Rather than improve management on the nearly 1,400 miles of existing roads and motorized trails on the Tahoe National Forest, the Tahoe is proposing to add at least 70 more miles of trails for use by Off-Road Vehicles (ORV).
This is a major concern for all of us who love hiking, fishing, camping, climbing, kayaking, horseback riding, bird-watching and just hanging out in the peace and quiet of our National Forest.
We believe that the forest can be shared by ALL users, but none of the plans that the Forest Service is proposing in their Draft Environmental Impact Statement protects the interests of 85% of the users of the Tahoe National Forest, who enjoy quiet forms of recreation.
The pressures of growth and development in California are spilling over into the Tahoe. The quest for more horsepower and speed is resulting in larger and more powerful off-road vehicles coming to the Tahoe. The peace of the forest is gone for those of us who prefer quiet forms of recreation like hiking, camping, fishing and horseback riding. If the Forest Service does not apply a firm hand to control the use of these vehicles, the quiet, pristine forest we value could disappear.
ORVs ARE A PROBLEM
ORV's cause noise, erosion, pollution and damage to meadows, rivers, and wildlife. We have found oil spills from ORVs; we have heard their roar; we have seen the destruction they have caused to river beds and stream banks in the Tahoe National Forest.
ACT NOW!
If you have enjoyed the peace and quiet of the Tahoe National Forest, act now to preserve and protect it! Write a letter to the Forest Service today objecting to the expansion of ORV routes.
GET INFORMED!
For more information about the damage ORV's cause to the forest click here
For maps of the proposed new ORV routes click here
For photos of ORV damage to the Tahoe National Forest click here.
For an easy way to email your letter to the Forest Service, click here.
Don't get run over by the well-funded and highly organized ORV lobby-make your voice be heard. Write today to the Tahoe National Forest to Just Say No to more ORVs in the forest!
Monday, October 27, 2008
ORV Facts
Use these facts in your letters to the Forest Service to object to their plan to open at least 280 more miles of trails to Off Road Vehicles:
- The Tahoe National Forest transportation system includes approximately 2,640 miles of roads and 760 miles of motorized trails. Additionally, there are nearly 2,500 miles of new unauthorized routes on the Tahoe National Forest.
- High density of roads and motorized trails reduces the opportunities for other users to experience the naturalness, solitude and scenery.
- In areas with extensive and heavily used ORV trail networks, sedimentation effects may influence entire watersheds.
- Approximately 70% of the 387 vertebrate species occurring on the Tahoe National Forest either live exclusively in riparian areas or are frequently found there.
- ORV access to sensitive wild lands increases the vulnerability of threatened wildlife like the American marten, Pacific fisher, and wolverine.
- ORV use has been shown to cause stress in many animal species and often results in major changes in animal behavior and reduced reproductive success or survival.
- On an individual basis, recreational motor vehicles have very high pollution rates. A two-stroke all-terrain vehicle or motorcycle can emit as much pollution (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides) in one hour as more than 30 automobiles operating for one hour.
- ORVs have carved more that 2,500 miles of user-created routes on the Tahoe National Forest, which contribute to soil erosion and alter natural water flows.
- A study in Montana demonstrated that a single ATV can disperse more than 2,000 invasive knapweed seeds over a 10-mile radius.
Click on the Proposed Plan page to get even more facts!
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to Just Say No to expanded ORV use in the Tahoe National Forest
Contact us for more information
Proposed Plan
Each year, the national forests and grasslands get hundreds of miles of unauthorized roads and trails due to repeated cross-country use. We're seeing more erosion, water degradation, and habitat destruction. We're seeing more conflicts between users. We have got to improve our management so we get responsible recreational use based on sound outdoor ethics."
--- Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth, January 11, 2004
History of the Plan
Dale Bosworth, United States Forest Service Chief identified Off Road Vehicle use in our national forests as one of the major threats to our National Forest System. He directed every National Forest in the United States to develop a plan to deal with the many problems of unauthorized Off Highway Vehicle use.
The Tahoe National Forest spent 4 years developing their plan, with public input at certain times during the process. They have now published seven alternative plans. Their favorite one is called the Preferred Plan.
