|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:06:12 GMT -8
DNR T.A.G. (Trail Advisory Group) Meeting Minutes
In the spirit of full disclosure - I will post the minutes from ALL of the Trail Advisory Group Meetings that I have attended so far. This is the meeting hosted by DNR where all of the user groups (motorized and non-motorized) get together and share best practices and coordinate to make the Yacolt Burn an enjoyable recreation area for EVERYONE.
This meeting takes place on the first Thursday of every other month (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec) and is held in the meeting room upstairs at the Police / Fire station in Woodland, WA (see calendar for details) These meetings are open to everyone...
These T.A.G. meeting were the "open door" opportunity that started the whole ball rolling in our effort to get 4x4 trails in the Yacolt Burn. This all got started when a friend and I went for an ATV ride at the end of March in 2007 in the Jones Creek area. I knew that the "trails" would not be open until April 1st so we were just going to ride the service roads and check out the area. We only made it about 1/4 mile when we came across the former DNR Representative who tried to "scare" us in an attempt to make us leave the forest. She told me that we weren't allowed to ride even on the service roads. I called her bluff and we exchanged a few words. She then challenged me to "get involved" and come to one of the TAG meetings...
Sooooooo ---
I started attending these meetings in April 2007 but the minutes were not being recorded until Jessica Kimmick came on board with the DNR in the fall of 2007. So the minutes begin in October 2007. Please keep in mind as you read the minutes of the first few meetings that some of the user relationships were somewhat strained as well as some of relationships between DNR and the user groups. I'm happy to report that things are MUCH, MUCH better now.
Please feel free to ask any clarifying questions you may have and I will do my best to answer. Darel says I never seem to forget anything so any answers that are not readily available in my little brain bucket, I can check my notes...
As of today - there are well over 25 hours of meeting minutes posted below. I will try to post the minutes from upcoming meetings as I receive them.
Break out your favorite energy drink (I recommend Rock Star Pomegranate with a splash of OJ) and "Happy Reading" !
I double-desert-dog-dare someone to read them all . . .
Crystal
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:07:30 GMT -8
OCTOBER 2007
TAG Meeting, Oct. 4, 2007
In attendance: John Blake, Bill Manbeck, Crystal Crowder, Brenda and Mike Hayden, Jerry de Ruyter, Mike Ames, Gary Collins, Jim Anderson, Joel Armstrong, Bruce Barnes, +1 unknown representative from BCH- (came in late, didn’t sign in). From the DNR: Josh Riepe, Jessica Kimmick
Discussion: Yacolt Planning Process- announced tentative Arc Pad training date to be Oct. 27. Riepe explained that the equipment is pretty technologically difficult, which is why the training is important for both DNR and volunteers. October 27th is now the confirmed date for this training. I will be contacting each club representative individually to seek out our inventory volunteers.
De Ruyter expressed some frustrations regarding the planning effort- doesn’t understand why the DNR is reinventing the wheel. He explained that the planning effort, as far as he understands, has been going on for over 8 years with no results and no plans to implement. Collins confirmed that the old trail assessments and coordinates from the previous trail assessment are still valid. I looked into this issue from 1997 to 1999 for personal clarification, and there was never a “planning” process, only a trail inventory done at that time. The purpose of that project was to inventory all existing motorized and user built trails in the western half of the Yacolt Burn. There was also a survey conducted to find out how people use the forest, where they come from and how long they stay. This new trail inventory that we need your help with will include new trails and trail features with the old information so that we have a complete assessment of what’s currently out there in the landscape, as much has changed (many new user built trails, reroutes, new bridges, etc.) in the past decade. This will be done so that we can move forward with a plan for future recreation. There was no previous plan done, only an inventory. It might not be a bad idea to periodically inventory the trails in the future (once every 5-10 years?), so that information and maps can remain current for the safety of our recreationalists. Especially with the projected timber harvest activity coming in the near future, which as you all know can change the recreational landscape considerably.
Riepe explained that the new assessment will be tied in with the old assessments and will capture features such as culverts, muddy areas, restrooms, etc.
Kimmick will bring the old GIS maps to the group with the old assessments lined out, per Crowder’s request. There are maps included with the trail inventory project summary from 1999, which I will be happy to bring to the next TAG meeting for review and discussion.
Manbeck asked why 4x4 groups would volunteer to take the time to do this, when there is uncertainty of access results for all recreational groups. We can only hope that you would be willing to participate, even in the face of this uncertainty. The choice is ultimately yours, though your time and energy would be very valued and appreciated. Manbeck then brought up the question that if he’s going to volunteer, would the DNR be open to allowing him to use his Jeep to work on the trail inventory? This is a question on which Kimmick will follow up. At this time, there are no areas in the Yacolt Burn that can accommodate 4x4’s. We cannot allow our volunteers to use 4x4’s to perform the trail inventory, though we would love your participation on foot, bike, horse, motorcycle, or quads on the trails, where appropriate.
The group then discussed old road grades (make sense to turn them into trails for multiple use) and other areas that would make sense for recreation. These old road grades will be inventoried as well, so that we can assess the feasibility of their worth as trails. This kind of information is exactly what we want to bring to the planning process, so keep these ideas and comments coming!
Discussion continued about the trails and the planning process. Crowder requested a timeline be made for the entire planning process and shared with the Trail Advisory Group. Kimmick will follow up on this request, as well as with the agency’s plans for securing funding for implementation after the planning process has been completed, per the group’s request. Brian has a slide from his public kickoff meeting power point presentation that shows this timeline, of which I will make copies to bring to the next TAG meeting. This current grant only provides funding for the planning process, not implementation. Once the plan is in place, we will begin seeking funding from grants, and possibly from legislature. We will need your support to seek this capitol funding, in the form of organized letter writing to the appropriate political representatives.
The group asked for Kimmick’s credentials. She then outlined previous work experience.
De Ruyter mentioned that Shayne Cothern let them flag in a possible mountain biking trail- would this be something to GPS in during the assessment? Kimmick and Riepe agreed that they should let us know where it is, if they feel it’s a promising location for such a trail. This proposed trail would be good to survey and take to the planning process as a potential trail location, but the inventory is for existing trails only.
Crowder requested that Kimmick bring in the old trail inventory so that they can see where they came from, and where they are going. Will share at next TAG meeting, and make copies upon request.
The group also requested that Kimmick bring in the Capitol Forest Public Use Plan, to see what type of template this plan could possibly follow. Will bring to next TAG meeting.
Mountain Bike representatives mentioned that the trails don’t need to be graveled, and it’s not desired that we do so either.
Discussion: Public Kickoff Meeting- Crowder gave some input that Brian Poehlein may have accidentally alienated Oregon 4x4’s by mentioning that they wouldn’t be selected for the planning committee. Also, the planning meeting letter came to many people after the meeting was already over. Armstrong mentioned that no one is communicating to him times and dates for meetings; needs to get on the call list for meetings and notifications.
Discussion: PUB- there is still plenty of trash and dumpsites up there- on various land owner lands. Last year’s turnout for the event was better, but still had about 24 volunteers out of Rock Creek, and about 10 out of Jones Creek. The 4x4’s hauled out 4.5 hulks, one ton truck, and 60 tires, painted over graffiti, and recruited help from target shooters and dirt bike riders to pick up litter. Discussion began about volunteer outreach and how to improve it for next year’s events and activities. Suggestions included: PSA’s, newspapers, and other media outlets as well as stronger outreach to groups like the Boy Scouts. Riepe and Kimmick mentioned that they are working on a 2008 schedule for work parties so that volunteer outreach can become a stronger, more proactive effort.
For the record: Sunbelt Rentals of Portland donated use of forklift for PUB to the Piston’s Wild for the removal of hulk vehicles.
Discussion: Forest Harvest Activities- Kimmick briefly mentioned Corn Palace (upcoming- sale date is set for 3rd week in Feb. and will be building road mid-April on old grade, currently known as “Ross’ Trail”), Good Seed (done) Number Six (almost done) and Tarbell Pole (current). The Contract Administrators have relayed to loggers to keep the trails open on weekends for public use. Kimmick is working on finding out about the Hot Tub sales to inform Jones Creek Trail Riders Association and other interested users about potential trail issues related to that operation. Found out a little bit more about “Ross’ Trail” and the Hot Tub sales. It’s a 3 year contract and that trail does run through parts of Unit 1 and Unit 2. All of those streams near the trail have been typed as fish bearing. Depending on the site index, the buffer for the streams is around 170 feet. I will speak with our biologist if you would like more specifics. Collins mentioned that roads up by Skamania Mines have all been blocked off due to equipment vandalism. The group also reported that the bridges on Wild Boy Creek (by the Girl Scout camp area-1200 road east of Skamania Mines road) and Three Corner Rock are creating accessibility issues. Kimmick will research and create a maintenance timeline for these areas.
Discussion: Roundtable- Cold Creek Mountain Bikers: planning a trail work day Nov. 10, not a whole lot of big events, but have done work on the following trails during rides: Tarbell, Cold Creek, and Grouse Vista. People are excited about building new trails- good momentum within the group for the planning process. Riepe asked about tools left by the club during the PUB event. Blake volunteered to go get hand tools and bring them to Rock Creek pump house. Thanks again, John! We sure do appreciate you having done that!
Jones Creek Trail Riders Assn.: Hosted a poker run on the 8th during which 255 riders were in attendance. The club just received an M&O grant to do work on designated trails from RCO and is looking forward to implementing it.
DNR: Just had the PUB event, been doing signage, bridge fixing, planning reroute around problem bridge on Rock Creek/Tarbell. Larch crew will be getting back to us about re-working the A loop on Jones Creek- communication currently at a standstill due to personnel changes and trainings. Crews can be hired out by other agencies and groups.
Portland United Mountain Pedalers: Recently been working in GP- on Siouxon and Ape Canyon.
Cougar Area Trail Seekers: Been coordinating an events committee, which will be starting in January. Coordinating out of state events. Group is planning a poker run next year to raise money for charity, hoping to get some access on roads and trails around Cougar itself. Hayden then expressed concern that PacifiCorp called Brian and accused them (CATS) of trashing IP road, though not one of the CATS members received citations that were given out during the enforcement weekend that recently occurred. Mentioned that Iron Mountain is a possible area for cleaning up (6000 road to 5000 road behind Swift Reservoir), as it has many dumping issues. They need to know how they would go about planning an event on DNR property- Kimmick will get Hayden a Land Use License.
Mount St. Helens Rescue (Bruce Barnes): came to TAG meeting for information. He has recently been to DC, and has attended a Forest Service meeting during which they mentioned they’re thinking about allowing motorized use on the Gifford Pinchot and at Mount St. Helens. He is interested in partnering up with folks to get more designated recreational opportunities for all recreationalists. Barnes.b@comcast.net He is also trying to raise awareness about a meeting on Oct. 12 re: Fish and Wildlife trying to circumvent legislation to ultimately 86 motorized use on lands they partner with.
Backcountry Horsemen: been a little quiet for the last month, was at Brian Baird’s meeting, worked on Tarbell 3-4 times, did emergency repair on the problem bridge after the Labor Day weekend “horse sinking” incident. They participated in the PUB event and dug out culvert past big muddy spot (the spring area) on the Rock Creek/Tarbell. Have some upcoming rides, but slowing down into meeting/planning season. Been involved with MSH land management issue- Cantwell is pushing to get MSH designated as National Park. National trail classification system is going from 3-step to 5-step (National Forests).
