Adopting Pipejam?

[chicomecha]

What are your thoughts on asking Amber Scott at LNF about having 4x4TrailFinders.com officially adopt Pipejam - the section of the High Lakes OHV area from Spring Valley to R-line?  It might be a first for having an online "organization" adopt a trail.

Or is that a COW - a Can-O-Worms?

[Pantheus]

What are your thoughts on asking Amber Scott at LNF about having 4x4TrailFinders.com officially adopt Pipejam - the section of the High Lakes OHV area from Spring Valley to R-line?  It might be a first for having an online "organization" adopt a trail.

Or is that a COW - a Can-O-Worms?

No, not a can of worms.  But it isn't done through L.N.F.   but Cal4Wheel.   Forms at: http://www.cal4wheel.com/

The only worms 'might' be that The Paradise 4 Wheelers *think* they have adopted the *entire* High Lakes.  And at one time they did a 'fair' job of doing so, but that was back when they had 30+ members.   Now they have less than 6,  but won't yield the Adopt-a-trail "status". 

I've spoken with Amber about my "club" High Lakes Trekkers adopting it,  so there was a valid, working group involved.   She was being PC when she said "Let the Clubs that use it, work it out".

Doug might have more background.

I might take a run at  The L.N.F. Forest Supervisor,  and see what happens.

This assumes of course that "we" really want to be involved,  and take it on.  I'm very much in favor,  but we'd need to work through the PC process.

What do more of ya'll think?

Ken

[Sar 450]

I like the idea and I would be more than willing to help out as much as possible.

[toyoder]

im not as close as some of you but i do wheel up there and i could help out when i can

[chicomecha]

So I know I floated the idea, now if someone would tell me what is expected of us if we did adopt a trail.

[Pantheus]

Basically, Adopt-A-Trail (AAT) takes ":ownership" and "responsibility" for the maintenance and upkeep of a particular area.  Generally speaking it means clearing down trees,  repairing those places we *can* repair, asking for L.N.F. for those we can't.  Cleaning rubbish and cans where possible. In essence we'd be the eyes and ears for L.N.F. on "our" trail.  These are somethings we do anyway, every time we are there.

The Cal4Wheel Standard Operating Procedures state that we apply through the Natural Resource Consultant for an area.  And that it must be coordinated with the Land Management Agency (L.N.F.)  I have written to the Consultant asking for the paperwork,  and his help.  It is a man I brought into Cal4Wheel in 1976 or so, when I was North District Membership Chairman, so I've known him for a while.

Incidentally, when I was President of Cal4Wheel I help put together the AAT with Washington D.C. Department of Interior,  and actually signed the Memorandum of Understanding that made the concept reality in about 1979.

I've started the process,  but it doesn't mean we need to complete it or even proceed with it,  but we can't do anything without starting there.

Oh, 'ya, one other thing.  So far as I know, every AAT project has been with a Cal4Wheel *club*, so we'd be breaking ground in that area, too.  I know at least two of us *are* Cal4Wheel members, Chicomecha and myself,  but I'm not sure what we'd have to do to be considered.

Ken

[Sar 450]

I just joined Cal4wheel.

[Pantheus]

Congratulations,  and THANKS!  They do tremendously great work, and need the support of even more Four Wheelers.  Without them 4 Wheeling in California would have become only a dream, and places only like the Clay Pits in Oroville, Chappie,  Parks, and no doubt Pay for Play.

[Sar 450]

I should of joined a long time ago.When a trail is adopted,how much of a pain is it to work on the trail without LNF looking over our shoulders?

[Pantheus]

That would be non issue at all.  The only time they'd even be involved is if we needed some heavy equipment, or trailers of rock, or something beyond our reach (or desires).  Basically we maintain, they win.

Forest Services in general are having huge budget cuts,  and don't have the resources to properly manage all of the areas.  Were it not for the volunteers and Adopt-a-Trail participants they'd have no choice but to close what they can't manage because of lack of resources.

The Recreation people who look over the High Lakes area are super folks, easy to deal with,  and get along with. 

Here's an example:  They *know* we carry chain saws and use them.  They just don't want to"know" about it ...  for safety reasons.  They can't tell us to cut downed trees but they are mighty happy they disappear.

Ken

[Sar 450]

Thats the answer I wanted to hear.I know up at my dads camp its a real pain to get anything done without appoval.

[NoWorries]

FYI - I just sent a membership check to Cal4Wheel.  So, if you want to make a case for 4x4 trail finders being adopters of the trail and that they seem to have some Cal4Wheel members.  I will gladly help.

thanks.

[chicomecha]

Thats great.  They need all the support we can give to keep public access to public lands.  We really have a gem in our access to great lands.  The West is about the only place this is the case anymore, and many e-groups want to shut us out.  We just want to get to that great fishing hole!

[Sage]

Hey! Add me to the list! I just got my new member package from CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF 4WD CLUBS!!!

That Kid of mine got me a great birthday gift, huh!!

Now I'm looking for that extra 15 hoursepower that I believe Ken was spoutin' off about.......something about them "Yeller Stickers" that makes the Heep go better!

[Pantheus]

Well, Happy Birthday, Sage ....   !!!

Yes,  your son sure did well...   congratulations...  and  welcome to the Association !

Thanks, G. G.   well done.


Ken