Uncategorized – Page 25 – Los Padres Forest Association

LPFA Transverse – Buzzy Times

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Don’t spend too much time looking at this, photo Amanda Grandfield

Hello Los Padres,

Busy time in the Forest. Lots going on. Events every weekend. Flowers going off. Trail projects here and there. Good water in the creeks. And yes, our snake friends are awake, out and about. We’ve been getting reports of rattler sightings. While the buzzing sound will startle you, remember that it’s better than the alternative of a snake that doesn’t provide warnings. Rattlesnakes play a crucial role in the LP environment and don’t like seeing people as much as you might not like seeing them. Keep your eyes open while along the trails, watch where you put your feet and hands and be sure to give them their space if you do see/hear them. They really are quite beautiful, once you get over the initial startle.

EVENTS, PROJECTS and VOLUNTEERING, OH MY!!!

MARCH 19
FREE Showing of MULE Living on the Outside
Greater Goleta
The Los Padres Trail Riders are presenting a free screening of the great documentary of Mule’s wanderings around the Western United States. See attached for more details.

MARCH 22
Trails and Tales: A Behind the Scenes Look at Ojai’s Backcountry
Ojai
This is going to be awesome! The Ojai Valley Museum has organized a panel discussion about everyone’s favorite subject: The Ojai/Ventura Backcountry! The panelists are a who’s who, including Rick Bisaccia, John Boggs, Craig Carey and Mike Vaughn. The event starts at 4:30. I know, spend the day in the mountains, stop by Wheeler Gorge on your way back and then hit the Trails and Tales on your way back home. Perfect day! Thank me on Monday with some pictures of your hike. See attached for more information.

MARCH 25
Exploring the Dick Smith Wilderness Slideshow by James Wapotich
Santa Barbara
Join James Wapotich next Wednesday as he takes us on a tour of the forgotten Dick Smith Wilderness. Free event that will leave you wanting to risk bad trails and blood sucking California rose for the solitude and beauty of the Dick Smith. See you there….. More information attached.

MARCH 28
Wildflower Tour of Figueroa Mountain
Santa Ynez Valley
Helen Tarbet of the Forest Service will be leading a tour of the world famous Figueroa Mountain wildflowers. Helen’s passion and knowledge of the local flora is incredible. She’s great and you will have a terrific time on this tour, trust me. See the attached flier and please send us some photos to share when you get back.

MARCH 28
Santa Paula Canyon Trash Cleanup
Ojai Santa Paula
The Ojai Ranger District will be organizing a trash cleanup along Santa Paula Canyon on March 28. For more information, contact Ranger Heidi: handerson@fs.fed.us

MARCH 28-29
Santa Barbara Canyon Sawyer Project
Cuyama Pine Mountain
Join the UTMC and Wilderness Corp on a sawyer project along the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail in the Dick Smith Wilderness. The work starts Saturday at 9am and lasts through 5pm on Sunday. This is a beautiful trail in a remote corner of the forest. Great opportunity to give back to the forest. If interested click on www.WildernessCorps.com and click on Logging Trips; Santa Barbara Canyon Trail. Looking forward to hearing about all the great work they get done!

APRIL 11
Wheeler Gorge Open House
Ojai Highway 33
The LPFA is hosting our 11th Open House at Wheeler Gorge! This is a great family event. This is a perfect excuse for getting you and your family into the mountains. The Open House is from 10am – 2pm, which gives you plenty of time for an early morning hike or an afternoon swim in the nearby Matilija or Sespe Wildernesses. We’ll have games, arts & crafts, booths, Smokey Bear, BBQ, etc etc… See attached for more details.

I told you there was lots going on. Hope to see you out and about and have a great week……….

Santa Paula Canyon, photo Ranger Heidi
SantaPaulaCyn

LPFA Transverse – Spring Volunteer Season

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Frosty Madulce, March 2015

Madulce

Hello Everyone,

Most of the Forest is experiencing cool, cloudy and hopefully rainy conditions today. That is going to change. By this weekend we are looking at potentially record setting heat across most of the Central Coast. And next week….. who knows. That’s part of the beauty of Spring. If you don’t like the weather, wait a day and you’ll get something different. Hope you’re finding some time on the trails and if you have any nice photos and you want to share, please send our way.

We’ve had quite a few questions of late asking for volunteer opportunities. We’ve outlined a few below. If you’d like us to mention any of your upcoming events, please send our way and we’d be happy to share.