Piston’s Wild: Had just under 60 people representing 4x4’s at the recent Yacolt Planning Kick off meeting- did some education with those not affiliated with any organizations. 10 members came out for PUB, and partnered with JCTRA to do the work. They are looking forward to providing input during the planning project.
Next meeting: Dec. 6, 2007. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:08:50 GMT -8
DECEMBER 2007
TAG meeting Dec. 6, 2007 7:00-9:30 PM
In Attendance: Jessica Kimmick, D Becker, Ross Sicilia, Mike Ames, Mike Hayden, Jim Anderson, Gary Collins, Josh Riepe, Brian Poehlein, Eric Albers, Crystal Crowder, Bill Manbeck, Tom Vertz, Barbara Vertz
Current Projects: Yacolt Burn planning effort: Kimmick updated the group about the trail inventory training and thanked the members of the group who are volunteering their time to create a comprehensive inventory. Kimmick then discussed the Recreation Planning Committee, told the group that they have had their first meeting, mentioned the field trip, which will allow the group to get a good on the ground perspective of what land managers and user groups deal with in the forest.
Trail inventory and Cap. Forest Plan: Crowder asked if there was going to be a user survey for the plan. Poehlein answered that yes, there will be one conducted next summer. Crowder asked if there is a concern that the needs of the public won’t be reflected by the planning committee due to the fact that the survey will be occurring well into the planning process? Poehlein then responded that this was not an ideal situation but that it would have to suffice due to the project timeline. Comments about the last survey appearing to be somewhat askew were then made by the group. Poehlein stated that the surveys will be hired out to be conducted fairly. DNR staff reiterated that the 1999 document was an inventory only, not a plan. Albers clarified that the inventory was for the sole purpose of what was there at the time, and the plan now is for the future implementation of recreational development. Poehlein mentioned that there are some trail counters that will be put out this summer (Jones Creek will be the first trail) for accurate use counts on the trails. Manbeck complimented the first committee meeting, and said it moved along well, the group was diverse and wants to work together. He stated that the process has started off on the right foot. Manbeck has been asking his online community for input to bring back to committee. Anderson asked for a copy of the minutes- Kimmick will send them to the TAG, and will cc TAG members on future minute distribution. B. Vertz asked what the purpose of TAG is. Poehlein said that this is a forum for user groups to get together and discuss issues that they collectively have with trails and facilities. Surprise was expressed that this is not standardized across the state with the agency. Discussion about other types of user group meetings ensued. Poehlein reiterated that no one wants to reinvent the wheel with this plan. Although the inventory is being redone with new technology, that will be done periodically anyway. Anderson asked for more tech support when it comes to the recon units- Kimmick and Riepe said that it can be worked out. Heidi Stephens will also give her time and energy to help out with learning the equipment. Manbeck is concerned about the weather- Kimmick said that we’re under an aggressive timeline to have deliverables for the grant. Poehlein said it can be completed by next summer. Discussion ensued about best practices for inventorying (and practicing) with recon units. Sicilia mentioned that approx. 70% of the trails they inventoried 10 years ago are now logging roads. Poehlein reiterated that anything that is being used as a trail should be inventoried. Discussion ensued about the undesignated trails, how they’re being used, and other concerns.
Forest Watch Patrol: Kimmick invited the group to participate in Forest Watch Patrol. Sicilia asked about scheduling of the groups- how many days a week can the patrols take place. Poehlein and Kimmick stated that during the weekdays, we have no concerns about having them out there. DNR Law Enforcement will be out on Saturdays, so the opportunity for patrols is there for the weekends. Steve Rhodes (LEO) will be involved first hand in supporting this program. Sicilia pointed out that weekend patrols would be more important because that’s when people are out in the forest. Sicilia also said that it worked really well to schedule steady days a week when people are supposed to perform patrols. Poehlein mentioned upcoming emphasis patrols, regarding seasonal closures and other enforcement concerns. Kimmick will e-mail out the policy that has been drafted for the TAG members. Kimmick also said that if there’s an interested party that cannot make next week’s training, she would be happy to schedule another until all interested folks have their needs met. Training and other particulars about the program were discussed. (Procedures, report writing, areas of patrol emphasis, etc.) Crowder asked if there was ever any circumstance that allows the public to haul wood and rock out of the forest. Poehlein clarified that there is a firewood permit, but you should not see someone leaving with rock. Discussion about forest product theft, and enforcement vs. observation and report ensued. Background checks are necessary for FWP program. B. Vertz asked if all members of the patrol groups need to be trained. Yes, all members must be trained. Ames mentioned that the one thing that he has gotten from the program is that when you’re out there, you are a representative of the DNR, and it’s a very important role to be a face of information and help to the public.
Rock Creek renovation project: Riepe informed the group that an Eagle Scout to be, Nate Corigliano, plans to renovate the corrals in campsites #10 and #11. He also plans to do some minor work at the campsites such as spreading gravel and cleaning out manure bins. The projected project date is Dec. 8th.
Seasonal closures; Jones Creek: Kimmick updated the group on the seasonal ORV closure at Jones Creek and mentioned that there is major maintenance work being done on Jones Creek currently with anywhere between 2-5 inmate crews out there at any given time. Ames asked about the bridge repair on the A loop, and Riepe said that it has been inspected by the engineer and repairs will be completed by next Thurs. Culverts will also be installed in necessary areas. By tomorrow, the whole trail will have been reworked. Sicilia asked for drip drains to be eliminated. Riepe described gravel and block placement that will help to mitigate the maintenance issues that would require water bars and drip drains. Discussion ensued about maintenance particulars. Poehlein mentioned that the 05-07 ORV grant is in the process of possibly being extended. Poehlein then mentioned that there are brand new motorized and non-motorized M&O grants that have been secured. DNR will be hiring a second trail worker, using the money to purchase supplies and crew time, etc. Collins said that there was some discussion about the E&E grant that the DNR didn’t get. Poehlein said that this grant was the most competitive grant, and we were less than .7 points away from getting it- the match is possibly what hindered us getting it. Manbeck asked about volunteer time grant match rates. Crowder asked what the breakdown of yearly volunteer hours is- who’s committing the most hours? Becker mentioned that over 2,000 of them came from campground hosts. Albers asked for an electronic volunteer time sheets/forms so that groups can pull that up and record hours easily. Kimmick will e-mail the forms out to user groups so that everyone has access. Merrill Lake: Kimmick informed the group that Merrill Lake campground is closed for the season until April 15, 2008.
Timber Sale Information: Kimmick mentioned that there’s a new Unit Forester, Ryan Siebold, who helps us share timber sale information with groups. Kimmick caught the group up on timber sale activities. #6: completion date extended to Dec. 31. They are done hauling timber, but the road abandonment still needs to be done. Both the 1211 and 1212 will be “light abandonment” which includes non-drivable waterbars, tank traps, and grass seeding. There is a possible extension into the dry season for the road abandonment due to inclimate weather. Corn Palace: will be using Ross’ Trail and Murphy’s Grade for timber hauling. Sale is slated for mid-April, but may not go through until ’09 due to decline in timber market. Iron Chef U3 and U4: this will impact part of the Chinook Trail (L-1100C), but won’t be started until ’09. Hot Tub: won’t be started until ’09. Shortest Straw: completed. Kimmick went with the contract administrator and reviewed the section of Jones Creek trail this sale impacted, with positive results. In regards to Corn Palace and using Ross’ Trail and Murphy’s Grade for hauling, Albers asked about the reroute of the lower portion that is part of the Tarbell. Poehlein addressed this and said that they are planning to add 3-4 feet along the side that will become a trail. Kimmick and Poehlein are going to take a look at the contracts and will then be able to address some questions that came up regarding the timber sale activities.
2008 Work Parties: Kimmick mentioned that she would like the group to look at the priority list they put together and asked them to take these ideas back to their respective groups to see what they would like to commit to and participate in. Becker will follow up with groups in a couple of weeks to begin planning 2008 events/activities.
Round Table: Ames: Jones Creek Trail Riders Association: closure means work party season. JCTRA is starting to exercise their grant (started Nov. 1), Hangover Scramble (approx. 400 riders and another couple hundred spectators) coming up. Hayden: Cougar Area Trail Seekers (CATS): Wanted to do clean up ride after hunting season, but snow stopping them from going through 6000 road. Only way to get there is via IP road and up 5000. Wants to know what the policy is for the IP road right now- Poehlein said that there’s an easement across PacifiCorp property and we will check on it for access issues. Hayden called Jim Shank, District Forester, regarding the IP road. Shank said the IP road isn’t an issue- will have public meetings before anything happens with that. Cost share gate under power lines is a point of confusion, and discussion ensued. Poehlein said that if there’s a gate on a road that doesn’t lead to recreation sites, we are not privy to that information. DNR staff can, however, try to find out more information about it. Becker clarified that sometimes the intent is not to block access to DNR resources and lands, but there’s only one place for the gate to go where it can be effective. The gate was put where there’s a creek bed. Violators will be riding down in that bed, and that’s what concerned CATS. CATS lose faith in a partnership with DNR when they get crossed signals. Poehlein will try to find out what’s going on with the gate. These gates cut access to DNR roads that CATS like to ride. Anderson: Backcountry Horsemen (BCH): been attending a lot of meetings. Riding season is over. Last week, BCHWA had a public lands day with land managers (DNR, FS, State parks, etc.) at Cle Elum and heard about things being done around the state. Went to Gifford Pinchot Recreation Facility Analysis kick off meeting, which is being done differently than DNR (DNR asking for public input, while GP did it without public input, then presented to public once completed). Hoping to get seats on advisory committee in regards to Natl. Monument vs. National Park for the management of Mount St. Helens. Albers: Cold Creek Mtn. Bikers (CCMB): tried to do trail day, but access was difficult due to getting to the place that needs work. They need to get to the Towers so that they can haul tools with a vehicle. Poehlein said that we can arrange to get them access. Snow is currently a hindrance for trail work. Crowder: Piston’s Wild: trying to have a 4 wheel drive snow run on Saturday, but there’s no snow. The club’s been busy getting Christmas trees for folks who can’t get them themselves, but have run into a snag with getting those from the GP, so they’re getting them from farms this year. The club will be putting on a snowmobile run on Feb. 2 on Mt. Hood. She asked if motorized vehicles allowed on Larch roads during the forest closure. Poehlein stated that the roads are open, unless otherwise posted or gated. For this closure season, the forest roads are open to ORV use and vehicle traffic unless otherwise posted or gated. This winter will be an evaluation period to see if people respect the allowance to stay on roads only, and to stay off the trails. Discussion ensued about information distribution. Kimmick will forward all press releases that apply to recreation to TAG group. Crowder then asked if the DNR would be ok with Piston’s Wild putting a link to the DNR website on their website. Present staff is ok with it, but will seek an official answer. Manbeck: Pacific NW 4x4 Association (PNW4x4): nothing they have going applies to this group. They have elections coming up which they are looking forward to. B. Vertz: CATS: mentioned the press they’ve been getting for expanding ATV access, which is good for their group.