The Preferred Plan
Use these facts in your letters to the Tahoe National Forest to object to their plan to open at least 70 more miles of trails to Off Road Vehicles and convert 150 miles of roads to ORV roads.
- The Preferred Plan will affect all of us who enjoys spending time in the Tahoe National Forest. ORV access will increase. Non-ORV access will decrease. The Preferred Plan expands ORV trails by 70 miles!
- The Preferred Plan proposes to add new ORV trails in roadless areas, critical wildlife areas and even across the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. (Castle Peak, East Yuba, West Yuba and Grouse Ridge)
- The Forest Service is trying to save money by decreasing the maintenance on their roads. This will affect your ability to access your favorite places in the Tahoe National Forest. For example, if you are used to accessing the Grouse Ridge area in a car, you will no longer able to. ORV use will render these roads impassable in a very short time.
- Travel Management regulations require the Tahoe NF to identify a minimum transportation system though science-based analysis and identify the roads that are no longer needed to meet forest resource management objectives and that should be decommissioned or considered for other uses, such as trails. The DEIS does not address this regulation.
- The Forest Service did not consider noise impacts when developing any of their proposed plans
- Approximately 70% of the 387 vertebrate species occurring on the Tahoe National Forest either live exclusively in riparian areas or are frequently found there. These areas should be protected from ORVs.
- ORVs leak a variety of pollutants, including fuel and oil into the environment with serious negative impacts on water quality.
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to object to this plan.
Contact us for more information
Maps
Link to USFS Alternative 6 'Preferred' Map (5.3 MB pdf file)
1. This is the map of the Forest Service's Preferred Plan. This alternative will open up 280 more miles of roads and trails to Off Road Vehicles. You will notice that there are not many landmarks on this map which might make it difficult for you to figure out exactly what is being proposed by the Forest Service.
• Solid green lines are system roads that are OPEN TO HIGHWAY LEGAL VEHICLES - well maintained and drivable by all passenger cars
• Green and Black lines are system roads that are OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES – this includes ATVs and motorcycles – high clearance vehicles are advisable. Maintenance will decrease.
• Red and Black lines are system roads that will change from a highway legal road to an OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES road. The road will be allowed to deteriorate over time till only high clearance vehicles will have access.
OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES is not what it sounds like. It is doublespeak. Your access will decrease on these routes.
If you want any more information about whether your favorite area is going to be overrun by OHVs, please contact John Timmer.
2. This is a detail map showing access to Grouse Ridge via Bowman Road. All these roads will deteriorate over time because OHVs and dirt bikes will now have legal access to them. Because the Forest Service is underfunded and has no money to maintain these roads, you will soon be unable to drive these roads in your car. You would be forced to buy a high clearance vehicle to get to Grouse Ridge-which is a popular hiking area. (Map under construction.)
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to object to this plan.
Contact us for more information
1. This is the map of the Forest Service's Preferred Plan. This alternative will open up 280 more miles of roads and trails to Off Road Vehicles. You will notice that there are not many landmarks on this map which might make it difficult for you to figure out exactly what is being proposed by the Forest Service.
• Solid green lines are system roads that are OPEN TO HIGHWAY LEGAL VEHICLES - well maintained and drivable by all passenger cars
• Green and Black lines are system roads that are OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES – this includes ATVs and motorcycles – high clearance vehicles are advisable. Maintenance will decrease.
• Red and Black lines are system roads that will change from a highway legal road to an OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES road. The road will be allowed to deteriorate over time till only high clearance vehicles will have access.
OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES is not what it sounds like. It is doublespeak. Your access will decrease on these routes.
If you want any more information about whether your favorite area is going to be overrun by OHVs, please contact John Timmer.
2. This is a detail map showing access to Grouse Ridge via Bowman Road. All these roads will deteriorate over time because OHVs and dirt bikes will now have legal access to them. Because the Forest Service is underfunded and has no money to maintain these roads, you will soon be unable to drive these roads in your car. You would be forced to buy a high clearance vehicle to get to Grouse Ridge-which is a popular hiking area. (Map under construction.)
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to object to this plan.
Contact us for more information
Photos
All these photos were taken in the Tahoe National Forest during the last few years. They show what sort of destruction Off Road Vehicles can cause.