Little Pine along the Santa Cruz Trail

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WEST CUESTA RIDGE TRASH CLEANUP
San Luis Obispo
March 14, 9am
The illegal shooting range off West Cuesta Ridge in SLO has become quite a mess. A combination of LPNF, LPFA, CCCMB and LPFW forces are meeting this Saturday (3/14) at 9am to help clean up the mess. See the attached CCCMB map and Forest Press Release for more details. Hope to see you there……….

POTHOLE TRAIL BRUSHING PROJECT
Ventura
March 14
The Ojai Ranger District is having the last in a series of trail projects along the Pothole Trail outside of Lake Piru. The project is most likely full but if you are dieing to work a remote backcountry trail this weekend, there might still be some room. Contact Ranger Heidi: handerson@fs.fed.us

SANTA CRUZ TRAIL, LITTLE PINE TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Santa Barbara
March 15, 9am
The SBMTV is hosting a trail project along the Little Pine section of the Santa Cruz Trail. The work will mostly be along the southern wall of Little Pine down towards 19 Oaks Camp. For more information contact Chris Orr: chris.orr@sbmtv.org

MISSION PINE TRAIL SAWYER WORK
Santa Barbara
March 27 – 29
The LPFA will be continuing work along the Mission Pine Trail in the SB high country. The project will be based out of Mission Pine Spring Camp and will be focused on logging the trees across the trail between Mission Pine Spring and Mission Pine Basin. The project will be stock supported, which means light packs and good food. If interested please contact Curt Cragg: Curt@LPForest.org

FOREST 411

The Los Padres Trail Riders will be presenting a free screening of Mule: Living on the Outside. This is a documentary about Mule and his adventures while roaming the western United States. If you haven’t been following this epic journey, it’s pretty cool stuff. Check it out March 19 at the Santa Barbara Human Society.For those of you interested in mud runs or obstacles races, there is a super fun race coming to the Central Coast on March 28. It’s called the Checkpoint Challenge and will be held at Santa Margarita Lake in SLO County. If you’ve ever been curious about this, check out their website and watch the promotional video. Looks like a lot of fun. Registration is open now, charge on!WILDFLOWERS! It’s wildflower season and Helen Tarbet of the Santa Lucia Ranger District has released her first Figueroa Wildflower Update of the season. See attached. If you’ve not taken the pilgrimage to Fig Mtn to see the flowers, you have to…… It’s incredible when timed right.

The 11th Annual Wheeler Gorge Open House is schedule for April 11. This year promises to be the best Open House yet as we’re focusing the event on recreation as well as education. You’ll hear much more about this in the coming weeks but be sure to put this on your calendar. April 11 – ALL DAY!

Piedra Blanca – Gene Marshall Trail, Mount Pinos Ranger District

So Many Trails, Lets Get To It!

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Greetings Trail Users,

I hope you are having a great week and enjoying the interesting spring-like weather we’ve been experiencing. Today’s message is a bit different than usual. I’m not not providing updates or announcing projects but rather asking for your help. The LPFA has a full slate of trail projects scheduled for the Spring and early Summer and WE NEED YOUR HELP! We have trail projects in the works ranging from 10-day Working Vacations along the Santa Cruz Trail to 1-day projects down the Cold Spring Trail. All these projects take time and money. The LPFA works hard to organize, schedule and complete the work that keeps our trails open. At the same time we love to provide our trail volunteers with the necessary great food, sharp tools and safety equipment that keep them coming back for more and heading home with smiles on their faces (albeit with sore backs). I’m reaching out asking for your support as we get started on the busiest and most ambitious season of trail projects and Forest support in the history of the LPFA. Become a LPFA member and donate to help our trail projects. Listed at the bottom of this email is a quick list of projects we have in the works for the next few months. I always say that every little bit of trail work helps, and similarly all the support we can get helps just as much. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Click the image below and become a LPFA supporter.

