Updated info on Cleveland Forest Closures: Maple Springs/MW now OPEN

[guero]

Originally Posted by ocrider

Its not only the F/S's decision. Well it is but there hands are often tied by interest groups like the sierra club. They could get sued like they did over Maple Springs, if they feel the F/S is not letting the burn area recover properly. They are also mandated by an NEPA and AQMD, to keep dust under control from erosion(from use) because it effects the air quality. We all want it just open but its not that simple. So make sure when these areas do open that you stay on the trails because the closure can be reinstated.

thanks for the info matt.

i have to comment though, omg! 'dust' to cause air pollution, never mind the millions of vehicles and industrial factories that pollute the air...i wonder how many hikers/mt. bikers would it take to cause dust pollution?

as our buddy huell would say...

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Matt's info is correct. Most trail users have waited a year and to screw it up now and poach after waiting all that time would not be smart.

Every opportunity I have I plead with the USFS to open the STT and Luge as mountain bikers are generally respectful people and CARE about that trail and will be caretakers of it. They will call in and report any 4x4s or motos on that trail or anyone cutting the trails.

As frustrating as it is (and believe me I am frustrated at their decision too) they are in a tough spot, and they can't jeopardize the situation by opening it prematurely. Hopefully they'll open it after the first rains.

[tkblazer]

enjoying a beer up at the flag is always good times

[ArrrKelly]

The luge is weak sauce. Aliso has the best riding especially at night.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

From The Warriors Society website...

1. CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURE AREA RE-OPENING UPDATE

After negotiating with the Forest Service we are confident that all of the forest, with the exception of the Harding Truck Trail, will be opened on November 9th. Originally they had planned to open only Maple Springs, the Silverado Trail and the Main Divide from Black Star to Maple Springs. The only issue which will prevent this forest opening is if the fire danger rating is critical due to the expected fall dry Santa Ana winds. As I previously mentioned in past weekly news we cannot afford another fire in the areas that have burned or this will severely jeopardize the chaparral environment from recovering allowing the further invasion of non-native plants and grasses.

The Joplin Trail is some what overgrown but the good news is the Warrior’s Society, under the direction of front country trail director Jim Jennings, has rehabilitated the Luge Trail, which suffered some severe damage after the flash floods we had in May of this year. This rehabilitation included the rerouting of the bottom of the trail to move it away from private property and included a new creek crossing. Jim and his volunteers have spent about 500 hours on this project.

One warning: the closure may be reinitiated if off-trail use cannot be controlled. The Forest Service is mandated to protect and assist the recovery of the burn areas by both the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and AQMD regulations related to air quality (dust from the burn areas). If off trail use results in the increasing erosion of the burned areas the Forest Service can be sued by environmental groups forcing a long lasting closure. What these environmental groups could not accomplish through Wilderness Bills and Forest plans could be accomplished by lawsuits due to a small group of irresponsible hikers, mountain bikers and OHV users.

Please be responsible and stay on the trails/road when the forest reopens. Stay off the Harding Truck Trail, which will be patrolled by off-duty CHP motorcycle officers on dual sport motorcycles in conjunction with the Warrior’s Society. Their will be a no-tolerance policy by the Forest Service and anyone caught off-trail will have their bike confiscated and subject to $5,000 dollar fine and jail time.

Read more here...

So please be patient folks, it looks like STT and Luge have a good chance of being re-opened on November 9th.

[Chewyeti]

yay! lets get a water truck up there and control some dust

[sailcalifornia]

"The only trail projects we have planned in fall is earth work on the Silverado Trail and the brushing of the Joplin Trail. This work may be done in-house by the Warrior’s Society and not public events."

Why would you not want other peoples help?

Cause I am sure there are people that would.

[maxwell]

Originally Posted by sailcalifornia

"The only trail projects we have planned in fall is earth work on the Silverado Trail and the brushing of the Joplin Trail. This work may be done in-house by the Warrior’s Society and not public events."

Why would you not want other peoples help?

Cause I am sure there are people that would.

My understanding is that the WS is under the impression that trail work done with "our" (the public) help, turns into a social event.
By no means should "all of us" get together, work the trails we love, and have a good time doing it.
It would then show that we can ALL take care of OUR trails, and not be depending on the Warrior's Society to do it for us.

