Eldorado National Forest

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Seeking Public Input To Our Eldorado National Forest 2012 Off-Highway Grant Application

Posted: February 1, 2012

The Eldorado National Forest is developing an application for Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Cooperative Funds for the upcoming 2011/2012 grant cycle. We are developing a preliminary application to the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division which includes a strong emphasis on trail maintenance and repair, restoration of trails and impacted areas, law enforcement across the four Ranger Districts, printing and distribution of the Motor Vehicle Use Maps, improvements at the Elkins Flat staging area, an analysis of new information and changed circumstances as it relates to the 2006 Record of Decision for the Rock Creek Recreational Trails, and rerouting of trails in the Ballarat and Crossier Loop trails in the Rock Creek Recreational Trails area.

However, we would like to hear your ideas as well, and so we will also host an Open House on February 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to discuss the proposed grant application and to hear your thoughts. This Open House will be held in the Forest Supervisor’s Office large conference room, 100 Forni Road, Placerville. You can call (530) 622-5061 for directions. We hope to see you there.

The grant applications will be posted on the OHMVR website on March 6, 2012. To review the grant applications submitted, click on this link or paste it into your browser: http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov.

The 30-day public review and comment period for the 2011/2012 Grants and Cooperative Agreement Program begins March 6, 2012, and ends April 2, 2012. This period provides an opportunity for the public to review the preliminary applications submitted to the OHMVR Division for consideration during the current grant cycle. The public may provide comments to both the applicant and the OHMVR Division by emailing Lester Lubetkin at llubetkin@fs.fed.us and copying the OHVMR Division at OHVinfo@parks.ca.gov. You may also send written comments, suggestions, or letters of support for the application to Lester Lubetkin, Eldorado National Forest, 100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667.

Seasonal Dirt Road and Trail Closure Is In Effect

The seasonal dirt road and trail closure for wheeled motorized vehicles on the Eldorado National Forest went into effect on January 1st.

The Seasonal Road and Trail closure which is typically in effect every year from January 1 through March 31 is based on critically dry precipitation year records. The closure can go into effect earlier or stay in effect longer based on current conditions at the time.

Forest-wide Seasonal Road and Trail Closure: During the winter and spring months vehicle use on dirt roads and trails is prohibited. Use of soaked roads and trails contributes to sedimentation of streams and costly trail damage that can be prevented by avoiding use when trails are holding water. By allowing roads and trails to dry sufficiently, users will ensure quality trail opportunities in the future.

Visitors should plan their activities with this in mind.

Expect Delays on Road to Ralston Powerhouse Due To Landslide

The repair work needed to clear a rockslide on the Blacksmith Flat Road in the vicinity of the Ralston Powerhouse will cause upcoming traffic delays. Although the road is now passable additional safety work needs to be accomplished. Placer County Water Agency plans to remove additional loose rock above the powerhouse in a process called scaling and install safety measures. While they are removing the loose material it is necessary to keep the road closed for periods of up to two hours. Scaling off the loose material from the slide area will prevent damage to the Ralston Powerhouse and to vehicles traveling on the Blacksmith Road. Work is expected to start at the end of this week and could last up to 10 days.

• News Release (pdf)
• Photo - Powerhouse (jpg)
• Photo - Slide close up (jpg)

Fuels Projects for Winter 2012

The Forest Service is working on the prescribed burn program in the Eldorado National Forest when weather conditions are right. Approximately, 5,300 acres of National Forest land are slated to be burned this winter and spring.

• Check out our Prescribed Burn page for locations and additional information regarding projects planned over the next few months.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Rubicon Trail Easement and Resource Improvement Project Is Available

The Eldorado National Forest has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) to issue an easement to El Dorado County for a right-of-way for the Rubicon Trail, where it crosses National Forest System lands within the Eldorado National Forest, which will allow the County to conduct ongoing maintenance within the right-of-way and ensure County responsibility for actions within the easement. For More Information . . .

• Rubicon Trail Project Page: The DEIS, related maps, and public meetings schedule is available on the this project page.
• News Release: A draft environmental impact statement that analyzes Rubicon Trail resource improvements and issuing an easement to El Dorado County for the operation and maintenance of the road was made available for public review and comment today...

Raintree Forest Health Project Environmental Assessment Is Available

• Decision Notice (pdf)
• Environmental Assesment (pdf)

New Pacific District Ranger Announced

The Pacific Ranger District in the Eldorado National Forest has a new Ranger. Richard Thornburgh was selected to direct the day-to-day operations on the Pacific Ranger District, headquartered in Fresh Pond, three miles east of Pollock Pines. Thornburgh’s new district includes the Crystal Basin, a portion of Desolation Wilderness, and part of the Rubicon Trail.

• News Release (pdf)

Ecological Restoration

• Podcasts! (link)
• Region 5 Leadership Intent (link)

Link For Current Incidents

Normally incidents, like wildfires, that are under Forest Service jurisdiction are usually posted on Inciweb (www.inciweb.org). This site houses web pages for Forest Service incidents from all over the nation. Note: small fires may not be placed in Inciweb.

The ENFIA Forest Store Is Online!

The Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association has opened a new outlet online. Check it out for books, clothing, maps, Smokey Bear merchandise, and toys. Keep checking back because they will be adding additional merchandise over time.

• The ENFIA Forest) Store

Motor Vehicle Travel News

• Having completed our Travel Management project, information and future activities regarding motor vehicle travel can be found on the new Vehicle Travel page under Recreation.
• The new Motor Vehicle Use Maps with the updated legal system roads are now available by web on the Vehicle Travel page or hardcopies can be obtained at our Districts' and Supervisor's Offices. There are four different maps; one for each district.