Thanks and enjoy your weekend on the trail,

Bryan

Hurricane Deck: Schoolhouse towards Potrero Canyon
Alamar Hill Trail: Indian Creek up to Loma Pelona
Santa Cruz Trail: Little Pine to Santa Cruz Station
Santa Cruz Trail: Kellogg Camp to Mission Pine Basin
Mission Pine Trail: McKinley Saddle to Mission Pine Basin
Cold Spring Trail: Mono to the Emerald Pools
Gene Marshall/Piedra Blanca: Reyes Trailhead to Haddock Camp
Ranger Peak Trail: Shooting Range towards Peak
Franklin Trail: Jameson Lake up towards East Camino Cielo
Blue Canyon Trail: Forbush to Escondido Trailhead
Upper Sisquoc: TBD (trail report coming soon)
Alamar Trail: Alamar Saddle towards Bill Faris
Madulce Trail: Buckhorn Rd down to Madulce Camp

LPFA Transverse – Let it Rain, Please!

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Get Your Rain Dance On!
LetItRain

I heard one of my mentors say the other day, “Remember when it used to rain in February?” No doubt we’ve all been reading and hearing about the drought that has engulfed California. It got me wondering, just how bad is it? So I did a little research (note: I’m no scientist, there are countless experts and bloggers who can provide much more substantiated and in-depth analysis). Currently the annual rain totals across the Los Padres are about 67% of average, give or take depending on geography. Throughout history we’ve endured years much worse than this one, but what’s different about this drought is that we are now in year 4 of well below average rain totals. Throughout local history, droughts generally don’t last more than 3 seasons. One of the worst droughts in our history occurred in 1989-1991, two seasons. Those years were really bad but it lasted only two years. We’re in year 4, including 2013-14 which was by most accounts considered THE WORST single rain season of all time. This is not good. While there is a chance for the much needed March Miracle that could boost this season to above normal levels, we are working out of a 3 year deficit that in all likelihood won’t be replenished this year. We’re dealing with reservoirs across the state being below 50% capacity, snow-free mountain ranges, San Francisco recording no rain in January for the first time in nearly 200 years, water rations, expansive swaths of dead trees, large ranches “harvesting water” to sell to municipalities and Big Sur getting 16% of normal rain during the 2013 season – however you break it down, we are up to our necks (or perhaps better, up to our ankles) in scary scary lack of water. I hate being pessimistic but its pretty hard to spin any positives out of the situation we find ourselves in. The best we can do is enjoy the creeks while they are flowing, conserve water the best we can, know that Mother Nature does this in cycles, hope for the best and get your rain dance on……
We need it all!

Mission Pine Pano, photo Nick D’Incelli
MPPano

MISSION PINE UPDATE

The LPFA has focused much energy over the past year logging and reopening the Mission Pine Trail within Santa Barbara County. The Mission Pine Trail is one of the most spectacular trails within the Los Padres. The trail covers nearly 15miles across the San Rafael Mountains from McKinley Saddle to Windy Gap, all above 5,000ft and covering mostly pine terrain. The channel islands can be seen to the south and most of the time the Sierras can be seen to the north. According to legend, the area got its name after the timbers used to build the SB Mission were harvested from up along this ridge. The trees were cut and carried nearly 30miles up and down mountains on their long journey to the Mission. Anyway, volunteers have led 6 projects over the past year to work on the trail and we have another one planned for later this month. If you are looking for a great multi-day backpack across some fantastic terrain, this trail should be on your short list. If you have any questions about the trail, camps or loop/shuttle options – feel free to let us know: INFO@LPForest.org

Crew Training, photo provided by Burtness
SawyerTraining

FOREST FOUR ONE ONE

Bob Burtness sent in this photo from 1929 showing the University of Washington crew team training through the use of crosscut saws. No doubt it is hard work – we could use them. If you’d like to volunteer for a project, we could use your help too. Check the calendar of events on LPForest.org and come on out. If you can’t make a project, we could certainly use donations to help feed the hungry sawyers. It all goes to helping the trails and keeping access to the Forest open…….

TRAILS & ALES, GOLETA, CAPTAIN FATTY’S
TODAY, FEBRUARY 19
Last minute reminder that we’ll be having a Trails & Ales event this evening at Captain Fatty’s in Goleta. Come one, come all! Talk trail, win prizes, say hello, cheers with your friends, all of the above.

FIRST AID / CPR / BBP CERTIFICATION
FEBRUARY 28
We have a few spaces still available for a First Aid / CPR class in Ojai on February 28. The cost is around $50 and you’ll walk away with great knowledge and certifications for First Aid. Contact the LFPA to sign up or for more information.