Other: Grant Priorities: Poehlein asked for the group’s input for future projects, because grant season is coming up. We will schedule a 20 minute brainstorming session during next TAG meeting for this topic. Becker requested that the group look at the 2008 priority work list, and find out what the group would like to tackle and come up with some ideas of what they would like to have accomplished as well. Also, come up with a timeline that works for the groups for projects.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:11:00 GMT -8
FEBRUARY 2008
TAG Meeting Feb. 7, 2007 7:00 pm Woodland City Hall
In Attendance: D Becker, Jessica Kimmick, Gary Collins, Jim Anderson, Mike Ames, Brian Poehlein, Jason Skelton, Bill Hutchens, Crystal Crowder, Bill Manbeck, Barbara and Tom Vertz, Bruce Barnes, Jerry DeRuyter, Mike Hayden
Prior to the start of the meeting, Manbeck informed Kimmick that he is now officially representing the WA Land Matters of PNW 4x4 Association.
The group approved the minutes from the Dec. tag meeting
Yacolt Recreation Plan: Kimmick updated the group on the Recreation Planning Committee progress. The RPC has had meetings in Nov. and Jan. and went on a field trip in Dec. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 and land suitability will be discussed. Poehlein mentioned that he can bring information about the progress
Trail Inventory: Kimmick mentioned that it’s a slow going process, mainly due to inclimate weather, tediousness of the task and complicated equipment. Group asked about the cheat sheet. DNR staff stated that it’s in the process of being developed and will be provided as soon as it is ready.
Grant Update: New ORV maintenance and operations grant comes into effect March 1, with a fresh supply budget. Non-motorized grant is in effect currently, started Jan. 1. A new trail worker position will come out of the non-motorized grant. DNR Staff is currently recruiting for the new position. If anyone knows of anyone who’s interested, have them send in a state application and resume to Kimmick. Staff is still waiting for the job description, but as soon as it’s ready, Kimmick will send it out to TAG for further recruitment. Poehlein will follow up with Olympia tomorrow for the position description. It’s a temporary position based on the grant, which will end in 09; an 18 month to 2 year position, full time, with the use of a shared vehicle. DeRuyter asked why people can take trucks home: Poehlein stated it’s because employees are central to their work units and it would be a waste of time and resources to park the rigs at a particular work spot. Crowder stated that there is concern regarding not getting the E&E grants, and asked if there’s anything user groups could do to help support this initiative. Poehlein stated that the grant was lost because of the lack of letters of support and past volunteer hours in this field. BCH was lobbying legislature for E&E and other initiatives in Olympia last week. Poehlein stated that, in 2 years, we will be again asking for support (verbal and letter). Barnes asked if Brian Blake could help- Poehlein said it couldn’t hurt. Hayden asked what the E&E grant was for: Poehlein: to fund a forester position that spends their work time in the woods with citation authority, though their main goal is education and outreach to help mitigate issues of misuse and abuse. Hayden mentioned that CATS is looking to put in for a planning grant to figure out where they could potentially develop recreation. Poehlein stated that until the current recreation plan is completed, the DNR is not going to take any more on, due to limited staff capacity. CATS started a Gifford Pinchot off highway vehicle alliance with a NOVA grant. Poehlein asked if anyone has any interest in what’s currently going on with the recreation plan- stated that they are currently looking at the science behind land management decisions, which includes water, riparian areas, wetlands, slope stability, soils, threatened and endangered species, etc. DeRuyter asked how this information is gathered: aerial photos, on the ground surveys, etc.? Poehlein said that the DNR has a comprehensive, ongoing working knowledge of what’s out there. *Next TAG meeting: a pared down version of the 3 phases of suitability (1-1.5 hours) will be presented to group.
Accomplishments/volunteer opportunities: Becker debriefed the group on the Rock Creek work party, held Feb. 2. Work that’s been accomplished: replacement of 4 adjoining corrals in campsite #11. About a dozen volunteers- removed old posts and set new ones in the ground. With the absence of the auger and frozen ground, it was all hand work and hard going. Eagle scout/High school Senior Nate Corigliano had a project in a different site that day: resetting a different set of corrals and spread (donated) gravel- they worked both Saturday and Sunday to complete. Kimmick and Becker will meet him there on Monday to sign off on the completion of the project. DeRuyter mentioned that high school kids are a good volunteer resource because they have to do 30 hours of community service to graduate. T. Vertz said that in the future, they have an auger and tractor to donate use of. Crowder mentioned that in the future, the DNR should look to the user groups for assistance for equipment use because they have resources DNR may not be aware of and they’d be willing to help. Manbeck stated that his group’s calendar is scheduled out more than a month in advance, and they need more notice to have a showing at work parties. Crowder will forward a copy of the Tillamook work party schedule to Kimmick and Poehlein as a template because DNR plans to begin scheduling out a year in advance for work parties. Becker asked that user groups also let the DNR what their schedules are so that there’s less of a chance of conflict. Discussion ensued about co-hosting activities and events. Barnes mentioned that there are serious vandalism problems happening right now. DeRuyter concurred. Poehlein again mentioned that this drives home the point that when we go for the E&E grant again, we need the group’s support. Ames mentioned that there are 3 groups that patrol Yacolt: DNR, Clark Co. Sheriff’s Dept. and WDFW. No one patrols at night and there aren’t enough resources in these enforcement agencies to get a handle on everything that’s happening. Barnes suggests that everyone draft up a similar letter to try to get some help for DNR enforcement. Poehlein stated that the DNR cannot legally ask people to lobby on our behalf. Crowder asked what is the quickest easiest way to money. Poehlein: Legislation. Operating budgets allow DNR to get more people and more supplies than what capital projects and grants will allow, with more leeway about how to use it. The DNR operating budget is about ½ what it was in 1995.
Kimmick apologized for her lateness on getting Forest Watch Patrol stuff out to members and mentioned that background checks from the second training is finishing up now, and she will get formal acceptance packages to the groups that have been accepted. Crowder asked if there’s anything she needs from the groups- Kimmick asked for group rosters so that she can organize who’s who and provide all participating groups with manuals. She is also willing to provide more trainings for interested folks- group mentioned that there’s a lot of interest: scheduled one training in Cougar for CATS and one more in Vancouver for Pistons and other ORV groups. Becker then discussed winter work parties. Mentioned that there’s a lot of storm damage that the DNR is trying to catch up on. Becker passed out a work party schedule, and mentioned that it’s mostly campgrounds and trailheads listed, but we will be working on trails in the summer. Merrill will need to be pushed back to later in the spring due to heavy snow. CATS is interested in taking on the Merrill work party as a co-sponsor with Clark Skamania Fly Fishers. T. Vertz asked if there’s a need for heavy equipment- DNR is currently uncertain because of the inability to get up there to survey (due to snow). Kimmick mentioned the possibility of a campground expansion in the near future and suggested that when that is ready to be implemented, we will have a need for heavy equipment and volunteer assistance. Kimmick also suggested that Carlo Abbruzzese (Merrill Lake co-manager- Natural Areas) may be interested in coming to TAG to discuss the campground expansion at the next meeting. Becker discussed the upcoming Woodland campground clean up. DeRuyter asked if it’s a reservation only site. Becker stated that currently it is, due to the lack of host. In mid March, a similar work party at Cold Creek campground is scheduled, to include projects such as signage replacement, campsite brushing, fire pit cleaning, debris clearing, etc. Each site has specifics that need to be taken care of, but all have general projects across the board as well. These projects are kid friendly.
Becker than presented the new work party application, which is designed as a standardized way to communicate what partners are accomplishing in the forest. If there’s something that the groups see that needs to be taken care of, work party applications are available for independent work parties. This keeps communications clean so that everyone’s on board with what’s been going on and what’s taking place so that there’s no confusion about what’s already been done and what still needs to be done.
Upcoming Grants: Poehlein mentioned that we start gearing up for grants in March, to be presented in Sept. Kimmick and Poehlein came to the decision to pursue a facilities grant, which would be an M&O grant. If DNR got it, staff would have 5 grants active at one time (2 M&O, 2 planning, and 1 facilities M&O). Crowder mentioned that she would love to be able to camp at a motorized trail head, and was wondering if that’s something the facilities grant could include. Poehlein said that this would be more suited for a decision the planning committee to make. This can’t be pursued it until the planning process is over because pursuing money for development without a finished plan would not go over well with RCO. This is the reason for the planning process- to address these sorts of needs. DeRuyter asked why “Ross’ Trail” was decommissioned- he thinks Shayne did it because it accessed only a non-motorized trail, or motorized users would just have to turn around and come back instead of having a loop to ride. Becker mentioned that the area was closed due to safety issues because of logging operations. Ames asked what could be done with money for facilities: Poehlein said that there’s really no money allocated for facilities maintenance and the money has to come from other sources to maintain bathrooms. Crowder asked if user groups can help take care of the Jones Creek bathroom in terms of stocking it with toilet paper. Ames said that JCTRA could help stock toilet paper and help maintain it.
T. Vertz asked if they can do volunteer work on weekdays, as many CATS are retired. Becker will send out volunteer forms and work party applications electronically for folks to have.
Roundtable: BCH: Anderson: group had a booth at Sportsmen’s Show- partnered with BCH Oregon. This weekend at Clark Expo Center, will have a booth at the horse show. Been to Cle Elum for leadership training, and participated in Rock Creek work party. Legislative meeting last week. BCHW has switched from 501c4 to 501c3 so that they can go after new grants, and allow donors to have tax write offs they couldn’t have before. Mt. St. Helens Rescue: Barnes: last week met with the DOT commissioner- ATVs, snowmobiles, and equestrians may be able to play up the Toutle River Valley. Commissioner Swanson is also helping in this effort. WDFW is currently trying to take over that land, but the argument is that WDFW can’t manage what they have. Wants to get a group effort to approach Brian Blake in Olympia, and wants to talk to CATS. Poehlein mentioned that DNR has property up there, but it has to be accessed through Weyerhauser and they won’t open their gates for access. Concern for access to public lands and open spaces was vocalized unanimously by TAG members. Discussion ensued about concerns regarding fish and wildlife habitat in the area and different projects effecting habitat. JCTRA: Ames: Hangover Scramble on Jan. 1 was successful. Work parties have been at a standstill due to weather. JCTRA has been trying to get the downed trees taken care of. PNW4x4: Manbeck: WA Caucus of PNW4x4 held in Pacific, WA. Mark Mauren was in attendance. Next weekend is the PNW Winter Convention (WA, ID, OR) in Canyonville @ 7 Feathers Casino. Pistons Wild: Crowder: snowmobile poker run held last weekend- too much snow- at Mt. Hood. Groomers had trouble preparing for this. WA DOT has run out of money to plow roads into snow parks- no available access. No 4 wheeling just yet, due to snow. 4 stroke snowmobile dealers are allowing the public to try out at Flat Top, Mt. Adams this weekend. CATS: Hayden: wants to work on Iron Mtn/Mitchell peak. CATS has an events committee now to organize this sort of stuff once the snow melts off. Also wants to plan some rides out of town. Attended a shoreline management plan by Pacificorps- they closed a lot of access and now you can apply to put a private dock out there. Management critical areas (resource management areas) 97% of the access closed. B.Vertz: look at senate bill 6910 for those who ride ATVs. NOVA funds for off highway vehicles to be used for mitigating damage and seizing vehicles, instead of for creating and maintaining trails. Crowder stated that PNW4x4 is asking for harsher penalties for violators. Ames: at the RCO meeting, they stated no one put in for noise abatement money, so if anyone wants to apply, go for it. PUMP, CCMB: DeRuyter: They just held new elections for board of PUMP. There is a big ride in Longview/Stella coming up- joins up to Castle Rock on Weyerhauser land- non-motorized use is fine with Weyerhauser. They are expecting about 120 riders on the 23rd. (Eric) Albers and DeRuyter are trying to keep Cold Creek together and motivated. Political stuff has been hurting morale. Jason Ding will be at the next planning committee meeting to represent mountain bikers. Kimmick will look into the Bells Mtn. signage. T. Vertz asked for an update on the disabled bridge in the Siouxon block. Poehlein said that he can try to track it, but Jim Shank would be a good contact to begin investigating into this.