An ORV leaving the Forest Service-sanctioned route along the South Fork of the Yuba River.
Dirt Bike scars on granite dome along the South Yuba River. Dirt bikes leave the sanctioned route and enter the river to attack this dome.
Oil Spill from ORV mosh pit along Pierce Meadows ORV route
The ORV mosh pit. ORVs created this hole, but one left its oil pan behind while getting out. The driver also left 5-6 quarts of oil draining into the South Yuba River.
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to Just Say No to expanded ORV use in the Tahoe National Forest.
Contact us for more information
An ORV leaving the Forest Service-sanctioned route along the South Fork of the Yuba River.
Dirt Bike scars on granite dome along the South Yuba River. Dirt bikes leave the sanctioned route and enter the river to attack this dome.
Oil Spill from ORV mosh pit along Pierce Meadows ORV route
The ORV mosh pit. ORVs created this hole, but one left its oil pan behind while getting out. The driver also left 5-6 quarts of oil draining into the South Yuba River.
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to Just Say No to expanded ORV use in the Tahoe National Forest.
Contact us for more information
Write a letter to the Forest Service
Please join us in telling the Forest Service that expanded Off Road Vehicle use in the Tahoe National Forest must not happen.
Use the facts below and the facts in the previous pages to write your letter. If you have favorite places in the Tahoe National Forest, be as specific as you can about how they will be affected by expanded OHV use.
1. Access Roads in Peril!
The Forest Service has requested that you use their road numbering system when talking about specific areas. The road numbers are on the Preferred Plan map (Link to Alt 6 DEIS) However, this is really complicated. Don't let this put you off writing! Use your own map--one that you're used to and talk in general terms (i.e. "the roads marked in red off Bowman road".)
Road Classification Issues around Grouse Lakes Non-Motorized Area, Castle Peak and Pierce Meadows
The Preferred Alternative proposes to change the classification of all access roads to the Grouse Lakes Area from 'Highway Legal' to 'Open to All Vehicles'. The Proposed Alternative did not make those changes.
We understand that part of the reason for this change is to save money on road maintenance. In practical terms, it is favoring one form of recreation over another. As roads are allowed to deteriorate, only high clearance vehicles and their occupants will be able to access these trailheads. If motorcycles and ATVs are allowed access to these trailheads, ORV users WILL test the boundaries of the roadless area. User conflicts WILL increase. During the summer, trailhead parking lots are full to overflow with hiker's vehicles enjoying the Grouse Lake Area. Most of these cars are not high-clearance.
The Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area is a very popular hiking and camping destination. Environmental groups have spent nearly 30 years helping the USFS to secure a unified ownership in an area that was part of the checkerboard pattern of ownership. It is one of the few areas people can go to enjoy quiet recreation on the Tahoe National Forest without the impacts of louder forms of recreation.
Route 0014 from Bowman Lake Road to Grouse Ridge Lookout is an access road (5 miles) to a trailhead with campground facilities. If the roads are allowed to deteriorate to the 'Open to All vehicles' classification, two impacts will occur:
1) ATVs and dirt bikes would be introduced to the trailheads of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. The incidence of trail-pouching WILL INCREASE if this is allowed. There are no natural barriers to tie trail closures to. ORVs will go around any barriers set up to keep them out of the Area. Current barrier schemes (in use at Pierce Meadows include dropping trees and digging 'tank-traps'. The damage these efforts entail would not work at Grouse Lakes for many obvious reasons. Friction between user groups will also increase. The incidence of off-route pioneering of trails will increase in an area that previously was not impaired by these activities. An increased law enforcement presence would be required.
2) As the road is allowed to deteriorate, the users of the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized Area (Hikers mostly) will not be able to reach one of the best hiking spots in the Forest. On most summer weekends, this trailhead is full of regular passenger cars. The quiet recreation that the hikers seek will be destroyed by the whine of 2-cycle engines, the dust plumes from their tires and the destruction of trails due to increased erosion. This flies in the face of the best use for this particular part of the Forest.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road.
Route 0017 is the access road from Bowman Lake Road to the Carr-Feeley Lakes Trailhead (3 miles). Trailhead parking and a walk-in campground is available at this point.