GENE MARSHALL – PIEDRA BLANCA TRAIL PROJECT
MARCH 20-22
The LPFA is teaming up with UTMC and the MPRD VWR to host a three day trail project along the Gene Marshall Trail. We’ll be starting from the Reyes Creek Trailhead and working up and over Pine Mtn eventually coming out at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. Most of the work will be logging fallen trees from the trail corridor. We’ve had recent reports that nearly 20 trees are across the trail with quite a few in the 40″ diameter range. If interested in helping, contact Mark Subbotin.

BACKPACKING FUNDAMENTALS CLASS
STARTS MARCH 10
The LPFA will be teaching a 6 week class on the fundamentals of backpacking. We’ll be covering everything from what gear to bring, how to choose a trail, what to do if you get PO, map reading, wilderness first aid and much more. The classes will be in Goleta starting Tuesday March 10. If you would like more information, contact Curt Cragg. Hope to see you there!

That’s it for today everyone! Hope you get out on the trails this weekend and have some great stories to share afterwards…….

LPFA Transverse – Time for Backpacking & Ales

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Cuyama Badlands, Don’t adjust your vision, that’s how it looks.
CuyamaBadlands

Hi Everyone,
Lots to cover this week. For those of you who can’t get enough of these email updates (you know who you are), they are archived at www.LPForest.org. We also post much of this information and more on the LPFA Facebook page. Check em out!

FEBRUARY 19, 5PM,

CAPTAIN FATTY’S, GOLETA

Do you know what ‘Trails and Ales’ is? A few years ago the Santa Barbara County Trails Council dreamt up a great event to bring trail enthusiasts together by sharing ales. Since then, there have been a handful of these events across Santa Barbara County. The latest installment is being hosted by the LPFA on Thursday February 19th at Captain Fatty’s Brewery in Goleta. Captain Fatty’s opened up just a few months ago, if you haven’t visited, this is the perfect time to come out and check it for yourself. The event is from 5-8pm with all proceeds going to support LPFA trail projects we have lined up for this Spring. This includes work scheduled on the Mission Pine, Cold Spring North, Santa Cruz, Ranger Peak, Hurricane Deck, Gibraltar, Buckhorn and Gene Marshall / Piedra Blanca trails. We’ll also have a silent auction and raffle featuring local maps, guide books, REI and Patagonia products. Come on out, enjoy a cold ale, talk trail, we’ll be BBQing tritip sandwichs and meet some new friends. No better way to replenish your stoke for the trails.

Almost forgot, we’ll be playing a NAME THAT PLACE game. Send us a photo (INFO@LPForest.org) of your favorite Los Padres Camp or recognizable feature and we’re going to organize a great game out of the photos. See you there…….

Motivation to Explore

BACKPACKING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE

The LPFA is super happy to announce a new program we are hosting to introduce and share the love of backpacking. Driven by Curt Cragg and Paul “Beeman” Cronshaw, we’ll be hosting a 6 week course on the fundamentals of backpacking. We’ll be covering everything from what to bring, where to go, how to read maps, what to do when things go wrong and how to be confident along the trails. The classes will be held in the Santa Barbara Area starting mid-March. For more information see the attached document or email: Curt@LPForest.org

We’re very excited about this. It’s going to be really fun. Please share with anyone you think might be interested in learning how to backpack.

FOREST 411

OJAI RANGER DISTRICT – HIRING
The ORD is hiring a Visitor Services Information Assistant to work out of the Ojai Ranger Station. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working with the Forest Service. Attached is a PDF with more information. GOOD LUCK!

POTHOLE TRAIL PROJECT: February 14
What better way to spend Valentines than on the trail with your sweetheart doing trail work. Join Ranger Heidi as she continues working the Pothole Trail in the Southern Sespe Wilderness and along the Condor Trail. Email Heidi for more details. Great job everyone!

JESUSITA TRAIL PROJECT: February 15
SBMTV is hosting a trail project on the 15th to continue work along the West Jesusita Trail. They’ve been working specifically on some switchbacks that are having trouble knowing what to do with any water that comes down the trail. For more information email Mike Tarpey.

FIRST AID and CPR TRAINING: February 28
Reminder that the LPFA has organized a First Aid/CPR/BBP training for Sunday February 28 in Ojai. We have a few spaces left, please hurry! To sign up or for more information please email: INFO@LPForest.org

ARROYO BURRO CLEARED
Late last week we got a report from an equestrian that the North Arroyo Burro Trail was impassable due to a large downed oak tree. In the words of the great Craig Carey, “TO THE HILLS!”. The LPFA Trailwork Tuesday bunch organized and spent most of yesterday removing the tree. It was a particularly dangerous tree with most of the weight uphill of the trail. Slowly and methodically the volunteers removed the tree piece by piece, ultimately freeing the trail back up for hikers and riders. If you know of any downed trees or trail hazards along your favorite trail, let us know.

