Trail Talk – Dec 2023/Jan 2024

As this is written, our Grayback Forestry crews continue the fuels reduction work in Forest Park. The contracted work will continue well into the winter, and visitors to the park are expected to respect all trail closures. The closure of trails is necessary for public safety as well as the integrity of the project. Much of the chainsaw work occurs close to trails and sawyers need to be concentrating on the dangerous work at hand as opposed to watching for stray humans and dogs.

As brush and other vegetation is cut, it will be piled to cure for burning. The area that was treated last June and July is now cured, and those piles will be burned as weather allows. Again, it’s important to be aware of the posted closures so as not to stray into a burning area. The contract work will extend into 2024 and future burning of cured material will take place next fall.

As areas are made safe for visitors and as any damaged trail tread is repaired, trails will reopen. For the foreseeable future, expect to hear chainsaws and expect to see and smell smoke. This project is confined to areas east and north of Reservoir Road, so no trails in the western three-quarters of the park will be affected.

Information about any closures will be posted on the city’s website, https://www.jacksonvilleor.us/, as well as posted to social media via the Jacksonville Review. Additional information will be at trailheads and on park kiosks. Please be aware that some inconsiderate park visitors make a habit of removing barriers and signs. Be mindful of your surroundings. One hopes that you’ll find enjoyment in your outings this coming season.

And what a glorious Autumn it has been. Many folks have commented on the brilliant fall colors this year. Also, welcome rain has helped to dampen our forest lands and relegated the long, hot, dry summer to a seemingly distant memory. Crisp mornings trundling through fallen leaves always puts a spring into one’s step and a song into one’s heart. There’s wonder to be had in the changing season, and it’s easy to consider the dark winter days ahead to be but a passing blip on the radar before spring arrives with its tsunami of bright new life. ‘Tisn’t difficult to understand why this is a season of celebration to so many folks.

As we look afield at our fellow travelers around the sun, we see that they too have been busy preparing for the darker days and longer nights. Our resident black bears, who’ve so kindly feasted on yellowjacket wasp nests all summer, have begun raiding the orchards for leftover fruit. The blacktail deer, sleek in their new winter coats, are fat from acorns, though a bit tired from the annual rutting season. The grey squirrel, true to his name and nature, has squirreled away a bounty of acorns to enjoy. And those birds of a feather that flock together? Why, many have headed south for the holidays, while our year-round friends keep us company with their joyous songs. Happy Holidays.

Did I mention, RESPECT ALL TRAIL CLOSURES?