The Carr-Feeley Trailhead is another very popular 'jumping off' point for hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers and fishermen. If the roads are allowed to deteriorate to the 'Open to All vehicles' classification, two impacts will occur:
3) ATVs and dirt bikes would be introduced to the trailheads of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. The incidence of trail-pouching WILL INCREASE if this is allowed. There are no natural barriers to tie trail closures to. ORVs will go around any barriers set up to keep them out of the Area. Current barrier schemes (in use at Pierce Meadows include dropping trees and digging 'tank-traps'. The damage these efforts entail would not work at Grouse Lakes for many obvious reasons. Friction between user groups will also increase. The incidence of off-route pioneering of trails will increase in an area that previously was not impaired by these activities. An increased law enforcement presence would be required.
4) As the road is allowed to deteriorate, the users of the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized Area (Hikers mostly) will not be able to reach one of the best hiking spots in the Forest. On most summer weekends, this trailhead is full of regular passenger cars. The quiet recreation that the hikers seek will be destroyed by the whine of 2-cycle engines, the dust plumes from their tires and the destruction of trails due to increased erosion. This flies in the face of the best use for this particular part of the Forest.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road.
Route 0017-006 is a link between the Carr-Feeley Access Road and the Lindsay Lake Access Road (.7 miles). I believe that the Lindsay Lakes are a great opportunity for ORV folks to enjoy lakeside camping. The Lindsay Lakes Road is and should remain 'Open to All Vehicles'. The road classification of the 0017-006 link to Carr-Feeley Road should not be changes as ATV and dirt bike traffic would be encouraged to feed onto Route 0017. ATVs and dirt bikes should not be allowed on Route 0017-006.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road.
Route 00843-037 is the access road to Faucherie Lake from Bowman Lake. Faucherie Lake lies completely inside the boundaries of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. Faucherie has a boat ramp and a walk-in group campground. It is a lovely and quiet alpine lake. I have witness the quiet shattered at Faucherie by the illegal entry of ATVs. Unauthorized play areas are created by this folks on the north end of the dam. If ATVs and dirt bikes are allowed to the lake then the quiet of the area is lost and the incident of off-road pioneering will increase. The lake is drawn down slightly during the summer and some riders will find it inviting to ride along the shore of the lake around the gates blocking off vehicle access to the group campground.
Campers with ORVs that wish to pitch camp beside a lake have that opportunity at Weber, Bowman, Lindsay and Sawmill campgrounds in the near vicinity. Faucherie Lake is a place of quiet recreation and should be allowed to remain so. The section line between sections 12 and 13 is the northern boundary of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. Route 00843-037 (.6 miles) should remain closed to ATVs and dirt bikes south of this boundary.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road south of the section line between Section 12 and 13.
Route 0018-006 is a road that leaves Bowman Lake Road and goes through private in-holdings to Blue Lake. The route (1.25 miles) beyond Blue Lake is not used much and is in bad shape. The end of the route in section 10 (privately-held property) is very close to the Lake Spaulding Trail. The Lake Spaulding trail follows the north side of Fordyce Creek and links up with a trail from Eagle Lake. It follows the line of an old narrow gauge train track. The ties are still evident along the trial. Route 0018-006 should end at Blue Lake to avoid the poaching of this trail with historic relevance.
Recommendation: The 1.25 miles beyond Blue Lake should be removed from the Travel Plan altogether. The route should be ripped and restored.
Route YRS-G3w is on the ridge east of Baltimore Lake. It is the entry point for trail-poaching to Baltimore Lake.
Recommendation: This route should not be included in the Travel plan.
ORV advocates may argue that they need access to these spots as well as hikers do. They do have access. In the 'Open to All Vehicles' classification the additional ORVs on these roads would be ATVs and dirt bikes. Both are trailered to the Forest by the user's primary vehicle. ORV folks who would like to visit the trailheads and go for a hike can do so now by using their primary vehicles.
The total mileage that I propose remain 'Open to Street Legal Vehicles' is 9.3 miles out of the 276.4 miles of roads that the Preferred Plan would change to 'Open to All Vehicles'. 1.25 miles of very rough road would be ripped and restored at the end of Route 0018-006.