Super Volunteers Ranger Rik and The Chief, Before and After

Enjoy the week everyone, take care……

Join the LPFA today!

LPFA Transverse – Wildling and Gates

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Sespe Glow, photo Dan Hall
SespeGlow

Good Morning Los Padres,
Lets get right to it, shall we?

W I L D L I N G

W I L D E R N E S S

P A N E L

The LPFA is honored to be partnering with the Wildling Museum to host a panel discussion about the history, impact, spledor and future of the Santa Barbara County Wilderness areas. The event is Saturday February 7 at 5:30pm in Solvang. We are fortunate to have a fantastic panel assembled to talk about the Wilderness. Joining us will be James Wapotich, Bob Burtness and Kerry Kellogg. You can read their bios and more information at the following link:

http://www.wildlingmuseum.org/home-new/calendar/wilderness-panel/

Space is limited for the event, it will sell out. If interested, get your tickets ASAP. Make a day out of it. Go for a dayhike at nearby Figueroa Mountain or the San Rafael Wilderness and come back in time for the panel event. It’s going to be really fun and chock full of great stories about the SB Backcountry. See you there………

Ranger Peak Gate, usually open, but not always

F O R E S T G A T E S

If you’ve not checked out HikeLosPadres.com and you are reading this, you probably should set aside a few mins (or more) to explore the website. For the past few years the LPFA has been working with web designer extraordinaire John Ziegler to create this fantastic tool and resource for LP Forest users. The site is literally being improved every day. It’s been a huge undertaking and there remain bugs throughout the site that are on our todo list – but we are hacking away and as mentioned making it faster, better and more user-friendly each day.

One of the new features we’ve added is a page dedicated to the gates across the Forest. We just launched this feature earlier this week and it’s still very much a work in progress. Our hope is that we can work with the Forest Service and the public to have as up-to-date information as possible as to if the gates are open or closed. Did I mention its still a work in progress? Check it out:

http://www.hikelospadres.com/district-gates.html

At the moment we only have a handful of gates included on the site but we will be adding them regularly over the coming weeks. If you can think of any gates to be added, have information on any closures or have any ideas/opinions about the gates page, PLEASE let us know. INFO@LPForest.org As the winter moves on, we’ll be updating information as we get it so please share or come back and check on the status of a gate before your next journey into the Forest. You can update the status of a gate by clicking on the comment section on the gate page as well.

VDC, Pine Ridge Trail, photo Tim Bills
VDC

N E W S & N O T E S

PINE RIDGE TRAIL UPDATE
– The Pine Ridge Trail and parking lot at the west side of the Pine Ridge Trail is scheduled to open again today, this is the parking at Big Sur Station.
– While the trail remains in poor shape, especially for the first couple miles, it is passable for hikers.
– Please be careful along the trail. For more information contact the Big Sur Station at (831) 667-2315

WHEELER GORGE
– Wheeler Gorge is ramping up for another busy season of interpretive events.
– Our summer schedule of events is filling up and we’ll be sure to share them with you as summer approaches.
– For starters, Wheeler is hosting a Trail Boss program on February 7.
– Trail Boss is a Forest Service supported program that teaches the techniques and safety involved with trail maintenance.
– The program is open to anyone 12 years or older and is usually a huge hit amongst the scouting communities.
– Topics include: first aid, trail terminology, introduction to trail tools and history of trail work.
– This is a great program for teaching respect for the trails and introducing the next generation of trail users to the art and science of trail building and maintenance.
– For more information contact Gordie: WheelerGorge@LPForest.org Hope to see you there!

Enjoy the weekend everyone and see you on the trails……..