9:25 meeting adjourned.
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:11:56 GMT -8
APRIL 2008
TAG meeting April 3 7:00 PM-9:50PM
In Attendance: Mike Ames (JCTRA), Randy Kauffman (SWWAT), Crystal Crowder (Pistons Wild), Bill Hutchens (SWWAT/CATS), Bill Manbeck (PNW4x4), Gary Collins (BCH), Jim Anderson (BCH), Ryan Siebold (DNR), Eric Paris (SWWAT), Jeremy McMullin (SWWAT), Barbara and Tom Vertz (CATS), Brian Poehlein (DNR), Jessica Kimmick (DNR)
Update on Harvest Activities: Discussion about timber sales in primarily YBSF. Siebold works with the general management areas. Iron Chef: sold 6/07, expires 10/09: affects Tarbell Happy Dance: to sell by 5/08, expires 10/10 affects Jones Creek Corn Palace: to sell 4/08, expires 10/10, affects Tarbell Loafer: to sell 12/08, expires 10/10, affects Tarbell Iron Chef: will start working in April/May building roads Siebold showed a map with the timber units and locations of trails impacted. Showed statements in timber sale contracts how recreation trails will be taken care of during and after sales. Happy dance: scheduled for sale in May. Road building is done first, never before April 15, but there’s lots of snow, so probably not till May or June. Road building will probably begin this summer. Spur roads will be built. All roads will be abandoned once completed. Road abandonment is defined as ripping it up, making it undrivable, large rocks and root wads to be placed. There are several definitions of road abandonment, and DNR abandonment is typically light to medium. Siebold will double check the timber sale contracts to ensure that the clause is in place that all trails will be brought back to original condition after harvest (H140)
Corn Palace: impacts Murphy’s Grade: up for sale this month (3 year contract),. First they need to reconstruct spur D, 2nd year will get into harvest operations. Tarbell trail comes into Unit 2- contracters will have to follow clauses and restrictions, but Murphy’s Grade will be reverted into road and will be kept like that for several years.
Loafer: Road may have to cross the Tarbell, and in many cases the trail will either be on the edge of the cut, or in the leave tree stands. Set for sale in December, work will begin in April of 09.
Crowder: in regards to Happy Dance: how long will you foresee the Jones Creek trail to be affected by the sale. Siebold: a minimum amount of time. Assuming that they will go in and work for about a month because it’s just a couple of acres impacting the trail. Poehlein: will the clean up take place after the impacting the trail, or will they wait until all units are completed? Siebold: Contract Administrators are aware of the heavy use on Jones Creek trail, and they will want to clean up as soon as possible because the 1500 rd is there.
Ames: what’s the status of Hot Tub U2? Siebold: nothing’s been done yet, expecting that one of the units will be started on soon- they need to get the road work done first.
B. Vertz: could you describe the reclaimation process? During harvest activities, they’re doing site prep, collecting slash (10x10 spacing), 2 years post harvest stocked with seedlings. Areas are restocked with trees and plants compatable with the elevations and what species naturally occur there. Aerial sprays are completed with helicopters before planting. Pre thin, commercial thin, then harvest.
Paris: what herbicides do you spray? Siebold: Depends on what they’re spraying for- keeping brush from establishing that would shade out seedlings- usually a fall spray. Legacy trees: required by HCP to leave 8 trees per acre within harvest areas. Allows for seed banks to form. Have to be some of the largest diameter, snags, diverse species, etc. Protecting for older trees, leaving structure for forest. Will have different structures to support wildlife. Individual leave trees are meant to be there for 140 yrs.
Anderson: do you try to keep trees that are good seed producers? Siebold: No way to determine that. Trees need to be well spaced, look for large diameter, limby trees that will withstand winds, etc.
B. Vertz: do you do groundcover reseeding? Siebold: No, leave islands keep ground cover and the theory is that the ground cover will spread from those.
Yacolt Planning: suitability: Poehlein gave a summary: $140,000 of grant money to formulate a plan for the W. Yacolt Burn for recreation. This is due to recognizing a large use need that’s not being met. This plan will govern our recreation management for the next decade after it’s completed. Before we get to the planning part, we need to understand the suitability of the area. Suitability analysis was presented in Feb. and March. 3 criteria for land suitability: Biological, geology/soil and management. Biology: Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is the governing document that regulates everything that is done on the landscape. On the federal level. Forest Practices is a state wide regulation that anyone who practices forestry has to adhere to. Not on the federal level. ***refer to powerpoint presentation Known features like wetlands are taken off the GIS database- important to remember that we need to do this off of the best available data. Everything will be analysed on a site by site basis. HCP mandates how large buffers need to be on a wetland- widest is approx. 175 ft. on either side (fish bearing stream, wetlands over a .5 acre in size, etc.) Salmonids: fish that are born in freshwater streams, go to sea, and come back to streams to spawn and die. Red areas shown on maps are low suitability- this doesn’t mean it’s not possible, we just try to avoid. It means lots of mitigating measures that translates into money. Riparian areas: buffers on streams Balds: not growing trees, herbaceous vegetation, thin soils, popular with butterflies. Talus: a cliff or rock face that is unraveling. Sensitive and Threatened & Endangered (T&E) species: spot basis, not huge habitat areas associated with them. Soil and Geology: Topography, parent material, soil type and rainfall determines erodability: classified as low, medium, or high. Most of the landscape is medium erodibility, so low suitability is highly erodible. Mass wasting: areas that have the highest potential for deep seated movement- sliding down hill on a large scale. Cut off at the highest level for mass wasting. Slope Instability: shallow rapid land movement. Paris: how do you determine these geological issues? Geologists can determine through erodibility (topography, parent material, soil type and rainfall), past land movement, etc. Geologists are brought in as geologists and protect the land, not sway their interests to help sell timber. Manbeck: 100% is 45 degrees, in terms of slope steepness. Anything around 65% requires a geologist site visit. Poorly drained soils: susceptible to compaction and drain poorly (state soils survey) Management: Rock sources = rock pits Rock sources attract target shooting, are steep, and are blasted periodically- things to consider and why they’re low suitability for recreation. Manbeck: in regards to the Recreation Planning Committee, there is a general consensus at the table that we would try not to put recreation sites near communication sites because of high incidence of vandalism. Utility easement: BPA right of way, Military Leased Land: Camp Bonneville. 800 ft. buffer on any land zoned residential. It’s not something that has been surveyed, but the 800 ft. has been applied from prior survey at Port Angeles in Olympic Region. Cultural Archeological Sites: can’t show you- will be surveyed site by site as we plan. Paris: as far as the planning process is going, it will be hardest to lay out ORV trails. Currently there are more trails and options for non-motorized use. Will there be multi-use? Poehlein sited the example of Tahuya: used to be heavily used by non-motorized recreationists. Since it’s been converted to full multi-use, it’s become basically motorized. From a planning point of view, it’s been a failure. Paris stated that the non-motorized recreationists have more options. Poehlein said that there’s 30,000 acres out there that are suitable and free to put a lot of trails in a lot of different places. Capitol forest works really well- not a lot of conflict of use because the uses are split geographically. The planning group will decide these things, but DNR managers would like to keep a conflict of use to a minimum. Crowder mentioned that the group is a very cooperative and supportive of each other’s sport and wants to keep the integrity of the sports through developing recreation opportunities. Manbeck: there may be bike trails intersecting with other use trails…it just depends on how it shakes out. Red= low, not no. There is a huge need to expand ORV opportunities. Need to figure out where they are best put, and considerations taken for easy management, safety, resource protection and public enjoyment.
Current Events: Kimmick mentioned the upcoming DNR organized Jones Creek volunteer work event on Saturday April 26th and new online calendar.
Roundtable: Ames (JCTRA): have been doing maintenance work on the Jones Creek Trail, tried to have open weekends but the weather’s been prohibitive. Crowder stated that Tillamook State Forest has been dealing with this too. Kauffman (SWWAT): we’re a new club, been busy getting things off the ground. Crowder (Pistons Wild): did a patrol for Forest Watch program, had fun. Most visitors they made contact with were behaving, some were behaving badly. Lots of people using the trail, in spite of the closure. Steve Rhodes (DNR LEO) came through in the morning, County Sheriff came through as well and thought there were too many to deal with and left. Most of the “bad” ones live on the perimeter of the property, are not the people trailering in. Manbeck said that wearing the volunteer vests attracted people to come and ask questions, and those folks mostly left because they decided the fines weren’t worth it. Pistons patrol group are going out on Sunday April 6 at 9am to recover a stolen vehicle in Devil’s Punchbowl, asked for feedback if it’s been torched so that they can bring different equipment, and also doing a patrol afterwards. Been handing out Tillamook maps to let folks know where they can ride year round. Asked DNR staff for a useful map for the Yacolt Burn- similar to Tillamook’s publication. Discussion about side by sides and larger ATVs ensued. Poehlein stated that in Capitol Forest, we will not construct or maintain trails over 50” wide. Manbeck stated that education at the trailhead about size of ATV and where you can go would be good. Ames suggested that a warning sign at the trailhead letting people know that a certain size can’t fit on the trails and bridges (safety concern) would be great to mitigate problems. Spring Fling in Capital Forest April 5-6. WA ATV Assn. Sat. April 12, will be meeting at Rogers Camp in Tillamook to do trail assessment and clearing work party. Hutchens (SWWAT): co-sponsored Cold Creek Campground clean up last month. Paris clarified that SWWAT is dedicated to education about ATV safety, enforcement, and environmental protection. They plan to be going all over to have a presence in Gifford Pinchot, Yacolt, etc. The club wants to be all inclusive to all motorized recreation, including boaters and motorized watercraft. McMullin stated that they would like to get certified as safety instructors for everything. Eventually everyone is going to have to be certified in motorized operation- Oregon is mandating this certification, but they don’t provide safety instruction. Poehlein will get Kauffman information about where the DNR sent employee to become an ORV certification trainer. Manbeck: PNW has Sandflea Rally at Lincoln City (Sand Lake) coming up. Just had the winter convention (all regions come and talk politics and catch up on other areas). WA State has other planning efforts going on- some state and some federal showing lots of interest in motorized use in WA. Riter (near Everett) is trying to develop an ORV park, but there’s rogue trails and easement issues: activists trying to put a stop to it. Governor vetoed the bill that would put a stop to ORV trail building. Discussion ensued. Collins (BCH): tried to have a couple of work parties, worked at Rock Creek while the Cold Creek project was going on. Short a couple of poles to finish the corral- LeRoy has a group lined out to do a project at Rock Creek. Gifford Pinchot is having their first trail advisory group meeting at the Ward Fire Station on April 10 at 6:30 PM. Intent is to get forest wide support for trail and info coordination from user groups, and the hopes are to have the Mount St. Helens Institute spearhead the volunteer coordination. Anderson mentioned that this came about from discussions the BCH had after the state meeting. At the state meeting, they put out information about noxious weeds and want to put out a push for the public to identify noxious weed patches. Most noxious weeds are spread through construction road cuts. County weed boards are getting organized. Weed control boards are working voluntarily with hay growers. Collins mentioned that all national forest wilderness areas will fine animals not on certified weed free feed, and you’re supposed to feed your animals with that feed for 48 hours before you go. This year is an educational push, but in the future offenders will be fined. At state meeting, DNR from east side had a booth. B. Vertz: Mike Hayden is ill, and subsequently isn’t here tonight. CATS has meeting with Gifford Pinchot to discuss grant proposal for planning. Hutchens asked if there’s a use for ORVs on non-motorized trails for maintenance. Yes, use ORVs to haul in equipment, materials, etc. Openings: Cold Creek: mid June, Jones Creek: May 1. Anderson mentioned that 3 Corner Rock saw some work- Kimmick stated that the DNR coordinated with Washington Trails Association for that trail maintenance that took place March 8-9. T. Vertz (CATS): first weekend in June partnering up with Sumpter motorized group for campout/ride event (Eastern Oregon).
