Forbidden Trail Closer

Forbidden Trail has been officially closed by the Caspar Watershed Study Staff. The reason for the closer is to stop use that may cause soil to wash into the stream.
I meet with JDSF and Caspar Watershed Staff earlier this year to look at the Moguls Trail. They do not like this trail because it also may cause soil to wash into the water. This area has an ongoing study to monitoring water quality and any excess soil in the water will mess up their data. At that time the Watershed Staff did not think Forbidden was a problem. Motorcycles started using the trail so probably the extra heavy use changed their minds.
At this time I think it is unlikely these trails will be reopened. I will try to get a new trail approved downstream of the study area so there will be a loop using the Caspar Crossing Trail as one leg.

Get out and Ride!

Moguls Trail Closure

I met with JDSF and Caspar Creek Watershed Study staff 11/5/09 at the Recreational Task Force meeting. Everyone apologized for not letting us know before closing the trail. The reason for the closure is to immediately stop use that is contributing to soil washing into streams in the Caspar Watershed Study area. This study monitors water quality before and after timber harvest work. It is important for this study's accuracy to keep erosion not related to harvesting to a minimum. I asked to be given an opportunity to try and reopen the trail by addressing the erosion problems. In my opinion this would be the best long-term solution. Staff was open to this. I will set up a field meeting to look at the problems with staff and ask that the public be invited as well. This will not happen overnight so please respect this closure.

Chris

July Trail Work Day

Another trail work day is history!

Eleven MCC members came out to help clear downed trees, branches, and brush from old Rd 552. The trail is now ridable from Rd 555 (Berry Gulch road) to Rd 740 (Old Mill Farm access). A new trail was cleared from the old trailer to Rd 740 to bypass some large fallen redwood trees near the Old Mill Farm property.
This is a beautiful area and a good bypass to Rd 408. Check it out next time you are on this part of the forest!

Stan getting ready to play in the mud. His shirt was not nearly as white when he was done!

John and David D attack the Pompas Grass jungle.

Roo stays clear of Gene's Circle of Death!

Colin clears a log out of dip while Nick checks the line.

Mike clears some of many branches from the trail.

Colin and Marc rest up for the final assault.

Gene ready to finish last section after lunch.

I didn't get a good shot of Rick, or of me chasing down folks to get their photos.
Thank you all for helping make this a great work day!

Get out and ride!

Chris

Caspar Creek Crossing Trail

Mendocino Coast Cyclists latest trail is complete. The trail connects Caspar Little Lake Rd. (409) to Forest Road 600.

JDSF has mapped the new trail and I will try to get a map made soon.

From Rd 409 the trail starts near the three-mile marker look for a turn out on north side of the road with a no dumping sign. Head north on the old logging rd, take the first left turn, then stay straight at next cross rd. The trail starts across the old landing at the end of the rd. At the bottom the trail crosses a log across Caspar Creek.

This trail was not constructed for horse traffic and would need extensive hardening before it would hold up to horses.

Please tread lightly on this and all trails.

Get out and enjoy our area!

Chris

JDSF Cleared Manley Gulch Slide

A few weeks after I asked if JDSF could have a crew clear the slide on the Manley Gulch Trail and was told "probably not" they got it cleared! I was not looking forward to cutting all the downed trees and digging the slide off of the trail although I was sure to have lots of help from other MCC members.
Hope we don't have any more major trail problems!
Chris