LPFA Transverse – Potholes and Superbowls

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Hello Everybody,

Hope you’ve been getting out and enjoying the unusually warm weather we’ve had of late. It’s been nice, sometimes too nice. WE NEED RAIN. Good news is the LP is looking like we might get a few storms within the next week or so. Fingers crossed! We’ve got quite a few updates from across the Forest, lets get to it:

P O T H O L E W O R K I N G

V A C A T I O N

We were just reminded that this project was never shared. Back in July, the Ojai Ranger District reached out to us and asked if we’d be interested in hosting a ‘Working Vacation’ on the Pothole Trail. I don’t think the words had fully left their mouth and we’d already responded with a “HECK YEAH!” The Pothole Trail is a rarely hiked trail within the Sespe Wilderness that connects Lake Piru with the Agua Blanca drainage. It’s the southern most trail along the Condor Trail, right next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary and is extremely wild and scenic. Great spot! After a few scouting missions by the Forest Service and LPFA, we set off and spent a week clearing the trail from Log Cabin Camp up towards the ridge line. Working Vacations are projects where the LPFA provides food for the volunteers in exchange for volunteers spending their days hacking away at brush. Three daily meals and morning/evening beverages were more than enough encouragement for our team of 13 volunteers. We ended up clearing nearly 3 miles of trail that was extremely overgrown at the start of the week. Good times had by all and a great opportunity to spend an extended time in the Sespe Wilderness. More photos can be seen on the LPFA Facebook Page.

Bluff Storm Clouds, photo Beeman
BluffStormClouds

U P C O M I N G P R O J E C T S

Tis the season and there is a storm of trail projects on the horizon at the moment. Hopefully you can make a couple of these.

January 31: Pothole Trail Clearing
The Ojai Ranger District is hosting a trail project along the Upper Pothole Trail January 31. It will be mostly brushing with some light tread work. For more information, contact Ranger Heidi: handerson@fs.fed.us

February 1: Mine Camp Trail Project
What better way to spend Super Bowl Sunday than doing some trail work in the morning. The LPFA, UTMC and Mt. Pinos Volunteers are teaming up for the 3rd Annual Super Bowl Trail Project. This year the work will be up the Mine Camp Trail up from the Deal Canyon Connector Trail in the Mount Pinos Ranger District. The work will start early and end in time for you to at least make the second half of the Super Bowl. As if that isn’t incentive enough, all volunteers will walk away with a commemorative drink koozy. How can you beat that. For more information, get a hold of Mark Subbotin: msubbotin76@gmail.com

Koozy

February 27-March 1: Mission Pine Trail
In a continued effort to open up the Mission Pine Trail, another project will be hosted from February 27-March 1 starting from McKinley Saddle and heading to Mission Pine Basin in the San Rafael Wilderness. We’ll send some additional updates but if you’d like to sign up, reach out to Curt Cragg: Curt@LPForest.org

Shrouded Cachuma Peak
CachumaPeak

F O R E S T 4 1 1

First Aid / CPR Training
There is a forest-centric First Aid and CPR Class on Sunday February 28 in Ojai. This is a great opportunity to get re-certified for your crosscut or chainsaw certification. If interested contact: Bryan@LPForest.org

Wildling Wilderness Panel
The LPFA is partnering with the Wildling Museum to host a Wilderness Panel event in Solvang on February 7. The panel will feature some local Forest historians and key figures as they talk about their experiences in the Los Padres and how the wilderness designations have affected the Forest. Should be a really fun night. We’ll post more information in the coming days. Seats are limited so put it on your calendar.

California Fire Permit
We were reminded that now is the time to get a CA fire permit. It’s free and only takes a few mins. Use the link below and share with your friends and camping buddies.
http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/

Middle Lion Campground OPEN
Middle Lion Campground in the Ojai has been reopened. It was closed for about a month due to hazard trees. The FS removed the hazard trees and it’s good to go now.

Los Padres Biodiversity Workshop
The LP is hosting a workshop to encourage women to get into fire fighting. The classes are in Santa Barbara over Super Bowl Weekend. For more information check the link below:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/lpnf/home/?cid=STELPRD3827043&width=full

Franklin Trail Fundraiser – January 28
Trails and Ales is back! Drink beer and help the Franklin Trail? What could be better…..
http://sbtrails.org/events/trails-and-ales/

Lots of information…….If we missed anything or you have any updates you’d like us to forward on – send our way. Be safe everyone and enjoy your time in the Forest.

LPFA Transverse – Closures & Spring Update

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Bryan Conant

Hello Los Padres and Happy Friday!

