responsible. The road is closed, use it next year when it opens. Anything else you need?

And that's for a paved road.

Now I also know the locals have a key that I can get and the FS looks the other way - but sometimes have to do the routine :stirthepot:

Any word on whether they will further extend the closure? As I understand it, they are supposed to provide two weeks of notice of any change in the closure dates...

Randii

I don't know why anyone would be surprised by the actions of the Forest Service They are just doing what they do best. LIE and CHEAT.:mad3:

I don't think it's surprise, more like dismay and disgust.

Disgust works for me.:shaking:

Any word on whether they will further extend the closure? As I understand it, they are supposed to provide two weeks of notice of any change in the closure dates...

Randii

I have asked that question several times and I dont think they know what they are doing....what a surprise.

per the documents they sent me they are to be testing the soils on a weekely basis, yet I was told they were going to test them sometime this week, that will be three weeks since the last test on March 20th.

They were also to anounce on April 1st if the closure would be extended past April 15th, again they have not done that. this was also stated in there release.

I'm going to apply for the RAC. I will also forward the info to Congressman Lungren to see if he can get one of his people on the commitee for the politico category. We need to at least try to stack this in our favor. If anyone else knows any other political figures who are sympathetic to our plight, let them know. And apply your self. I live in Amador County, but the Eldorado NF is the closest to me, and I use it all the time.

If anyone else knows any other political figures who are sympathetic to our plight, let them know. And apply your self. I live in Amador County, but the Eldorado NF is the closest to me, and I use it all the time.

I have already spoken to one of the El Dorado District supervisors and he now has sent in his application. I have applied myself and asked several others that would be good representatives to do the same.

Remember there are 2-15 member committees, one for Amador county and one for El Dorado County. I suggest one of the District Supervisors see if there would be interested in Amador

Amador has about 45,000 to spend each of the next 4 years and El Dorado has 300,000 each year

Any word on whether they will further extend the closure? As I understand it, they are supposed to provide two weeks of notice of any change in the closure dates...

Randii

My crystal ball says we should have word today, and it is suppose to be good news

Date: April 8, 2009 Contact: Frank Mosbacher
Release: Upon Receipt Phone: 530-621-5268
Forest Service Lifts Seasonal Closure of Designated Dirt Roads and Trails April 16

Placerville, CA….Designated dirt roads and trails in the Eldorado National Forest will reopen to motorized use on April 16, ending the wet weather seasonal closure that began on January 1, announced Acting Forest Supervisor Jeffrey Vail. The Forest Service closed these routes to protect water quality, prevent erosion, and reduce damage to roads and trails.

“The western edge of the national forest has many routes that are located in clay soils that mud up and rut easily,” said Vail. “Most of these routes are dry enough to be reopened on April 16. Visitors should keep in mind that they may receive citations if they cause resource damage by driving on routes that are too wet.”

Spring conditions exist across much of the national forest, with areas of standing water, snow, and other road hazards.

Higher elevations of the national forest are still covered with snow and the roads won’t be passable until the snow melts. Vail says that most of the designated routes in the higher elevations have soils that dry out faster than the clay soils.

The decision to reopen designated motorized routes does not affect routes in the Rock Creek area of the national forest located near Georgetown which are managed under different closure criteria.

Visitors should contact the ranger station closest to where they want to visit for road and trail condition information.

Routes that will be open to motorized travel are identified on free-of-charge motorized vehicle travel maps, now available at all Eldorado National Forest offices.
-fs-

Placerville, CA….Designated dirt roads and trails in the Eldorado National Forest will reopen to motorized use on April 16, ending the wet weather seasonal closure that began on January 1, announced Acting Forest Supervisor Jeffrey Vail. The Forest Service closed these routes to protect water quality, prevent erosion, and reduce damage to roads and trails.

Such a lie. All they have are computer models, and 1 research paper by Drew Coe, that is not even published. As they say, garbage in, garbage out.

They have no on the ground proof except for water quality studies that PROVE the water quality is NOT affected.


“The western edge of the national forest has many routes that are located in clay soils that mud up and rut easily,” said Vail. “Most of these routes are dry enough to be reopened on April 16. Visitors should keep in mind that they may receive citations if they cause resource damage by driving on routes that are too wet.”

Lets be specific about "wet weather resource damage". So if you leave tire tracks you can get a ticket?

WTF is that anyway? I'd like to see them make that stick in court.:mad3:

what does this closure mean to the lumber companies and home owners that use forest service roads to get to their property?

Lets be specific about "wet weather resource damage". So if you leave tire tracks you can get a ticket?

