Deep Creek crossing closing for 2 months

[JeepRecoveryTeam]

I have not confirmed this first hand, but evidently the Forest Service will be closing the Deep Creek Trail (3N34D) at the creek between Arrowhead and Big Bear for 2 months beginning on 5/17 to build a bridge over the creek. No word on how much of the lower rock garden will be preserved.


Just a heads up.

Dave

[mobil1syn]

any reasons why?

[JeepRecoveryTeam]

My understanding is to minimize vehicular traffic on the creek which is the only real water crossing in the trail system. This is actually probably a good thing.

[Ed A. Stevens]

Originally posted by mobil1syn
any reasons why?

The following message is an edited copy of a notice regarding a scheduled temporary closure of the T6 crossing of Deep Creek (3N34) in the SBNF.

This improvement work of the T6 crossing is intended to satisfy the objections of anti-motorized and anti-access organizations who believe vehicle crossings at the T6 crossing have a negative impact on the riparian (creek) habitat. The intent is to minimize the release of soil into the creek by vehicles crossing the creek (to protect German Brown Trout).

A parallel reason for this work is improve the irregular bottom of the existing rock embedded concrete (the work accomplished a few years back to address the last time complaints were made). The irregular rock bottom unseats some motorcycle riders when the try to cross the creek (a public safety hazard for novice and child riders). This work will make the crossing less dangerous for motorcycle riders.

The OHV and 4X4 community will be well served if we honor the closure and allow the USFS to complete this improvement work unmolested. The work is intended to benefit recreation with continued motorized access through Deep Creek as the long term goal (and is preferred to a bridge, one of the other debated options).

Let your local clubs know about this closure, why it is a benefit, and the schedule dates (run Deep Creek before 5/19 or after 7/30 (and be flexible with the completion schedule, it's government work and they expect two months duration).

Happy Trails!
Ed A. Stevens

==============================
----- Forwarded by Robin Eliason/R5/USDAFS
To: Allison L Stewart/R5/USDAFS
Subject: T-6 Crossing

The contractor, Southwest Construction, is scheduled to start construction
of the T-6 Crossing on May 19. The road will be closed for approximately 2
months.

The project includes construction of two 20' wide open bottom,
concrete box culverts with a common wall between so that the stream bottom
remains nearly unimpeded. The concept is similar to open bottom arch
crossings we have constructed in the last few years on Hooks Creek Road at
Hooks Creek, Daley Truck Trail at West Fork of City Creek, and West Fork
Cucamonga Truck Trail at Cucamonga Creek. The embankment will be encased
in concrete with grouted stone on the slopes. Footings will extend 5'
below existing creek bed to provide for scour protection. Top of the
crossing will be concrete, 12' wide between curbs.

Expect posted advisory signs at beginning of Hooks
Creek Road, 2N26Y, where it leaves the County Road, at intersection of 3N34
with Hooks Creek Road, at intersection of 3N16 with Green Valley Lake Road,
and at the intersection of 3N34 with 3N16 at Crab Flats Campground.

Please forward this message to all who need to know, including any
announcement that may need to be published in local newspapers.

[JeepRecoveryTeam]

I have spoken with the chief engineer, and have seen the progress personally.

Regardless of the impact, both in temporary disruption in access and long term changes to the trail setup, this project was needed to ensure continued access to this trail.

That said, I have concerns about the future of the crossing with regards to rock garden immeditately across the creek. The road has been graded and will remain that way for fire fighter access (another necessary improvement). The bridge crosses the creek at a higher elevation than the existing rock garden. As such the garden has been completly removed and or covered.

Without this 'gatekeeper' more underequiped rigs will venture farther into the trail resulting a variety of complications.

As stated, I've spoken with the engineer and he has assured me that they will create a New garden across the bridge. I have volunteered my time, if needed, in the creation.

Is there anyone on the board from the Dirt Devils? I believe this is thier adopt-a-trail. I was wondering if they were taking an active role in the design and defintition of the future garden.

Thanks

Dave

[Rockcrusher]

Originally posted by Ed A. Stevens


. . . The intent is to minimize the release of soil into the creek by vehicles crossing the creek (to protect German Brown Trout) . . .

Jeez, is the forest service losing their mind? The latest fashionable plan of the day is the eradication of non-native species from public lands. The U.S. Forest Service, the BLM and most of the green groups have jumped on this bandwagon. Now the USFS is building a bridge to save non-native Brown's.

Can anyone show me the logic in this endeavor?