Quick update today on a couple things Forest related:

Pine Ridge Closure Sign

G A T E S & C L O S U R E S

Gates and closures continue to dominate most of the questions that come our way through email or social media. We’ve compiled a list of road/trail closures below. If you have any updates, please send our way and check the Forest Service website for information updates as well: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lpnf/alerts-notices/?aid=10432

Mount Pinos Ranger District:
– The usual winter roads remain closed.
– This includes Santa Barbara Canyon, which is closed at Reyes Ranch.

Ojai Ranger District
– All dirt roads are closed for the winter.
– Last we heard Middle Lion Camp was closed due to hazard trees.

Santa Barbara Ranger District
– Divide Peak Gate will be closed Saturday night due to incoming rain. It should remain closed for about a week.
– First Crossing has been opened at the Santa Ynez River.
– The gate at Lower Oso towards River Road is closed due to slides.
– Upper Oso Campground is closed due to a water line break.

Santa Lucia Ranger District
– Ranger Peak has been reopened after last weeks snow.
– Catway is closed.
– Rockfront is open.
– Bates Canyon Road is closed past Bates Campground.
– Sierra Madre Road is closed at Hwy 166.
– La Brea Road and La Brea Canyon Road are both closed through December 2015. This is due to damage from the 2009 La Brea Fire.
– Kerry Canyon Motorcycle Trail remains closed due to La Brea Fire damage as well.

Monterey Ranger District
– Western Pine Ridge Trail and the trailhead parking lot at Big Sur Station have been closed due to landslides along the trail. We’re hearing that the damage is quite substantial and might need blasting in order to repair. No timetable has been set for reopening but it’s looking like the western Pine Ridge Trail will be closed for some time.
– Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground has reopened but is only at about 1/3 capacity.

S H E E P C A M P S P R I N G

Before, Sheep Camp Spring

After, Sheep Camp Spring

Super volunteers Mark and Kim spent some time late last year cleaning out and rebuilding the spring box at Sheep Camp in the Chumash Wilderness. The spring structure was broken and the water contaminated by a dead chipmunk. After draining the spring box, they cleared out the lines, cleaned everything and rebuilt the broken parts of the spring box. After quite a few hours of digging around in freezing water, they were able to restore a nice flow from the spring and make a safe drinking supply for Sheep Camp visitors. With the drought we’ve been dealing with the past few years, it’s crucial to keep the existing water sources flowing and safe. Huge thanks Mark and Kim.

If any of you out there in email-land notice any issues across the Forest that could be fixed, please be sure to report it to the Forest Service or you can contact us at INFO@LPForest.org or www.HikeLosPadres.com.

Enjoy your weekend and hope to see you on the trails soon……

Old Man Mountain Pano from Monte Arido, photo Cotton Rockwood
OldManMtn

Join the LPFA today!
HikeLosPadres.com

Transverse – New Years 2015

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Bryan Conant

Hello Los Padres and Happy New Year!

Hopefully all of you have been out on the trails trying out your new boots, GPS, trekking pole or thermal underwear (it’s been cold!). If you haven’t gotten out yet, now is the time! The trails are in great shape (for the most part), water is flowing, campfires are permitted and the weather is looking great for Los Padres outings. Lets hope one of your resolutions is to spend more time exploring the Forest.

Looking forward to 2015, it’s gonna be another busy year for the LPFA. Our focus remains getting trails open, helping people enjoy the Forest and sharing whatever information we can to ensure the Forest stays healthy and safe. We realize there is much competition for your support amongst non-profits and organizations. As we close out 2014, reflect on your favorite trail and the times you’ve enjoyed in the Forest. We’d love your support to help keep those trails open and those memories alive. Click the picture below to join the LPFA and if there is anything we can do to help your LP experience in 2015, feel free to let us know.

Click Below to Join

N E W F O R E S T K I O S K S
Kiosks

The LPFA will be working with the Forest Service to install a series of kiosks around the San Rafael and Dick Smith Wilderness trailheads. We installed the first kiosk at Upper Oso last month and have plans to install the remaining kiosks this winter. The kiosks were designed by the Forest Service and focus on Leave No Trace and post-fire regrowth. They are very good.

P R O J E C T S U P C O M I N G

Upper Franklin Trail, photo Ray Ford

Eastern Hurricane Deck Project: January 16-19
The LPFA is hosting a trail project along he Eastern Hurricane Deck on January 16-19th weekend. The project will base from White Ledge Camp and work out the Deck towards Lost Valley. We’ll have stock support so dinner and breakfast will be provided for all volunteers. If interested in learning more or signing up, contact Curt Cragg at: Curt@LPForest.org
We’ll update the status of the project in the coming weeks.