9:50 PM adjourned.
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:12:58 GMT -8
JUNE 2008TAG Meeting June 5 7:00 PM-9:30 PM IN Attendance: Gary Collins (BCH/WTRA), Jim Anderson (BCH), Mike Ames (JCTRA), Jason Skelton (JCTRA), Ross Sicilia (JCTRA), Bill Manbeck (Pistons Wild/PNW4x4Assn.), Eric Albers (CCMB), Jessica Kimmick (DNR) and Josh Riepe (DNR) Kimmick updated the group on road construction that impacts trails: Iron Chef U3-4: (Tarbell off of 1182) and Hot Tub U2: Grouse Vista off of 1200 (Grouse Vista unsanctioned trail) Kimmick discussed the Tillamook field trip that took place for the recreation planning process- thanked the Pistons Wild for hosting the day. Albers asked about the differences between ODF and DNR in regards to liability incurred in recreational opportunities: differences between the two with Mtn. Biking (Black Rock). Kimmick stated that she is still trying to find clarity regarding that issue, as ODF doesn’t charge, they don’t incur liability, and neither does DNR. Manbeck mentioned that ODF used to be reactionary, until they were mandated to provide recreation, and he equates it to DNR being ODF’s 1993 (the year of their mandate). Anderson mentioned the BCH statewide meeting and discussed that the DNR has been trying to find alternate funding sources for recreation. Collins mentioned that Mark Mauren made the statement that there are lots of opportunities for recreation, but most of these access points were closed for use for one reason or another. He thought it was interesting that he made the statement, since most of these accesses have been taken away. Manbeck stated that the group discussed during the field trip to Tillamook that roads for potential trail does exist in the Yacolt. Group concurred that there are many old roads that could be really nice trails. Sicilia stated that they have many miles of good trails due to the old roads. Ames mentioned that is why 100 more miles of trail isn’t unfeasible. Kimmick stated that we need to be cognizant of money, staffing capacity, etc. for the sustainability of providing more access. Another consideration is law enforcement- the point was made that when more designation happens, the public with a vested interest becomes self policing. Timeline for planning grant is that the committee will be done in December, and plan should conclude in April of next year. Discussion about funding then discussed regarding securing funding for maintenance & operations through partnerships (grants the DNR can’t apply for as the agency isn’t a 501c3.) Discussion ensued about ODF and DNR mandates for providing for recreation. Kimmick stated that they hired a new trail worker, Kyle Buckmiller, to work off of the non-motorized trail grant. Kimmick mentioned the logging damage on the switchbacks on the Tarbell due to Number Six- she went out with the Contract Administrator for the sale and assessed the damage (will be taken care of with a Larch crew asap), and has plans to thru hike the entire trail with Buckmiller and Riepe and create a work plan to take care of the backlog maintenance and discuss other issues on site with groups if they have an interest with a certain section. Albers asked about what the standards are for Larch Crew trail maintenance- CCMB have a concern about their maintenance styles. Riepe stated that he goes out when he assigns a work crew to assess the work that’s being done, and gives specific directions to the foremen. If you give them specifics, and there’s a trail worker supervising the work, this will help to mitigate problematic maintenance. Discussion ensued about user group maintenance, needs of different uses, and the work/grant spending plans for the trails. So far, from the picnic area up, the inmates have done 3 miles of brushing/logging out, during a hiatus from planting due to weather. Riepe broke out the inmate plans into sections in accordance to the 16 days a year DNR can hire them. Discussion about backlog maintenance and different maintenance/construction techniques continued. Kimmick mentioned the NWSA at Merrill Lake- expansion project Kimmick mentioned the maintenance plans at Snag/Western Campgrounds Three Corner Rock: WTA spent 2 weekends there doing maintenance. Anderson mentioned the 1st bridge with a hole in it, 2nd bridge out- outside edges of decking needs to be replaced. Riepe stated that he’s waiting for Buckmiller to get done with his training to go out and create a maintenance plan for this trail. Maintenance conversation ensued re: fish culverts and other issues concerning streams and bridges. Discussion began about nighttime patrols, Forest Watch Patrol, and partnerships with Officer Steve Rhodes. Manbeck stated that the groups can help with funding for hiring enforcement personnel if there are more designated recreational areas. Kimmick will discuss nighttime emphasis patrols with Rhodes and explore ideas to partner up to mitigate lawlessness problems. One weekend per month throughout the summer might make a difference. Riepe mentioned that the Clark Co Sheriffs dept is aware of the summer time issues and will start keeping an eye on things. *Kimmick will discuss getting information about ORV tags and other necessary things for riding on DNR land onto the DNR website. Kimmick stated that the DNR is in the hiring process for the grant and volunteer coordinator position. Ames asked about the wind farm and asked if there is a process for public comment for the location. No public comment process. Kimmick was aware of this, and asked that this does not impact any designated recreation sites. Didn’t hear anything about this since. This is a leasing site, that has to do with the trust mandate (DNR will be the landlords of this area). Riepe stated that this is in the preliminary planning process. Ames and Anderson stated that the paper made it sound like it was a done deal and that they haven’t even tied in with PUD about how to sell the power back to the grid. Kimmick stated that she will talk to the leasing dept. to find out where they are in the planning of this farm. Ames then asked about plans for Jones Creek/motorized trails. Riepe stated that he spoke with Joe McLaughlin today and how and when they are going to use Mike Ginter and when JC needs to get crews in and where. Rec dept. has been doing a lot of work just getting the facilities up to par for the summer. Riepe discussed maintenance ideas for JC with group. *Albers made an excavator request for the Waterbar section of the Tarbell to fix damage. Discussion about 4x4 access ensued. Collins brought up the WAC Recreation revision process and the opportunity for public comment. June 18th at the Red Lion on the Quay in Vancouver. Fish and Wildlife just finished theirs, and the point is to bring it in line across the agencies. Everyone should attend this meeting, as this may change the face of recreation in DNR. Collins also mentioned that the BCH has had trouble with the Yacolt survey. Kimmick ran off a bunch of surveys for folks who are having difficulty- gave about 1/3 of them to Collins, and has more available for those who need them. Issues about survey were discussed. As of yesterday, Kalama Horse Camp is open. This Saturday they are having the work party they scheduled for the last week in March. Fun ride and VIP rides are coming up. JCTRA: business as usual. Getting ready for Poker Run on Aug. 24- been clearing trails to get ready for that. Albers asked for some sort of event calendar- Kimmick is going to continue updating online calendar since the group can see it- will continue to work on this. CCMB: schedule is blown per snow. It has to be redone. As of the 17th, Albers’ schedule is flexible, so he can meet on site and discuss maintenance issues. PNW4x4: Operation Shore Patrol coming up Sept 20-21. which is a clean up of WA beaches at Ocean City, Cape Disappointment, and Twin Harbors. Mild to Wild car/truck show coming up. July 26th- DNR is invited to have a display set up. Anderson picked up an Accessible Outdoor Recreation Guide- needs more. *Riepe will get more for groups. Materials can be accessed through: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub.htm Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:14:11 GMT -8
AUGUST 2008
Trail Advisory Group Meeting Aug. 7, 2008 7:00PM-9:00PM Woodland City Hall
In Attendance: Joan (?), Steve Williams, Kyle Buckmiller (DNR), Jim Anderson, Bill Manbeck, Crystal Crowder, Brian Poehlein (DNR), Ross Sicilia, Nick Cronquist (DNR), Bill Hutchens, Jessica Kimmick (DNR), Josh Riepe (DNR)
Introductions: Williams discussed his reason for being at TAG is that he is interested in Corn Palace timber sale and mushrooms, rare plants and old growth, and cultural heritage that are in jeopardy due to the timber sale activity. Poehlein mentioned that Williams should get a hold of Region office and talk to timber sale staff, also mentioned that there is a public comment process through SEPA that he can work with. New DNR Staff: Kyle Buckmiller: Recreation Technician for non-motorized trails. Started May 19th. Nick Cronquist: Community Outreach and Grant Coordinator for PC Region. Started July 16.
Timber Sale Updates: Kimmick briefed the group: Current Sales: *Hot Tub: Road construction taking place now- rocking roads and logging out right of way wood sometime in August. This impacts the undesignated Grouse Vista Trail. *Remington Steel: Beginning pre-sales work on this sale. Safety concerns regarding workers and high speeds of ORVs on Jones Creek Trail. Timber Sales staff asks users to please slow down. *Cold Creek North Unit: Beginning to work up there and will be hauling wood on the L1000 road. Please use caution with the new timber sale traffic. *Iron Chef: Effects Tarbell. Starting to haul right of way wood now. *Corn Palace: no work yet *Tarbell Pole: completed *Happy Dance: no work yet *Paprika: beginning to rock roads and will haul wood off of Baz Road *Lacamas: no work yet *Type N: sold, no work yet
Recent Aerial Spray Activity: Good Seed and Number Six (effects Tarbell) and Shortest Straw (effects Jones Creek C Loop) have been sprayed. Signs were posted at access points to these areas. All are accessible and safe now.
Upcoming Sales: *Loafer: effects Tarbell: to sell in December *Lunar Guage: effects Tarbell: to sell in September *Sea of Gold: effects 1000 road and undesignated motorized “flats” area
Problems: Kimmick discussed L-1020: 4x4s are getting around the gate as well as other illegal access issues such as fires, vandalism and shooting. The 4x4s are making a loop from the 1000 road at south of 4 corners to the end of the 1020 road system. At the L-1000 road, 4x4s are coming out of the woods and bringing mud onto the chip seal road. This is an investment protection issue. Arrowhead pit trail to 4 corners is also an issue as it has widened to 4x4 width. Access to this area from the 1500 road will be kept until planning process is over, but 4 corners access will be blocked.
