Jump to content

Recommended Posts

It appears that the USFS is in need more volunteers to re-open Corral Canyon.

Unfortunatley the days conflict with the Desert Dash.

If you do not intend to join us at the Desert Dash 2007, consider volunteering.

******************************************************************

Corral Canyon Update

Work is proceeding despite some weather and equipment challenges in the

past several weeks. Trails Unlimited is working on replacing the damaged

tread on the trails that are scheduled to open first. Conservation camp and

contractor crews are working in the area as well. We are nearing completion

of the preparations needed to for the first phase of reopening the area.

Date for First Phase of Reopening

Although we have had to push it back a few weeks from initial estimates,

the first phase of re-opening Corral Canyon will be complete in the next

several weeks. The plan is to restore public access to the area that was

least affected by the Horse Fire on March 1st, 2007. Weather and unforeseen

circumstances permitting we are in good shape for reaching that goal. The

plan to keep areas that were severely burned closed for erosion control and

soil stabilization remains the same. The fence along trail 3 and 3a will be

the boundary of the open area.

Some sections Need More Work

The areas south and west of the fence need more work before they can be

used for recreation again. These are the areas where the vegetation was

burned almost completely. Without vegetation there is nothing to contain

the run-off from storms. Crews will be working in those areas and the

installed mitigation measures will need to stay undisturbed to be

effective. Recreation access will not be restored to the badly burned areas

until the areas can sustain the activity.

What Can You Do?

Please pass the word that the areas needing more work will open sooner if

they remain undisturbed. Until those areas are stabilized the risk of

losing large chunks of the routes to slides and erosion is significant. It

is far better to let the crews work unhindered and let the ground heal by

staying out of the closed area then to have those trails damaged beyond

repair. Since a high incidence of trespass into these areas that need work

could force closure of the entire Corral Canyon OHV area everyone needs to

do what they can to convince users to remain in the open area. The areas

undergoing continued rehabilitation work will be closely monitored by

Forest Service Law Enforcement and Volunteer OHV Patrols. It will also take

proactive off-roaders who won't stand for their recreation areas being

damaged and/or closed by the actions of hooligans and careless users.You as

an off-roader will determine the future of Corral Canyon. Fortunately the

ecosystem in the area rebounds well from fire. We will have the damaged

area open as soon as possible and with your help it will sooner than later.

Another Volunteer Weekend

There will be two more volunteer days the weekend before the opening. The

dates will be 2/24/07 and 2/25/07. Plans are to work on projects until

lunch time. After lunch all volunteers who want to will be able to take

their machines out on the trails to test the new tread. We will meet at

Four Corners at 9:00 am both days. A list of projects will be sent out next

week. Bring your work gear AND your off-roading gear.

Contact me if you have questions otherwise I will look forward to seeing

you at Corral Canyon.

Richard Tull

OHV Program Manager

Descanso Ranger District

Cleveland National Forest

3348 Alpine Blvd.

Alpine, CA 91901

(619) 445 6235 ext 3451

"Reality is an illusion, albeit a very persistent one"

Albert Einstein

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×

Important Information