WTF is that anyway? I'd like to see them make that stick in court.:mad3:
Kind of specific like this?

Basic Speed Law

22350. No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

Amended Ch. 252, Stats. 1963. Effective September 20, 1963.

Ok, so the date for the opening of the trails is April 16th from what I read in my Mtn Full oCrap(Mtn Democrat) Email I get.
Beware though, tommorow apperently there is an article attached to that annoucement of EDF trail openings titled.....'Get Out the Four Wheel Dirve.'
I am curious how that will look...It sounds auspicious to say the least.

More later
Tom G

Just an FYI. We just got notice that the Rock Creek OHV area in the Georgetown district closed for excess rain. This area is governed seperately from the rest of the Eldorado NF, but it might be an indication of another extension of closures.

Ride on
Brewster

Bruce,
I talked with Jon Jue last week, he stated that Rock Creek has a set of parameters they use to determine closure, i.e. specific rainfall amouts.

do you have those details? if not I sugest we get it from them

This is from Jon's message:

There has been over 1.5 inches of cumulative rainfall measured at the Georgetown Ranger Station as of 10:00 AM on 4/9/2009. This is sufficient to trigger a wet weather closure of the Rock Creek Trails for OHVs, bicycles and equestrians. The trails will remain closed until there has been a 48 hour period of drying weather.


I don't have reference material to point you to, but the rain gauge is located at the ranger station.

Ride on
Brewster

This is from Jon's message:

There has been over 1.5 inches of cumulative rainfall measured at the Georgetown Ranger Station as of 10:00 AM on 4/9/2009. This is sufficient to trigger a wet weather closure of the Rock Creek Trails for OHVs, bicycles and equestrians. The trails will remain closed until there has been a 48 hour period of drying weather.


I don't have reference material to point you to, but the rain gauge is located at the ranger station.

Ride on
Brewster

Would be pretty slick if they updated alleged rain data every couple of days at least. Looks like they may enter daily data on a monthly frequency?

GEORGETOWN RS (USFS) (GRG)
Elevation: 3001' · AMERICAN R basin · Operator: US Forest Service

Provisional data, subject to change.
Query executed Thursday at 15:24:43 clock

Select a sensor type for a plot of data.

Earlier

Date PPT INC
INCHES
03/11/2009 0.00
03/12/2009 0.00
03/13/2009 0.00
03/14/2009 0.00
03/15/2009 0.00
03/16/2009 0.34
03/17/2009 0.05
03/18/2009 0.00
03/19/2009 0.00
03/20/2009 0.00
03/21/2009 0.00
03/22/2009 1.23
03/23/2009 0.29
03/24/2009 0.00
03/25/2009 0.00
03/26/2009 0.00
03/27/2009 0.00
03/28/2009 0.00
03/29/2009 0.00
03/30/2009 0.00
03/31/2009 0.00
04/01/2009 --
04/02/2009 --
04/03/2009 --
04/04/2009 --
04/05/2009 --
04/06/2009 --
04/07/2009 --
04/08/2009 --
04/09/2009 --

Would be pretty slick if they updated alleged rain data every couple of days at least. Looks like they may enter daily data on a monthly frequency?
--

if you us the GTW station (USBR) that is updated about every 15 minutes, it is done automaticlly, GRG is done by manual entry
collum on right is rain year to date totals

04/09/2009 08:00 32.32
04/09/2009 08:15 32.32
04/09/2009 08:30 32.36
04/09/2009 08:45 32.36
04/09/2009 09:00 32.36
04/09/2009 09:15 32.36
04/09/2009 09:30 32.36
04/09/2009 09:34 32.40
04/09/2009 09:45 32.40
04/09/2009 10:00 32.40
04/09/2009 10:15 32.40
04/09/2009 10:30 32.44
04/09/2009 10:45 32.44
04/09/2009 11:00 32.44
04/09/2009 11:15 32.48
04/09/2009 11:30 32.48
04/09/2009 11:45 32.48
04/09/2009 12:00 32.52
04/09/2009 12:15 32.52
04/09/2009 12:18 32.56
04/09/2009 12:30 32.56
04/09/2009 12:45 32.56
04/09/2009 13:00 32.60
04/09/2009 13:15 32.60
04/09/2009 13:23 32.64
04/09/2009 13:30 32.64
04/09/2009 15:04 32.72

:homer:

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/mapper?level=2&map=18&quad=3

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/mapper?level=2&map=18&quad=3
:flipoff2: where do you think I got the :homer: one?