Conversations about having the Unit Forester come to TAG and planning meetings, and getting timber sale info for facilities planning ensued.
Discussion about 4x4 access- Manbeck and Crowder encouraged any identifying information to go to Steve Rhodes ASAP. Hutchens mentioned “the View” area being big for 4x4 access on Fibre land. They’re using the 1500 road as access onto Fibre. Discussed “hood surfing”. Crowder said that they were in the woods for 12 hours on Saturday, and they came across one person on trail in 4x4s.
Planning Update Kimmick updated on planning process- going well and gathering information from the group about what their use types would like to see in the forest.
Maintenance Update Kimmick updated maintenance activities: The Tarbell has been brushed and cleared from the trailhead to mile post 8 by Larch Crews. From mile post 8 to Grouse Vista, it’s cleared but needs brushed. 1 mile west of Grouse Vista there are snow and water issues, and from Grouse Vista to the bridge, there is a lot of illegal ORV use. 2 miles from Rock Creek, the trail becomes very muddy and needs brushed and water mitigation. A re-route was installed off of the 1217 road. Grouse Vista NW to Cold Creek and trail to repeater has been brushed out as well. 2 bridges at the Cold Creek Day Use Area have been heavily repaired thanks to the ESD-112 students, which accesses the Tarbell. Kimmick discussed Three Corner Rock maintenance plans: mountain bikes are interested in helping. Anderson asked if there were any dates, said he would be interested, and asked about first bridge out of parking lot. The plans for that bridge are to redeck it, look at how stringers are holding up- installation of a culvert is a possibility as well.
Crowder mentioned community service credits for high school graduation, and getting students involved with volunteer efforts. Cronquist discussed that he wants to put out a quarterly newsletter and an events calendar for group events, as well as DNR volunteer maintenance events that will be available for everyone to contribute to and coordinate. Hopefully will begin work on this in the next couple of weeks.
Crowder asked about PUB and stated that Pistons Wild would like to co-host: date this year will be Sat. Sept. 27th. Riepe stated that this year’s plan will basically be 4 corners, south and east and BBQ at Jones Creek. Kimmick also mentioned that a Jones Creek end of season work party is slated for October 26th (Sun.)
Crowder asked about phone trees for lost children in forest lands. Poehlein said that we find out usually from the news. Kimmick mentioned that East Co. Fire and Rescue contacted her for maps, and she asked them to connect with her if there is an accident or emergency occurring on DNR property. She also mentioned Riepe’s idea for identifying landing zones for helicopter rescues. Discussion ensued…
Roundtable Manbeck: PNW 4x4 is having Summer Convention this weekend in Ethyl at a privately owned horse farm. Racing includes barrels, drag, kids racing, obstacle course, etc. Completed Dole Valley trail rehab and looked at Bob’s Mountain. A road with limited access but doesn’t go anywhere is an invitation for destruction, because they couldn’t get through. When road is decommissioned, and culverts are pulled it creates water issues, and tank traps are fun to them. Crowder stated that they offered Dan Friezse some ideas about placing boulders across creeks that allow the water to flow but giving vehicles a route to go. Tillamook offers play destinations like boulder fields, but Yacolt offers nothing but streams and mud for vehicles to play in. Poehlein said that a boulder field to 4x4s is a talus field with habitat issues, which would result in no good for anyone. Crowder stated that they looked at Siouxon and that was a mess. Kimmick will get Crowder a contact for PacifiCorps to get truck out of that area. Anderson: had VIP event at Kalama- less guests than originally anticipated, but was very successful all the same. Vancouver Parks and Recreation came out because of Camp Bonneville. That project is going really well, clean up is going well. Finding a lot more than they thought they would and are trying to hold the Army accountable. It will be nice facility. Have had some work parties at Lewis River, Horse Creek, etc. MSH Citizens Advisory group have been active in the debate of Mt. St. Helens management: Forest Service vs. Park Service. Riepe asked about National Recreation Areas run by Park Service and if this is a consideration. Whiskeytown in Shasta-Trinity area is one and it provides a lot of access for recreation. Anderson stated that if you go with majority, most are against Park Service, but when you have politicians holding purse strings, that might not matter. Discussion going to Forest Service being brought back to Dept. of Interior and out of USDA. Anderson asked about boggy area on Bells Mountain trail. ATV access through there- boggy area covered with logs- very dangerous for horses. Discussion about ATV access up there. Work plan for fixing that up will be created, to include signage and a heads up for Steve Rhodes. Kimmick will connect with Chinook Trails Association to see if they’d like to help partner up to work on this area. The bridge up there is missing approaches. Sicilia: Poker Run is Aug. 24th- believes it’s the 17th year. Expecting about 300. Have just about the whole route cleared. Did some work on C loop and reworked rocky spot. Mike Ames and Kimmick are working out logistics of getting Grouse Vista trail cleared out due to recent logging activity in the area. The funeral for Jason Skelton is tomorrow at Living Hope on 117th. Sicilia asked about Forest Watch Patrol program- Kimmick stated that there are so many other issues other than designated recreation such as dumping, vandalism, unsafe shooting, etc. and that is the current focus. Poehlein stated that with Dwight Combs (E&E Officer) up north, Cronquist, Kimmick, Bob Pickens, and Steve Rhodes are going to put heads together to standardize the program to be efficient. Anderson discussed horse camps becoming more and more full, and there is a concern about the impact on the lands. The cost of gas is creating this situation. Hutchens: SWWAT is concentrating on growing- not doing anything cause it’s summer.
Adjourned at 9:00am
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:14:45 GMT -8
OCTOBER 2008
TAG meeting Oct. 7, 2008 Woodland City Hall 7-10PM
In attendance: Brian Poehlein (DNR), Jessica Kimmick (DNR), Nick Cronquist (DNR), Eric Albers, Gary Collins, Bill Manbeck, Mike Ames, Mike Hayden, Brenda Hayden, Jerry DeRuyter
Welcome from Jessica:
Discussed the Facilities M&O grant that we went for and some of the descriptions of what the facilities grant entails
Talked about the calendar that Kimmick had previously created and why we we’re re inventing the wheel with the one that Cronquist is creating.
Current projects
Yacolt Burn Planning process:
Discussing the 3 alternatives being created about in the process and they are getting sent back to the planning committee for review, discussion, and edit at the October meeting.
Poehlein discussed that it will be sent through management potentially during November. He asked if the group is hearing feedback from their committee liaisons. Hayden discussed concerns about Cold Creek Campground having a camp host will eliminate use for ATV reservations Group discussed they are getting feedback and just waiting to hear about results about a draft plan.
Educational hike for Sierra Club has been offered as a part of the planning process, so that the members of the Club can get a better understanding of DNR land management and the recreation planning process. Hike will go to Bells Mountain with Kimmick and Unit Forester Ryan Siebold. Manbeck discussed that he talked to committee member Pat Campbell (affiliated with Sierra Club) about getting them a better understanding about ORV’s
4x4s doing a survey of the undesignated 4x4 trails that currently exist to bring back to the committee for potential designation. DeRuyter asked about the GPS/Trimble units and which units were used Poehlein discussed that there were over 220 miles of trails inventoried, all within the Western Yacolt planning unit, by 2 former members of the Washington Conservation Crew who were hired on a 6 month project job to do this for Yacolt and a couple other landscapes in state that are undergoing the same process. Ames stated that it was only 1/3 of the actual trails
Three Corner Rock maintenance update: On Sep 21st , 9 volunteers were out clearing the trail. Prior to this day, several mountain bike volunteers cut the blow down off the trail. It is clear to the top, but still needs some clearing, culverts and water bars need work. The trailhead bridge still needs to be worked on as well. DeRuyter discussed that IMBA wants to place a person in Portland but they need to see there is a larger group and coordination
Poehlein asked if anyone is going to the meeting that IMBA is hosting in Olympia regarding sustainable trail building. None.
Tarbell Trail: Correction crews will be at the end of brushing Collins said the Appaloosa trail is now back to its original trail and took out the reroute
Poehlein updated the group about the DNR spending and hiring freeze.
Kimmick stated that Buckmiller is working on a sign plan for the Tarbell DeRuyter discussed how there are signs that are in the shed that are not put up. Collins talked about the grant that went through 4 years ago that was for the signs
DeRuyter discussed the re-route for the Tarbell that he has discussed with Kimmick We are planning for the excavator to go out to work on this reroute, and DeRuyter is working with Kimmick to get this done in a timely manner. Proposed date for this is Oct. 25th.
Jones Creek Trail:
Ames discussed having the excavator on the Jones Creek Trail going up to do maintenance.
Ames asked if we had the thumb installed on the back-hoe We are in the process, and have been for some time. On October 26th we will be having the work party at 830-9 to get stuff done in preparation for the closed season.
Merrill lake hosts moved to Cold Creek and will be permanent.
Hayden asked why do you have to trailer your quad into and out of camp Stated that it is closing the ATV’s off from camping. Kimmick stated that this is due to the fact that it’s open to general first come, first serve camping and that trailering in ORVs minimizes the likelihood of disturbing other campers.
Collins discussed that there was a plan on the table to pave between the campgrounds
DeRuyter asked about the planning process and stated that all of this is redundant we have been doing this for 10 years
Poehlein stated that there was never a planning process, and there will be a moratorium on people discussing things from 10 years ago
Manbeck stated that the planning has actually been educational because it has been teaching all of us users what will be acceptable in terms of the biology, soil composition, etc.
Discussed how Cold Creek was funded: It was paid for through the state wide gas tax Poehlein discussed how the gas tax revenues worked. Ames asked about usage numbers of that camp? Kimmick stated that it is used very well when there is a camp host available and when it’s open to the public. Day Use will also be accessible with the camp host because the gate will be open.
Dougan hosts took time off for hunting season and the gate is currently closed, and will be accepting reservations until it’s open to public use agai.
Rock Creek: Leroy brought to Kimmick’s attention that there is an outbreak of Pigeon Fever Collins described what Pigeon Fever is and how it works DNR will be putting up information about it at trail heads and Rock Creek.
Ames asked about the planning process: When would you expect to see that process implemented?
Poehlein discussed that this spring we will be getting accepted by the high-ups and once that gets bought off on then funding will be sought and work can begin on the trails. However there will be an issue with bridges that will still need approval.
Albers asked about fundraising for the bridge? If there was a bridge there can we get it repaired. We can discuss if there is existing footings there is approval.
DeRuyter discussed about a 120 foot composite bridge that weighted 35000 lbs that could be put in
Standard about future trail maintenance through SEPA looking at what those standard will be for DNR Poehlein said there is none right now.
Collins discussed that there is a conference in Idaho about coming up with a 5 class naming system. 3-4 is ADA standard this will essentially eliminate animals from the wilderness. Class 5 will be nearly a paved road that is strictly for ATVs.
Group discussed different issues of different classification issues that are on the block for elimination
Talked about multiple use and the impact across the state. And the issues that arise as result.
Inmate crews next project will be completing the maintenance of 3 Corner Rock They also are getting their saw training and we are getting free usage of them on the Mitchell Peak trail, while they practice clearing blow down.