TKN-J5 'South of Castle Peak'
Comments:
- This route crosses Castle Creek and wanders through mule ear meadows and red fir forests up to granite spur at the base of the volcanic rock that forms Castle Peak. At a point two-thirds of the way up, this route hits a very steep section composed of very soft soils and interspersed boulders. The route is perpendicular to the contour and is VERY susceptible to erosion. The track is already littered with boulders ripped out of the soil and has become deeply pitted by troughs that will become gullies unless this section is rerouted.
- Above the erosion-prone section is a relatively flat segment that goes through an established red fir forest. There are multiple routes in this area. If the 'pioneering' tendencies of the OHV users are not curbed here, the forest floor will become compacted with many intersecting roads spread out over a large area instead of being limited to a specific defined-width route
- The lower segment of the route is susceptible to the impacts of 'dispersed camping.' The meadow grasses have been crushed and the soils compacted in several areas.
- It is in the proposed Castle Peak Roadless Area. Please verify
Conclusion: This route is in the proposed Castle Peak Roadless Area and should not be included in the OHV Route Designation. Given the sensitive nature of the soils and meadows in this area, it would be unnecessarily detrimental to add the impacts of further OHV use to this route.
Recommendation: TKN-J5 should be removed from the Travel Plan altogether. The route should be ripped and restored.
TNK-J4 'West of Andesite Peak
This route is shown on the preferred alternative as a single route. It is not. Within 1 mile of the start of the route there are three forks in the road. Multiple 'unauthorized routes' tear through alpine meadows and across areas of fragile soil. The end of this route points to Round Valley, Peter Grubb Hut and the Pacific Crest Trail. It is in the proposed Castle Peak Roadless Area. Please verify
Recommendation: TKN-J4 should be removed from the Travel Plan altogether. The route should be ripped and restored.
South Fork River between Eagle lakes and Spaulding Reservoir (Pierce Meadows Area) listed as a system road - it has numerous problems due to ORV use and should be considered in this plan.
Problem: S. Fork of the Yuba River should be protected from erosion and water pollution resulting from the interface of OHV routes and the River.
Solution: Close OHV routes that provide direct access to riverbed and that created surveyed Resource Damage to the River and its water quality.
1) Use of Riverbed of South Yuba River as OHV areas
- Upper Ford - 1300' of riverfront between 20' and 500' at widest point has been reduced to a barren gravel bar by ORV use over the years. Willows are being trampled. River banks are being eroded away on both sides of the river by multiple entry points to the river and by indiscriminate OHV 'play'. Trees are being toppled every year because the riverbank is weakened by OHV 'play'. Willows planted during a USFS restoration project on river right above ford have been cut down.
- Lower Ford - impacted area extends for over 430' of river front (100' to 170' wide). Multiple cutbanks on either side of river. USFS tried to close all but one on each side in 2005. Defeated by flood and overtopped by OHV users. Watch for attempted to 'create' another cutbank thru willows on south side. Watch forested island in SE quadrant disappear under OHV impact.
- Below Lower Ford, river right - OHV users have driven around and over USFS barriers to access river bottom and beach. 450' by 20' to 60'. Watch for stream bank erosion and toppled trees. Roots are driven over, expose and trees will topple. 3 parallel roads parallel the river. Campfire ring within river bed.
2) Human waste - Prevalent through out the entire area, within 100'of river in many cases and at Upper Ford actually in the riverbed while FS toilet is only 200 yards away. No apparent attempt to bury human waste. Danger to Water Quality.
3) Off route use - There are multiple routes leading off into forest that are not authorized - USFS has created barriers and OHV users have overtopped them or gone around them. Most barriers have failed to contain the abuse for more than one year.
4) Oil spill - water pollution - water quality issue - South Fork of Yuba is a water supply and should be protected from direct assaults on its water quality.
Trails proposed for the West and East Yuba Roadless areas
• YRN-M36 – CLOSE – motorcycle route in roadless area
Downieville bike trails
Other trails YOU may care about
2. Wildlife is threatened
3. Rivers, streams and meadows will be damaged
4. Erosion and sediment will clog our streams
5. Oil pollution is an unavoidable by product of ORV use
6. Air pollution wasn't considered in the process of developing the Preferred Plan
7. Noise pollution wasn't considered in the process of developing the Preferred Plan. Loss of quiet enjoyment for thousands of visitors to the TNF
8. Lack of funding for maintenance
...This will result in lack of access
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to Just Say No to expanded ORV use in the Tahoe National Forest
Contact us for more information
Use the facts below and the facts in the previous pages to write your letter. If you have favorite places in the Tahoe National Forest, be as specific as you can about how they will be affected by expanded OHV use.