Joplin is a public trail. Once it opens a trailwork day can be set up, and some brushing can be done. Be prepaired for some hiking, a lot of work, and a lot of poison oak.

It you are not willing to make those sacrifice's, and a lot of rider's aren't, then nothing can be said.

I am, I have, so I do.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by sailcalifornia

"The only trail projects we have planned in fall is earth work on the Silverado Trail and the brushing of the Joplin Trail. This work may be done in-house by the Warrior’s Society and not public events."

Why would you not want other peoples help?

Cause I am sure there are people that would.

First of all it does say "may" be done in-house. So you never know...

Please don't take offense or take it the wrong way. The WS is trying to do good and maintain the forest trails for the public and it is not our mission to exclude the public.

However, I often wonder the same thing and suggest the public is willing to help so we should invite them to more work events. But I think it often boils down to it is just simpler and safer (insurance) to keep the work in-house and the extent of the work may not call for large groups of people.

There will be opportunities for the general public to help in WS work events, just not on these two work events.

But like Maxwell says, these are public trails and if you want to carry loppers up to Joplin (once it's open) and trim poison oak on your own, hey, more power to you.

[DISCO]

Well guys, sometimes planning trail work can get complicated. Most of the warriors who participate in trail work have attended the day long trail maintenance workshop the forestry service hosts annually. If any of the general public had attended they could have had their own administrative pass provided they have contributed enough hours and taken the time to fill in all the appropriate paper work so that they are clearly maintaining a trail and not just digging a rut across a fire road. The warriors have the right to keep things quiet if they choose to ensure the work is not only up to their standards, but those of the powers that control the land. We are all but guests and must remember that if winds, floods, or fire make the wild areas dangerous not only for the individual who may choose to disobey but for the safety of the emergency personnel who would be dispatched to retrieve them.

In other news the Holy Jim fire dept will be having a harvest festival and raffle to benefit charity or something, since all these guys are volunteers as well it would be nice to throw a couple of bucks in the basket if you are out riding
saturday October 11th from noon to four.

I have many times ridden with a hatchet, loppers, saws and a shovel and still enjoy lending a hand to trail safety, no matter it will always be impossible to please everyone all the time. After all some folks like to mix bikes and beers, some don't . Some like poaching trails and others prefer to lead by example, all I'm saying is that if you have not anything kind to share, the poison oak is all yours..

[Rockinthecasbah]

lol

[AKmoney]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed... I've been suffering greatly from LWS, ie, Luge Withdrawal Syndrome. I'm sure it might be a completely different trail after all it's been through (much like the way parts of Whiting Ranch are now) but either way I can't wait to introduce that trail to my new Ibis Mojo.

Thanks to everyone who's worked hard to make these trails rideable once again for all of us!

[maxxisracing]

Does anyone know when the luge and old camp ect... is opening. Also whats the website that has all this info.

[BrewMaster]

Nov 10 is what I keep hearing.

[dirtvert]

nov. 10 for most trails, but not the luge, i think? if you search it, you'll find the info- it was just discussed in the last week.

and, evidently, it's open for dumbasses now...

[tkblazer]

i think i'm gonna try and climb it before all the traffic starts

[Keith B]

I might go for a spin up it on my quad bike later. Anyone else in?

[genusmtbkr5]

Yes Santiago Truck Trial and the Luge including Old Camp will open when the rest of the Forest opens. Only Harding will remain closed.

You can go to the WS website here: http://www.warriorssociety.org/voices/?p=209

It says the 9th, but it's actually the 10th which is a Monday.

I merged threads.

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Yes Santiago Truck Trial and the Luge including Old Camp will open when the rest of the Forest opens. Only Harding will remain closed.

You can go to the WS website here: http://www.warriorssociety.org/voices/?p=209

It says the 9th, but it's actually the 10th which is a Monday.

I merged threads.

Parking lot at Cooks is going to be stacked deep this MTBers for a while... No room for those damn Choppers


WOOT WOOT STT luge Night rides are looking to get a whole lot better very soon