ROUNDTABLE
BIKE DeRuyter: IMBA coming to Forest Park (Portland) and they are starting to have a greater presence in the area Discussed the group from Seattle and what they do and how they came to be.
CATS Working with the Forest Service to man Pine Creek as a group and reopen it hope to get that opened next year Hayden went to a highway vehicle rally up north over 100 people showed up May 9th will be a Poker Run at Stradaline WHOVA rally will be March 13th in Olympia They sponsored a candidate night for people running for county positions, September 18th Going to sponsor a United Nations day party
JONES CREEK
Had 225 person at the Poker Run with no injuries (major) Getting back into the working plan and doing work on the hills on B loop Went out with Riepe on the C loop to brainstorm ways to make that trail safer. The issue is that they are too narrow for quads. Needs to use an excavator, and they plan on buying the turf stones with the grant money they have. $5 each at Mutual Materials Discussed the usage of cyclone fence in muddy sections and its usage in Tahuya and Capital
Pistons Wild Manbeck thanked the DNR for the PUB 85 people 74 vehicles were apart of the clean-up 4.5 vehicles ½ a boat 3 trailer loads very successful event Painted over graffiti at Arrowhead Pit Involved in assisting the quad that went over the edge on the Jones Creek Trail. Poker Run coming up on the 25th in Tillamook Putting on a show and shine at Woody’s on the 12th
BCH Packing tools on the Bear Mountain trail and trying to get a lot of Forest Service work done before the snow Helped out on the 3 Corner Rock work party Planning a Christmas Party Legislative Day in Olympia this spring Noxious weeds are an issue for all of us. WA does not have a weed free hay
Meeting Adjourned 10:00 PM
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:18:12 GMT -8
DECEMBER 2008
NO DECEMBER 2008 MEETING
I think this was cancelled due to inclement weather (if I remember correctly)
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:19:01 GMT -8
FEBRUARY 2009
TAG Meeting Feb. 2, 2009 6:30-8:30 pm
In Attendance: Bill Manbeck, Crystal Crowder, Mike Ames, Barbara Thomas, Jim Anderson, Gary Collins, Jerry DeRuyter, Ross Sicilia, Ryan Ojerio, Henry Bergquist, Eric Albers, Dave Huttula, Kira Dominiak, Richard Dominiak, Darel Crowder, Mike Hayden, Brian Poehlein (DNR), Nick Cronquist (DNR), Josh Riepe (DNR), Kyle Buckmiller (DNR), Jessica Kimmick (DNR)
Update on timber sales Kimmick discussed the following sales: *Active: Corn Palace: might begin logging out road right of way next week. Murphy’s Grade will be impacted. When the road is built, the contractors may put up a gate.
Type N: still active. Blocking 1500 road with yarder, but snowed out just past yarder.
Iron Chef: might currently be working on U3 and U4. Near Bells Mtn. Highlighted areas of map still standing as of 2/4/09. Have done shovel logging over trail in a couple of places. Standing timber needs to be cable yarded due to steep slope, which will result in trail closure for safety purposes. This will begin in approx. 2 weeks and will probably be completed mid April, weather dependent. Signage and watchmen during closure will be in place for safety.
*Upcoming: Berry Nice: T4N R3E, sections 25 &26: sale in Aug. 09. Bells Mountain will be effected by road building, but the rest of the trail is located in the RMZ, so it will be protected. The road will be abandoned after planting.
Bunch Berry: T3N R4E, sections 4&5: sale in Dec. 09. Tarbell trail near Cold Creek Campground will be affected (Unit 1 adjacent)
Sloppy Joe: T4N R3E, sections 13, 14, 16, 21, 24: sale in Jan 2010. Bells Mountain trail just south of Moulton Falls will be affected (Trail goes through Unit 2) Cable yarding possible. Trillium: T3N, R4E, sections 16 & 17: sale in Feb. 2010. Tarbell will be affected. The old L1000J is a potential haul route (road grade proposed in recreation plan as potential downhill mountain bike Trail)
Skull Cap: T3N R4E, sections 13, 17, 18, 19, and 20: sale in April 2010. Affects non-designated trails in the 1410 road area and the Tarbell South of Hidden Falls.
Hagen Creek: T3N R4E, sections 25 & 26 and T3N R5E, section 31: sale In April 2010. Sections 25 and 26 affect undesignated Grouse Vista trail and section 31 off the 1200 rd. has 4x4 damage- rehab potential.
Coyote Creek: T3N R4E, sections 4 & 10: sale in May 2010. Affects Tarbell out of Rock Creek Campground and possibly the undesignated Coyote Creek trail.
Polelander: T4N R4E, sections 34 & 35: sale in June 2010. Affects Tarbell trailhead and trail heading both ways towards Grouse Vista and Rock Creek.
DeRuyter asked if Iron Chef was going to have someone to be there to ensure that the trail will be put back to its original trail condition. Kimmick stated that it is in the contract for the loggers when they were done to put it back to the condition it was in before it was closed.
Concern voiced that Corn Palace is on Ross and Murphy’s grade Kimmick will follow up with information about what road the timber sale will take to help define the parameter s of Murphy’s grade within the Corn Palace sale.
The group asked that at the next meeting they get maps of the sales. Kimmick will contact the presales team about getting a plotted map.
Ames asked for an update on Hot Tub and when the logging starts. Kimmick will follow up.
Current Projects/ Events
YB planning process is being wrapped up Feb 11th is the last meeting of the planning committee We are looking at prioritizing the list of recommendations for future funding. New commissioner potentially could throw a wrinkle in getting things approved, however things are going on as planned Received by off from Region management for recommendations made by the committee. DNR next steps: working with consultants for the trail lay-out for motorized recreation expansion.
Inquiry: What is the impact of the Wind Turbine on the 1400? Poehlein stated that there should be none- towers will not be fenced off.
Last step for plan: DNR needs Executive Management to by off on recommendations.
Bob Drole will be the contracted site designer for the Plan, with Steve Uhles as sub-contractor.
DNR WACS will be changed and is being implemented in a month Language is being changed All trails will be closed instead of posted open
Forest Watch Patrol training dates
One on Feb 19th 6 pm March 9th 6pm
Maintenance and Operations update:
Heavy repair completed on the Tarbell bridge near Cold Creek
The sink hole on the Jones Creek trail has been repaired with the placement of a culvert. Kimmick learned how to run the excavator.
An Eagle Scout student group logged out portions of the Tarbell out of Cold Creek and did maintenance on trail between Cold Creek and Rock Creek as well as in the campgrounds for their Senior Project.
Tunerville campground is getting a toilet replacement. New location will be determined after Feb. 18th archeological shovel test.
Feb. 1st had a Pistons Wild work party pulling vehicles out by the power lines
Bradley trail was looked at by Josh. He wants to put together a work party for that area soon.
Pistons Wild almost got written up for illegal hulk hauling from Clark County Sherriff.
April 18th would like to have a work party to harden trail from Rock Creek to Tarbell trailhead: Thomas wanted to set up some dates and times for work party with Washington Trail Riders Association for Feb. 28th
DeRuyter asked about access to the excavator for usage on the trails- DNR stated that if the request is made with enough time in advance, staff will bring excavator out for work.
Buckmiller discussed that there is limited crew time this year. Repairs to the bridge near Hidden Falls will be done by them and utilize remaining allotted crew time (6.5 days). This year, DNR staff will need to count on volunteers for brushing because of the limited crew time available.
Kimmick stated that RCO (grant funding agency) is no longer accepting sign-ups without signatures, so signatures are needed on all forms from this point forward.
Event Calendar:
May 9th is the clean-up at Tunerville
National Trails Day event possibly on June 6th weather dependent.
National Public Lands Day is Sept. 26th- Pick Up the Burn event.
New Position Update: E and E position is being put through we have an exemption for the hire.
Round Table:
Pistons Wild have been working at pulling vehicles out and keeping things cleaned up 2008 had 25 work parties Group has a new website with photos
PNW 4 wheel drive Association has been working on their event calendar
PUMP Is busy with IMBA getting groups organized in the Portland area. Will bring on 3 board members, total of 8, trying to expand mountain biking opportunities Been working on Weyerhaeuser land to help clear their trails
BCH has a booth at the sportsmen show Getting ready for state meeting in Ellensburg trying to get things together planned out for the summer events. Been going to Beacon Rock working with WTA to improve the trails there
Washington Trail Riders Association Nothing to report
Jones Creek Trail Riders Association got snowed out last month Hangover Scramble at Washougal got 300 people to show up January 1st User work parties
Cold Creek Mountain Bikers are getting together their schedule done on a weather permitting basis Cold Creek Trail has been cleared as you go up to the second bridge
Chinook Trails Association Nothing to report
WTA Beacon Rock is their current priority, as well as work at Cape Disappointment.