1. Access Roads in Peril!
The Forest Service has requested that you use their road numbering system when talking about specific areas. The road numbers are on the Preferred Plan map (Link to Alt 6 DEIS) However, this is really complicated. Don't let this put you off writing! Use your own map--one that you're used to and talk in general terms (i.e. "the roads marked in red off Bowman road".)
Road Classification Issues around Grouse Lakes Non-Motorized Area, Castle Peak and Pierce Meadows
The Preferred Alternative proposes to change the classification of all access roads to the Grouse Lakes Area from 'Highway Legal' to 'Open to All Vehicles'. The Proposed Alternative did not make those changes.
We understand that part of the reason for this change is to save money on road maintenance. In practical terms, it is favoring one form of recreation over another. As roads are allowed to deteriorate, only high clearance vehicles and their occupants will be able to access these trailheads. If motorcycles and ATVs are allowed access to these trailheads, ORV users WILL test the boundaries of the roadless area. User conflicts WILL increase. During the summer, trailhead parking lots are full to overflow with hiker's vehicles enjoying the Grouse Lake Area. Most of these cars are not high-clearance.
The Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area is a very popular hiking and camping destination. Environmental groups have spent nearly 30 years helping the USFS to secure a unified ownership in an area that was part of the checkerboard pattern of ownership. It is one of the few areas people can go to enjoy quiet recreation on the Tahoe National Forest without the impacts of louder forms of recreation.
Route 0014 from Bowman Lake Road to Grouse Ridge Lookout is an access road (5 miles) to a trailhead with campground facilities. If the roads are allowed to deteriorate to the 'Open to All vehicles' classification, two impacts will occur:
1) ATVs and dirt bikes would be introduced to the trailheads of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. The incidence of trail-pouching WILL INCREASE if this is allowed. There are no natural barriers to tie trail closures to. ORVs will go around any barriers set up to keep them out of the Area. Current barrier schemes (in use at Pierce Meadows include dropping trees and digging 'tank-traps'. The damage these efforts entail would not work at Grouse Lakes for many obvious reasons. Friction between user groups will also increase. The incidence of off-route pioneering of trails will increase in an area that previously was not impaired by these activities. An increased law enforcement presence would be required.
2) As the road is allowed to deteriorate, the users of the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized Area (Hikers mostly) will not be able to reach one of the best hiking spots in the Forest. On most summer weekends, this trailhead is full of regular passenger cars. The quiet recreation that the hikers seek will be destroyed by the whine of 2-cycle engines, the dust plumes from their tires and the destruction of trails due to increased erosion. This flies in the face of the best use for this particular part of the Forest.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road.
Route 0017 is the access road from Bowman Lake Road to the Carr-Feeley Lakes Trailhead (3 miles). Trailhead parking and a walk-in campground is available at this point.
The Carr-Feeley Trailhead is another very popular 'jumping off' point for hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers and fishermen. If the roads are allowed to deteriorate to the 'Open to All vehicles' classification, two impacts will occur:
3) ATVs and dirt bikes would be introduced to the trailheads of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. The incidence of trail-pouching WILL INCREASE if this is allowed. There are no natural barriers to tie trail closures to. ORVs will go around any barriers set up to keep them out of the Area. Current barrier schemes (in use at Pierce Meadows include dropping trees and digging 'tank-traps'. The damage these efforts entail would not work at Grouse Lakes for many obvious reasons. Friction between user groups will also increase. The incidence of off-route pioneering of trails will increase in an area that previously was not impaired by these activities. An increased law enforcement presence would be required.
4) As the road is allowed to deteriorate, the users of the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized Area (Hikers mostly) will not be able to reach one of the best hiking spots in the Forest. On most summer weekends, this trailhead is full of regular passenger cars. The quiet recreation that the hikers seek will be destroyed by the whine of 2-cycle engines, the dust plumes from their tires and the destruction of trails due to increased erosion. This flies in the face of the best use for this particular part of the Forest.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road.
