fires and trails, moving forward
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Andrew Fulks
Sep 6, 2018, 9:24:55 PM9/6/18
to Yolohikers
Hello fellow hikers,
All of us experienced this summer's fire season (which still hasn't ended), and so some folks are probably wondering what the impact was on trails in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and surrounding region.
In short, things got hammered. Between the Pawnee fire, County fire, and Ranch fire, a huge swath of hiking area was burned. Trees are down over trails, signs and markers have burned, and many areas remain closed. Once we get in the burned areas to assess, we'll see what it will take to get the infrastructure back to where it was.
Tuleyome's going to need lots of volunteers to help pick up the pieces!
Here's what we know as of now....Frog Pond Trail had lots of bulldozer work done in anticipation of the County Fire moving north. The upper section of the trail may be gone, based on CalFire maps.
The Berryessa Peak Trail sign posts burned, the fence crossing steps burned, and many trees have fallen across the trail. The Knoxville State Wildlife Area east side, which includes the beginning of the trail, is closed indefinitely. CDFW has been contacted by us to let them know we are ready to rebuild the infrastructure and get the trail open, as soon as they open the wildlife area again. That will be a lot of work, but we designed and built that trail, so we're committed to getting it re-opened to the public!.
Lastly, 100% of the Snow Mountain Wilderness burned. While that part of the forest is still closed and we have no way to see the impacts, it is reasonable to assume that there are trees across the trails, and likely on the access roads into the trailheads, as well as burned wilderness signs. We have been asked by the BLM and Forest Service to be on standby to call for volunteers as they start to assess the damage to the recreational areas.
It's a daunting task. Fixing our beloved trails in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument will require time from volunteers, but also funds to support our staff that will be leading the charge.
Even though it may seem like we were dealt a harsh blow this summer, there is still good news out there! Tuleyome is only a few thousand dollars away from closing escrow on the Huber Ranch, a 160-acre parcel on the Blue Ridge, adjacent to Cold Canyon Reserve! Once we close escrow, we will extend Annie's Trail (which we also built and opened to the public) to connect to the summit of a mountain on the Huber Ranch. The mountain gives 36-degree vistas of the Central Valley, Berryessa, Wildhorse and Cold Canyons. Please help us secure this property, so we can add additional public open space to the existing network around Cold Canyon! If you can donate to help us get over the finish line, as well as repair and re-open trails in the fire-impacted zones, please do so today. The funds you give will directly benefit your recreation in our deep-home-place!
See you on the trails this fall!
P.S. Be sure to check out our Meetup page for a list of this year's coming hikes and trail building and maintenance days. Thanks for your support!
Andrew Fulks
President, Tuleyome
Tuleyome engages in advocacy and active stewardship with diverse communities to conserve, enhance, restore, and enjoy the lands in the region.
Visit the Yolohiker web site for trail maps, hikes, and outings in the Putah and Cache creek watersheds.
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