Cougar Area Trail Seekers are trying to get out of the snow Road washed out at 503 couldn’t get out. Lots of broken pipes and roof collapses. April 18th at Pine Creek Information Center to clean-up. Upcoming benefit ride- currently looking for a location to hold ride. Going to Sumpter Oregon for a group ride
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
|
|
|
Post by pistonschick on Apr 15, 2009 22:19:54 GMT -8
APRIL 2009TAG meeting April 2, 2009 6:30-8:15 PM In Attendance: Mike Ames, Crystal Crowder, Kira, Rick, and Darian Dominaik, Jim Efflen, Hank Bergquist, Ross Sicilia, Mike Hayden, Gary Collins, Jim Anderson, Bill Manbeck, Ryan Ojeria, Barbara Thomas, Josh Riepe (DNR), Ryan Siebold (DNR), Jesse Steele (DNR), Aaron Nelson (DNR), Jessica Kimmick (DNR), Nick Cronquist (DNR), Timber Sale Updates: Siebold, Steele and Nelson presented upcoming and current timber sale information. Coyote Creek: sale scheduled for auction May 2010, expires Oct 2012. Located just east of Rock Creek CG and impacts Tarbell trail and potentially undesignated trails. Proposed road crosses Tarbell- discussed contract requirements to protect Tarbell. Ground based operation- no yarding activities. Anderson asked when this would take effect- sale is May 2010, but activity timeline will be up to the purchasers. Collins asked if this would impact non-designated Appaloosa Trail- Riepe confirmed it would. Collins asked for protection of this trail per the planning process. Siebold stated that this sale is in the early stages and that they will work with the Recreation Dept. to mitigate damage. Sloppy Joe: to affect about 780 feet of the Bells Mtn. trail. All located on cable ground- not much equipment other than a yarder and shovel loading logs. Rest of trail in unit is in leave tree islands. Just north is county land. Contract language is discussed per recreation. Early stages. Corn Palace: Impacts Tarbell, Murphy Grade and L1000. Began 2/11/2009 and contract expires 10/31/2010. Road construction window: April 15-Oct. 15. Currently inactive until this summer (no date set), and harvest to take place during similar time, unless authorized otherwise. Contract language is discussed per recreation. Sea of Gold: Impacts L-1000, L-1000-J, and L-1020. Work begins April 09, expires 10/31/2011. There will be high traffic along 1000 road during this time. No designated trails directly impacted, but unofficial trails running through unit will have signage posted within 300 feet of all harvest activity. Affects “the flats” area. Loafer: impacts Murphy Grade, Tarbell trail, L-1000, L-1509, L-1100 and L-1210. The same regulations as Corn palace are in place- purchaser must submit written plan addressing trail closures, signage posting, lookouts, damage/repair, debris management and weekend restrictions. This is a ground based operation so they will pile slash mats to walk equipment on trails so that equipment doesn’t rip up trails- mats will be removed during weekends and holidays so that they are open. Trillium: Impacts L-1000, L-1000-J, L-1210, L-1211 and an old grade that’s being used- areas with public use will have signage posted about 300 ft. from units. Sells Feb. 2010 and expires 10/31/2012 (tentative) Berry Nice: Located off of Berry Road. Impacts Bells Mtn. trail- road grade will cross trail. Signs to be posted when road building and hauling. Trail will be open weekends and holidays. Also impacts L-1410 N, and L-1410-1. Ames asked for an activity update about Hot Tub U1 & U2. No notification yet- no plans. Anderson asked if the purchasers are waiting for timber prices to come back up- Siebold suspects that is the case, as the market is stagnant at this point. Crowder asked when Hot Tub expires? Oct. 2010. Ojeria asked for a description of the type of logging the DNR performs. Siebold: variable retention harvest- policies and HCP (Habitat Conservation Plan) with Fish & Wildlife to protect large snags and RMZs (Riparian Management Zones- streams and wetlands), and we also do timber thinnings and pole sales in the area (such as near the Bells Mtn trail denoted by yellow and red flagging- not much impact). Hayden asked about the Cougar 90 road area. Siebold: not a whole lot of activity there due to spotted owl habitat. Rashford Ridge is a potential out there- Kimmick will follow up and get back to the group about that sale. Update: Rashford Ridge sells in July 2009 (1st quarter sale, could be in Aug. or Sept.) and could potentially haul on the 90 Road. Ames asked for an update on Remington Steele. Siebold: currently advertised- on website about a week ago, and it’s up for bid in May. Ames asked what are the odds of things happening this summer? Siebold stated that May is usually a good sale month, but it’s a 3 season sale and the current climate makes it hard to say. Type N: complete- moving out now. Ames asked about avoiding undesignated trails for planning process- Timber Sales and Recreation are working together to protect some undesignated trails with historic use. Ames asked about Corn Palace and what’s after right of way logging? Siebold: Road building. Ames: Is that to happen soon? Nelson: No. The soonest they are expected to be in there is midsummer due to difficulty moving wood right now. They stopped before it got bad- no cat work has been done yet. Ames: what about Loafer? Nelson described that it’s about ¼ mile or so from Tarbell and Murphy Grade trails. It did not sell last week- nothing is currently planned- in holding pattern. Siebold stated that it was a bad auction- the smaller sales are the ones that moved. Kimmick will ask TBS about possible access to the Grouse Vista Trail through Hot Tub sale on behalf of JCTRA Yacolt Burn Planning Process Update: Kimmick discussed planning process grants (project grants) and contractor visit. The plan hasn’t been approved by Executive Management yet, but Recreation is proceeding to pursue funding for projects. Project grants for this cycle will be for the proposed motorized campground/trailhead and for several bridges on new trails. Crowder asked about grant amounts. Cronquist stated that the campground: cap 200,000 and bridges (2) 178,000. Will be presented this fall and if approved Jan 1. Crowder asked about the current economic climate and what our chances look like. Cronquist said that it depends on what happens with the state budget and RCO. There are a lot of people going after grants now, which is a little different than in the past. Cronquist asked for pictures to help out with these grants- bridges and wet crossings… Manbeck: what types of bridges are you looking at? The bridge types depend on the type of trails recommended for coming out of the campground/trailhead system. Collins asked about preferred sites for campground- looking at an area about 1 mile west of 4 corners on the 1400. Collins asked about the wind farm- not impacted. Crowder formally requested that bridges accommodate 4x4 use. Cronquist described different pots of money for different types of grants. The project grants are still in early planning stages. M&O Project Update: Riepe for Motorized M&O: getting ready for work party April 25. Fliers have been sent out electronically, and Cronquist has hard copies. The ESD Construction Academy will be starting work on April 16 to do projects on Jones Creek- puncheon work, fence fixing at beginners riding area, etc. Carsonite post purchase has been made. Next week, needs assistance to move a load of gravel, requested help from JCTRA with 6x6. Ames asked if needed someone to drive it as well- Riepe would feel better if someone from club could operate. Any day, Tues-Fri. Needs to move 2 yards of gravel. Equipment crew started work near new Tarbell reroute (1216 road), may have gotten a little messed up. Kimmick for Non-Motorized M&O: Completed projects include installing 2 culverts near Rock Creek CG on Tarbell, as well as moving 20 tons of gravel to harden wet spots (with the help of the Backcountry Horsemen and Washington Trail Riders Association along with others). Upcoming projects include motorized use mitigation at L-1000N near Cold Creek- fence installation project near timber sale. Manbeck asked where this was- where the Tarbell crosses the road, visible bank damage. Current projects include: signing the Tarbell and Bells Mtn. trails with mile markers, and assessments of culverts, water bars and bridges. Also organizing “pack in” style event to get gravel on Bells Mountain bridge approaches as well as fixing culverts on the trail. Update: BCH/WTRA hosting work party on April 18, utilizing mules to pack in gravel on Tarbell out of Rock Creek CG. DNR hosting work party weekend April 18-19, utilizing pack goats and volunteers to pack in gravel on Bells Mtn. trail. Cold Creek Mtn Bikers also doing work on Tarbell on April 18 on Cold Creek portion of trail. Event Calendar 2009: Cronquist stated that when he sent out the newsletter, he was looking for responses on photo and t-shirt contest. He’s looking for photos to help promote volunteerism and to help with grant applications. It serves as a way to promote what’s going on and what you do in the forest. Also looking for ideas for the new t-shirt designs- get creative juices flowing. Something you would want to wear. ORV Safety Summit- coming up May 9 at Straddaline ORV Park up north. DNR partnering with WHOVA and it is generating into large event. Groups include: AMA, PNW4x4, South Sound Honda, Moonshiners Jeep Club, Wheelers of WA, WA State Dealers Assn., Henshaws Honda, Stump Jumpers, NMA, Difficult Trail, State Patrol, Yakima and Thurston county sheriffs, vendors, etc. Extended an invitation to groups to come set up information booths. User groups up north will be joining in. Hayden asked what would be expected for booths? It will be a fair type atmosphere- giveaways for people visiting x amount of booths. Safety summit- 10am-2pm. WHOVA Expo afterwards. Starts around 1:30. Free admission. Ames asked how to get a booth? Talk to Cronquist. Crowder mentioned that Cle Elum Ranger District has great volunteer motorized programs. Mickey Douglas is the contact’s name. Anderson mentioned BCH will be there- isn’t there a tread lightly that motorized groups does? Cronquist stated yes, but hasn’t been able to contact anyone directly about bringing this information. Hayden asked if Capitol forest will be open May 1- yes, this year the open and close dates for motorized use is consistent region wide. Conversation ensued regarding trails connecting Straddaline and Capitol forest- illegal, and have been blocked off due to abuse and vandalism. It was a group effort between user groups and Straddaline. Porter is the nearest campground to Straddaline, but Middle Waddell is the only one you can ride out of (20 minutes from Straddaline). Straddaline is near Rock Candy. Upcoming Work Parties: April 25: Jones Creek Opener Work Party + BBQ May 2: Merrill Lake work party with Clark/Skamania Fly Fishers May 9: ORV Safety Summit May 16-17: Tunerville work party with Willapa Hills BCH Roundtable: Ames (Jones Creek Trail Riders Association): had elections last month- Ames is new VP of Operations, new liaison is Bruce Wells (couldn’t come this time). Had a few work parties recently, working with DNR on 25th. Crowder (Pistons Wild): Forest Watch Patrol had 2 patrols in Yacolt. Very few 4x4s, but many dirtbikes on trails. Been handing out packets to redirect to legal trail riding along with informationals about groups and user ettiquite. Invited TAG to provide ettiquite informationals (all groups) for the packets. Last weekend, worked in Tillamook- cleared trees and surveyed trails. Tentatively working on assisting with pothole patching project near Jones Creek Trail. FWP has been working on educating one on one with folks who don’t know how to use the forest to change behaviors Anderson stated that BCH have good Leave No Trace folders for packets. Anderson (Backcountry Horsemen): has been busy working with WTA on Beacon Rock,. Had good Tarbell work party on Feb. 28, and were up there again last Saturday. Legislative day March 2 went very well. Mount St Helens (MSH) Advisory Group had meeting last Monday working through public comment, to be making final recommendations soon to politicians. Been trying to get up to Kalama Horse Camp, but been snowed out. Collins (Blue Ribbon Coalition) site has article up now requesting letters regarding Forest Service vs. Park Service with MSH. Last meeting is in Camas on April 13. Hayden (Cougar Area Trail Seekers): discussed further FS vs. Park Service re: MSH. May 2-3 heading to Camp Dakota in Oregon just south of Mollala for jeep runs and other motorized activities. Oregon passed law that ATVs now need card to ride- pay attention. This year it’s 16 and older, next it’s the age of 30, after that it will be everyone. www.atvrideoregon.org is where you can find out info about this. It’s free, but it’s a mandatory training. (online chapters and quizzes then a 50 question test) This test includes all types of ORVs- dirtbikes, ATV, etc. K. Dominaik suggested that people read the questions well and read the chapters- the questions seem to be wrong to folks who are seasoned riders, so don’t rely on your experiential knowledge. Registered 3 kids under 16- you have to have one adult to register with you. Tried to register as a family, but since there is more than one adult over 18 registered, you have to get your own account. Still up for the April 18 Pine Creek work party. On DNR property, wants to clean up dumping area in Siouxon- talk to Cronquist or Kimmick about this. 1st week in June, CATS will be riding in Sumpter OR again- opening invite to join in the fun. Ojeria (Washington Trails Association) been working at Cape Disappointment on hiking trails. Beacon Rock state park- but been snowed out. April 11-12, 25-26 and a couple of weekends in May. MSH- officially WTA has no position about what should be done with that. Would like to see more funding for trails, visitor centers and good science. Locals want it to stay the way it is. Will be working on the Loowit trail this summer. Has a Trails and Ales event on April 21, 7-9 pm at Ruby Tuesday. Thomas (Washington Trail Riders Association)- Backcountry Horsemen is going to bring a couple of more loads of gravel to Rock Creek for Tarbell hardening. Bergquist (Chinook Trails Association): Bells Mountain Trail is waiting for goats and gravel. Manbeck (Pacific NW 4x4 Association): PNW and Pistons finished up the rehab of the Dole Valley damage- 13 people with Dan Friezse, he was surprised to see so many. Planted 300 saplings and cuttings- 3 different types of tree. Once it grows in, you won’t be able to tell anything happened back there. Got phone call a week ago Wednesday to pull someone out of 1500 road in snow- ill prepared jeep and no experience (teen). Adjourned 8:15. Kimmick will follow up with group with information regarding the Riff Raff timber sale (regarding Hayden’s request about activities near the 90 Road)
|
|