Route 0017-006 is a link between the Carr-Feeley Access Road and the Lindsay Lake Access Road (.7 miles). I believe that the Lindsay Lakes are a great opportunity for ORV folks to enjoy lakeside camping. The Lindsay Lakes Road is and should remain 'Open to All Vehicles'. The road classification of the 0017-006 link to Carr-Feeley Road should not be changes as ATV and dirt bike traffic would be encouraged to feed onto Route 0017. ATVs and dirt bikes should not be allowed on Route 0017-006.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road.
Route 00843-037 is the access road to Faucherie Lake from Bowman Lake. Faucherie Lake lies completely inside the boundaries of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. Faucherie has a boat ramp and a walk-in group campground. It is a lovely and quiet alpine lake. I have witness the quiet shattered at Faucherie by the illegal entry of ATVs. Unauthorized play areas are created by this folks on the north end of the dam. If ATVs and dirt bikes are allowed to the lake then the quiet of the area is lost and the incident of off-road pioneering will increase. The lake is drawn down slightly during the summer and some riders will find it inviting to ride along the shore of the lake around the gates blocking off vehicle access to the group campground.
Campers with ORVs that wish to pitch camp beside a lake have that opportunity at Weber, Bowman, Lindsay and Sawmill campgrounds in the near vicinity. Faucherie Lake is a place of quiet recreation and should be allowed to remain so. The section line between sections 12 and 13 is the northern boundary of the Grouse Lakes Non-motorized Area. Route 00843-037 (.6 miles) should remain closed to ATVs and dirt bikes south of this boundary.
Recommendation: Do not change the classification of this road south of the section line between Section 12 and 13.
Route 0018-006 is a road that leaves Bowman Lake Road and goes through private in-holdings to Blue Lake. The route (1.25 miles) beyond Blue Lake is not used much and is in bad shape. The end of the route in section 10 (privately-held property) is very close to the Lake Spaulding Trail. The Lake Spaulding trail follows the north side of Fordyce Creek and links up with a trail from Eagle Lake. It follows the line of an old narrow gauge train track. The ties are still evident along the trial. Route 0018-006 should end at Blue Lake to avoid the poaching of this trail with historic relevance.
Recommendation: The 1.25 miles beyond Blue Lake should be removed from the Travel Plan altogether. The route should be ripped and restored.
Route YRS-G3w is on the ridge east of Baltimore Lake. It is the entry point for trail-poaching to Baltimore Lake.
Recommendation: This route should not be included in the Travel plan.
ORV advocates may argue that they need access to these spots as well as hikers do. They do have access. In the 'Open to All Vehicles' classification the additional ORVs on these roads would be ATVs and dirt bikes. Both are trailered to the Forest by the user's primary vehicle. ORV folks who would like to visit the trailheads and go for a hike can do so now by using their primary vehicles.
The total mileage that I propose remain 'Open to Street Legal Vehicles' is 9.3 miles out of the 276.4 miles of roads that the Preferred Plan would change to 'Open to All Vehicles'. 1.25 miles of very rough road would be ripped and restored at the end of Route 0018-006.
TKN-J5 'South of Castle Peak'
Comments:
- This route crosses Castle Creek and wanders through mule ear meadows and red fir forests up to granite spur at the base of the volcanic rock that forms Castle Peak. At a point two-thirds of the way up, this route hits a very steep section composed of very soft soils and interspersed boulders. The route is perpendicular to the contour and is VERY susceptible to erosion. The track is already littered with boulders ripped out of the soil and has become deeply pitted by troughs that will become gullies unless this section is rerouted.
- Above the erosion-prone section is a relatively flat segment that goes through an established red fir forest. There are multiple routes in this area. If the 'pioneering' tendencies of the OHV users are not curbed here, the forest floor will become compacted with many intersecting roads spread out over a large area instead of being limited to a specific defined-width route
- The lower segment of the route is susceptible to the impacts of 'dispersed camping.' The meadow grasses have been crushed and the soils compacted in several areas.
