Trail Talk – July 2022

Once upon a time, two intrepid individuals carried a bundle of 50 ponderosa pine seedlings, along with the appropriate grubbing tools, up a steep ridge to rehabilitate a highly-eroded OHV track. Another bundle of 50 incense cedars was also packed along to fill in more shaded areas. Decades of ATV, 4-wheel drive trucks, and dirt bike use had created an unsightly scar along the mountainside. Recent local government actions had determined that this area would no longer be open to motorized traffic, and efforts were being made to restore it to a more natural state.

After a morning of digging and planting, brush and logs were strategically placed to provide shade and protection for the young trees. A hiking and mountain biking trail wound down through the restored areas, its sinuous contours inviting travelers to enjoy the steep, flower-studded hillside while eliminating the potential of further erosion. And this is where chapter one of this story drew to a close.

But, as fate would have it, other visitors to this area were not so considerate of the importance of the restorative efforts. Ignoring a highly-visible sign, and later removing it entirely, a group of equestrian visitors trod down through the area, “post-holing” the trail and destroying the integrity of the anti-erosion features. Careless off-trail riding also resulted in the demise of numerous young seedlings. After an outcry from local citizens and an outreach to more sensible riders, the signs were restored and the trail repaired. However, the young trees were now fewer in number.

Further damage occurred when a few careless bikers removed the brush and logs from the former OHV track to provide a high-speed chute down the mountain. Spring rains provided soft soils which were easily displaced by the knobby tires, resulting in additional damage. More young trees were destroyed, and more trail had to be repaired. The clock on restoration of this damaged area had to be reset again.

This is a cautionary tale. These are our public lands, to be enjoyed by all of us. But with that freedom comes the responsibility to be good stewards as well. It only takes a few impolite “renegades” engaging in criminal mischief to damage sensitive areas. Our local community has spoken very clearly about protecting our woodland areas. All visitors should be aware of their impact on the environment, leaving only footprints (or bike or horseshoe tracks where appropriate) and taking only memories. Yes, this is cliché, but it also guarantees that our public areas will remain open for a variety of uses.

As summer is upon us, please find time to get out to enjoy the rich trail systems in Southern Oregon and Northern California. As the snowpack retreats, our higher alpine areas sport blankets of wildflowers and blizzards of butterflies. Always pack plenty of water, especially after years of drought; many of the “reliable” springs have disappeared. And wherever your travels take you, be thankful that we are blessed to live in an area of such stunning beauty.