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Archived Newsletter |
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April 2002
For more trip information, see TRIPS. |
CONTENTS |
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TRIP REPORT ACTON Those wishing to enjoy a kick back day of off roading met in Acton at the usual 9:00. Having topped off the gas tanks, we regrouped at the trailhead. Some chose to air down for comfort sake and after a brief driver’s meeting we headed up 4N24. With a storm passing through we didn’t know if we would be enjoying a day of wind, rain or snow. As it turned out we had a brief lull in the action. We were welcomed by puffy white clouds scattered in a lovely blue sky. A nice cool breeze kept the air fresh and kept us in sweatshirts, except for our guest Tom who was in an open Wrangler. He couldn’t get warm enough. Sorry Tom! Our PLF run was comprised of one PLT (pretty little tree) with PLPF’s (pretty little pink flowers). However, the terrain varied from high desert scrub brush to "real trees". At the higher elevations near Mt. Gleason we journeyed through oak, pine and giant fir trees. I believe the vistas provided to be as advertised. We took a leisurely lunch break at Messenger Flats. The forest service chose this location as well and out numbered us two to one, or so it seemed. They appeared to be interested in our great looking vehicles. I’m sure they weren’t looking for our Adventure Pass, or where they? Oh well, nothing was said. Unfortunately going from 4N24 to 4N33 and then to 4N37 meant hitting some old pavement for a short distance. The potholes proved more of a challenge then the dirt trail offered. We missed the company of club members unable to attend, but certainly enjoyed those who came. Bob Day and Sally Kinsey, Jay and Ellen Jiminez, Ric Jones and Dirt Dog Sandy, John Lee, Jim Bays, and Rick & Suzy Schaffer. We were glad "Seldom Seen", John Lee put forth the extra effort to attend. It was good to see him again. Our guests were Byant and Mary Rothfield, and Tom Pastore and Mel. Thanks Rick Schaffer and Jim Bays for joining us on the pre-run. Jim is familiar with the area from times past. He has some good ideas for a run further to the east. How about leading a run next year Jim? Jon and I thank all for making it an enjoyable day.
IT’S BACK! At the last meeting I regaled everyone with the story of the theft of my Cherokee, well it’s been recovered and is home getting some much needed TLC after it’s traumatic experience of hanging out for 1 ½ weeks with a bunch of drunks, druggies and generally stupid people. Though it had been ticketed for a parking violation, it was recovered about 3 days later with the scumbag driving along with some friends, open containers, and drugs. Go straight to Jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200! Fortunately we were able to recover everything he had stolen as well as the keys to a VW that belonged to a girl he had been hanging around with. She called looking for him as was shocked when she was told he had her key. Probably his next ride! I hope he and Bubba make a nice couple and spend many years together in jail!!!
MORE GOOD NEWS The BLM is seeking to reopen the 50,000 acres at Glamis that the Clinton administration closed! Interior Secretary Gale Norton, said that the proposal is an attempt to find a compromise in a heated debate over public land use. "We are trying to accommodate the interests of recreation users at the same time we protect the environment" she said. The plan would open two areas previously closed because of the plant. Up to 525 riders each day would be allowed to ride in a 34,000 acre area. The plan also proposed to ban alcohol outside camping areas, and this year the BLM has beefed up law enforcement and implemented a "zero tolerance" policy against violence and drunk driving during holiday weekends.
SOME FEAR RESTRICTION OF FOREST
ACCESS As the Angeles National Forest becomes refuge to a growing number of endangered species, some worry the protection of their habitat could restrict access to the area. But Forest officials say such concerns jump the gun. The Forest Service is in the process of updating the Land and Resource Management Plan, which will determine access to the 650,000 acre forest for the next 15 years, said spokeswoman Gail Wright. The issue of endangered species "is only one of the issues that will drive the forest revision plan." she said. Other issues include access, recreational and water use. The study is due to be completed in 2004. "People are concerned that we’re going to lock up the forest. That’s not our intent at all", she said. Since the last forest management plan revision was completed in 1986, the number of endangered species in the Angeles National Forest has climbed from four to fourteen, said Forest Service biologist Bill Brosn. The mountain yellow-legged frog is expected to be listed as endangered sometime this year, Brown said, which could prompt officials to restrict access to Mt. Willimson Rock, along Upper Little Rock Creek, about 20 miles northeast of Pasadena in the San Gabriel Mountains. "The worst-case scenario is closure". he said. "But we will try to take the least extreme action, like rerouting trails, and educating the public not to disturb the habitats." In 1995, the forest officials decided to close Lower Little Rock Creek in their efforts to protect the arroyo toad during it’s eight-month breeding season. However, park visitor’s disregard for the restricted area disrupted the toad’s fragile mating cycle, so foresters opted to close off the entire frog habitat two years ago, he said. The area remains closed today. "Sometimes closure is the only thing that we can do to keep people out." Brown said. "At times it may seem extreme, but we need the Endangered Species Act to maintain some balance between man and nature." But biologists often make knee-jerk decisions to protect species without research to support those decisions, said Robin Rivett, a staff attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, which works to reform the Endangered Species Act. "There is no question that the ESA is inflexible. Biologists don’t want to take any chances, so they make decisions not based on good science," Rivett said. "We need to look at (forest access) from a balanced point of view, based on empirical evidence." Monica Bond, biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity, agrees that federal officials should take a "science-based, holistic approach" to plan and rewrite, but worries that without adequate habitat protections, dozens of "sensitive species" may soon become endangered. "The worst thing that could happen is that more species in the forests become endangered," Bond said. "We are not against forest recreation, but people need to tread lightly on the land."
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