- It is in the proposed Castle Peak Roadless Area. Please verify
Conclusion: This route is in the proposed Castle Peak Roadless Area and should not be included in the OHV Route Designation. Given the sensitive nature of the soils and meadows in this area, it would be unnecessarily detrimental to add the impacts of further OHV use to this route.
Recommendation: TKN-J5 should be removed from the Travel Plan altogether. The route should be ripped and restored.
TNK-J4 'West of Andesite Peak
This route is shown on the preferred alternative as a single route. It is not. Within 1 mile of the start of the route there are three forks in the road. Multiple 'unauthorized routes' tear through alpine meadows and across areas of fragile soil. The end of this route points to Round Valley, Peter Grubb Hut and the Pacific Crest Trail. It is in the proposed Castle Peak Roadless Area. Please verify
Recommendation: TKN-J4 should be removed from the Travel Plan altogether. The route should be ripped and restored.
South Fork River between Eagle lakes and Spaulding Reservoir (Pierce Meadows Area) listed as a system road - it has numerous problems due to ORV use and should be considered in this plan.
Problem: S. Fork of the Yuba River should be protected from erosion and water pollution resulting from the interface of OHV routes and the River.
Solution: Close OHV routes that provide direct access to riverbed and that created surveyed Resource Damage to the River and its water quality.
1) Use of Riverbed of South Yuba River as OHV areas
- Upper Ford - 1300' of riverfront between 20' and 500' at widest point has been reduced to a barren gravel bar by ORV use over the years. Willows are being trampled. River banks are being eroded away on both sides of the river by multiple entry points to the river and by indiscriminate OHV 'play'. Trees are being toppled every year because the riverbank is weakened by OHV 'play'. Willows planted during a USFS restoration project on river right above ford have been cut down.
- Lower Ford - impacted area extends for over 430' of river front (100' to 170' wide). Multiple cutbanks on either side of river. USFS tried to close all but one on each side in 2005. Defeated by flood and overtopped by OHV users. Watch for attempted to 'create' another cutbank thru willows on south side. Watch forested island in SE quadrant disappear under OHV impact.
- Below Lower Ford, river right - OHV users have driven around and over USFS barriers to access river bottom and beach. 450' by 20' to 60'. Watch for stream bank erosion and toppled trees. Roots are driven over, expose and trees will topple. 3 parallel roads parallel the river. Campfire ring within river bed.
2) Human waste - Prevalent through out the entire area, within 100'of river in many cases and at Upper Ford actually in the riverbed while FS toilet is only 200 yards away. No apparent attempt to bury human waste. Danger to Water Quality.
3) Off route use - There are multiple routes leading off into forest that are not authorized - USFS has created barriers and OHV users have overtopped them or gone around them. Most barriers have failed to contain the abuse for more than one year.
4) Oil spill - water pollution - water quality issue - South Fork of Yuba is a water supply and should be protected from direct assaults on its water quality.
Trails proposed for the West and East Yuba Roadless areas
• YRN-M36 – CLOSE – motorcycle route in roadless area
Downieville bike trails
Other trails YOU may care about
2. Wildlife is threatened
3. Rivers, streams and meadows will be damaged
4. Erosion and sediment will clog our streams
5. Oil pollution is an unavoidable by product of ORV use
6. Air pollution wasn't considered in the process of developing the Preferred Plan
7. Noise pollution wasn't considered in the process of developing the Preferred Plan. Loss of quiet enjoyment for thousands of visitors to the TNF
8. Lack of funding for maintenance
...This will result in lack of access
Click here to write NOW to the Forest Service to Just Say No to expanded ORV use in the Tahoe National Forest
Contact us for more information
Contact Us
For more information about the Forest Service's Plan to open 280 more miles of trails to Off Highway Vehicles, please contact John Timmer.
Link to the USFS DEIS
Mail Written Comments to:
Travel Management Team
631 Coyote Street
Nevada City, CA. 95959
Comments Must Be Postmarked by: December 26, 2008
Or send EMAIL Comments to: tnf_rte_desig@fs.fed.us
Link to the USFS DEIS
Mail Written Comments to:
Travel Management Team
631 Coyote Street
Nevada City, CA. 95959
Comments Must Be Postmarked by: December 26, 2008
Or send EMAIL Comments to: tnf_rte_desig@fs.fed.us
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