Stewards of the Seqouia Working for Us

KTMrad · July 19, 2012

Stewards really does a lot for the trails in the Kernville area....please consider supporting them with a donation, if you haven't already......

Ice Timber Project May Cause Temporary Closures of Just Outstanding Trail

Stewards of the Sequoia have been working with the Forest Service for about two years during the planning of their Ice Timber Project to reduce wildfire hazard by removing fuels in the area. Good thing too because the Just Outstanding trail was not identified in the project, which meant it could have been obliterated.

Stewards efforts were able help the Forest Service recognize the need to preserve the existing single track character of the trail as much as possible. This will be tricky because the Just Outstanding trail is actually the old logging skid road. Initially the Forest Service had planned to open up the trail with a bulldozer to be used again as a skid road. However they are now going to avoid impacting the trail as much as possible and to leave as many trees near the trail as possible to preserve the character.

As part of our follow up I called both the Forest Service timber planner and the owner of Sierra Forest Products, the company who will be performing the work starting in about 2-3 weeks. I re-emphasized to them Just Outstanding trail is one of the top ten rated trails in California and that we really need them to be mindful of how important it is to the public and local economy and to protect the trail. They are now committed to do so as much as possible.

Stewards of the Sequoia supports multiple use. We recognize that all forms of recreation and land use need to share our public lands. That has been our platform since 2004 and has enabled Stewards to keep almost all trails from being closed. We continue to believe sharing our lands is the best way to keep them open and healthy for everyone. That means timber management will sometimes impact our precious trails.

Keep in mind this timber project will thin the forest to promote forest health, which in the long run means these lands will not incinerate in a massive wildfire that would certainly be even worse for the Just Outstanding trail and the environment.

If not for logging there would be no Just Outstanding trail because the trail is on the skid road built by logging. We need to be tolerant and understanding of the need to thin our overgrown forests to promote forest health. This project will harvest a renewable resource that we all use every day. It will provide jobs and pay taxes.

Please respond to this email if you are interested in possibly volunteering to help put some sections of the trail back into single track shape after the project is completed.

The actual starting date of the project is about 2-3 weeks from now based on when crews get off other projects. Closures will most likely only be on weekdays. We will send out a notice of the actual date as soon as that is available. Please be careful if you are on the trail and observe all temporary closures for your own safety and the workers.

A big thank you to the Forest Service and Sierra Forest Products for their willingness to go above and beyond what they are required to do in order to help preserve the Just Outstanding trail.

Here is a short slideshow outlining why active management like the Ice Timber Project are needed

Here is more information about Wildfires

Chris Horgan

Executive Director

Stewards of the Sequoia

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESS

Lake Isabella KOA Campground is a great place to camp, buy groceries, swim, and more.

You'll find everything from large, shady pull thrus to tent sites, a family pool, playground, game room, general store and pub. Ice cream socials, crafts, games for all ages, pancake breakfasts and movie nights help make your stay great!

The KOA owners support Stewards of the Sequoia so please go by and tell them you appreciate it.

You can make reservations and find out more at:

http://lakeisabellakoa.com/

Support the folks who support Stewards

IMPORTANT ISSUES STEWARDS ARE WORKING ON:

•FOREST PLANNING REVISION

http://www.stewardsofthesequoia.org/ALERT-NationalForestPlanRule.html

•KEEPING THE PIUTE TRAILS OPEN TO ALL

http://stewardsofthesequoia.org/AlertSequoiaTrailInventory.html

•STEWARDS WORKS WITH BLM TO ENSURE MOTORIZE RECREATION ACCESS IS PRESERVED

http://www.stewardsofthesequoia.org/ALERT-BLM-RMP2011.html

•STEWARDS SUPPORTS FOREST MANAGEMENT TO PROMOTE PIUTE FOREST HEALTH