ACTION REQUIRED: Barrett Lake 4WD Trail

[randii]

You can be sure that the anti-OHV enviro-liars will be all over this comment process -- we need to make sure 4x4 folks are, as well.

From email:

Hello everyone,

The OHMVR Division proposes to award grant funds to the Eldorado National Forest for construction of a bridge on the Barrett Lake 4WD Trail and the re-route of the existing trail to connect with the bridge. A 45 to 50 foot long wood and steel bridge would be constructed to span the Jones Fork of Silver Creek, replacing the current wet creek crossing (where vehicles drive through the creek). Approximately 0.5 miles of new trail would be constructed to connect the bridge with the existing trail alignment.

In accordance with CEQA, OHMVR Division is soliciting comment on the adequacy and completeness of the IS/MND. The IS/MND is available for public review and comment through October 8, 2012. Please see the attached public notice for information on how to review and comment on the IS/MND.

Thank you
OHMVR Division

[randii]

I'll past the whole thing, it ain't THAT long...

PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

Project Location: Eldorado National Forest, Pacific Ranger District: Barrett Lake 4WD Trail (Forest Trail 16E21) approximately one mile north of Wrights Lake

Project Description: The California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR Division) proposes to award grant funds to the Eldorado National Forest for construction of a bridge on the Barrett Lake 4WD Trail and the reroute of the existing trail to connect with the new bridge. A 45- to 50-foot-long wood and steel bridge would be constructed to span the Jones Fork of Silver Creek, replacing the current wet creek crossing of the creek (where vehicles drive through the creek). Approximately 0.5 miles of new trail would be constructed to connect the bridge with the existing trail alignment. Most of the new trail and the bridge would be located on granite outcroppings to minimize vegetation disturbance. The purpose of the project is to reduce sediment delivery to the Jones Fork of Silver Creek resulting from the existing wet crossing, while still providing for a high quality motorized trail experience. The project also includes restoration of the 0.4 mile segment of trail that would be abandoned, and creation of a small (2-3 car) parking area in a disturbed area south of the creek. The parking area would provide pedestrian access to the creek.

Project Applicant:
Eldorado National Forest
Pacific Ranger District
7887 Highway 50
Pollock Pines, CA 95726

Comment Period: In accordance with CEQA, the OHMVR Division is soliciting comments on the adequacy and completeness of the analysis described in the IS/MND for the project. The public comment period begins on September 7, 2012 and ends on October 8, 2012 at 5 p.m. No public meeting will be held. The OHMVR Division shall consider the IS and all written comments received by the close of the comment period prior to deciding whether to adopt the MND and approve the project.

Document Availability: The IS/MND and all documents referenced therein are available for the 30-calendar day public review and comment period. During the review period, copies of the IS/MND and all documents will be available for review at the following locations:
• CDPR, OHMVR Division 1725 23rd Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95816 Contact – George MacDougall Phone – (916) 324-3788 Email – gmacdougall@parks.ca.gov
• Eldorado National Forest Pacific Ranger District, 7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Contact – Charis Parker, Resource Officer: Phone – (530) 647-5430
• Electronic copies of all documents can be viewed and downloaded from the OHMVR Division’s website at ohv.parks.ca.gov, on the CEQA/EIR Notices link.

How to Comment: Interested parties may provide written comments on the IS/MND, which must be received by the OHMVR Division no later than 5 p.m. on October 8, 2012. Written comments on the IS/MND may be provided by email to gmacdougall@parks.ca.gov or sent via U.S. mail or fax to the following address/fax number:
• Attn: George MacDougall CDPR, OHMVR Division 1725 23rd Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95816 Contact – George MacDougall Fax – (916) 324-1610 Email – gmacdougall@parks.ca.gov
For further information, please call George MacDougall, Grant Administrator, at (916) 324-3788.

[randii]

George MacDougall is running this grant -- he's a four-wheeler and ATV-er with membership in the Highlanders, Cal4, and probably more. He's a good guy, and can answer questions, since the Highlanders have worked with USFS to maintain Barret Lake Jeep Trail for years as an adopt-a-trail club. The club even has a website for this: http://www.hi-landers.com/bridge/BL_Bridge.html
...and they have specifically raised funds to add in as matching funds, above and beyond the volunteer hours that they track.

Please take time to make meaningful comment in support of this bridge, and the Mitigated Negative Declaration that will allow it to be completed.

Randii

[randii]

More details on an older thread: /forum/land-use-issues/669546-barrett-lake-jeep-trail.html

[Runzoff]

Way to go!!
Great News. Will send in a + comment for this project