Franklin Trail Project: January 3
There will be another trail project to clear the upper Franklin Trail above Carpinteria. The project is scheduled for this Saturday January 3. Great way to start off the New Year with some trail work along a great trail. For more information contact Ray Ford: ray@sboutdoors.com

N E W S & N O T E S
LostValley

Lost Valley Sunset, photo Mark Anderson

Los Padres in the Rose Parade
This is very cool! The Forest Service will participate in this years Rose Parade, featuring a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. The Los Padres will be represented by 5 employees and super volunteer Mike Heard from the Monterey District. There will be an assortment of who’s who from the Forest Service riding in 19th century wagons. If you are not on the trail, turn on the tube and watch the parade – January 1. Should be fun…….

First Aid, CPR and BBP Certification: February 28
Reminder that we are hosting a First Aid certification on February 28 in Ojai. If interested, please let us know and we’ll sign you up. INFO@LPForest.org

Pine Ridge Trail CLOSED
The Pine Ridge Trail remains closed from Big Sur Station east towards Sykes. This is due to one large landslide and some other downed trees and smaller slides. No timetable has been established for when the trail work might begin but it will most likely not happen until after the rains stop. We will keep you posted.

Happy New Year Everyone!

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Fire Restrictions Lifted

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Bryan Conant

Snowy Thorn Point, December 2014, photo Dan

Happy Holidays Los Padres!
We’ve had quite a few nice storms over the past few weeks. Most of the Forest is well over the normal % of rain and the forecast remains strong for more rain in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed, we need it. We’ve been getting reports that many of the creeks have started flowing again. We’re headed in the right direction. Check out www.HikeLosPadres.com for more updates on trails, camps and water.

F I R E R E S T R I C T I O N S

In response to the above normal amounts of water falling from the sky, the Forest Service and CAL FIRE announced earlier this week that fire restrictions across the forest have been lifted. This is great news for most of us and means we can have campfires again. Woohoo!!! Bust out the s’mores!! Please remember to be careful with your campfires. Many of the fire rings have not been used in over a year, be sure to clear a safe space (5 feet) around the campfire and of course extinguish your fire before you leave camp. Fire permits are required and can be picked up at any Ranger Station or online here.

First Crossing, Santa Ynez River

R O A D C L O S U R E S

While green grass, flowing creeks and campfires are a nice side effect of the rain, unfortunately rain does cause some of the roads across the forest to close. The Forest Service posts these closures on their website, check it out here. Of note:- Divide Peak Gate remains closed but will reopen after a few days of sunshine.
– First Crossing is closed due to mud flow across the Santa Ynez River. It should reopen in a few weeks.
– Santa Barbara Canyon is closed at Reyes Ranch and will remain closed until May 1.
– Reyes Peak Road is closed for the season.
– Cherry Creek is also closed for the season.We’ll keep you posted as gates open and close. If you have any questions, feel free to email: info@LPForest.org

Pine Ridge Trail, photo Ventana Wilderness Alliance
PineRidgeTrail

P R O J E C T S U P C O M I N G

& N E W S

PINE RIDGE TRAIL CLOSED
The Pine Ridge Trail in the Ventana Widlerness is currently closed due to this large washout. Wowzers! The slide is about 3miles up the trail from Big Sur Station. We’ll keep you posted on updates or check in with the VWA.

LOST VALLEY TRAIL: December 20
– LPFA volunteers will be out this weekend logging fallen trees from the Lost Valley Trail in the San Rafael Wilderness.

– We’ll post updates on HikeLosPadres.com early next week.

VWR HEADQUARTERS CLEANUP: December 27
– We’re looking for volunteers to come out on December 27 and help clean up the Volunteer Wilderness Ranger Headquarters off Paradise Road in Santa Barbara County.
– Most of the work will be raking up leaves, removing fallen tree limbs, clearing brush and trimming trees.
– We can use all the help we can get. If you’re free all day or only have a few hours, we’ll take it.
– Contact Curt at Curt@LPForest.org for more information and to sign up!

COZY DELL: December 21
– Ranger Heidi with the Ojai Ranger District is hosting a project along the Cozy Dell Trail in Ojai.
– Most of the work will be filling in sink holes caused by the recent rains.
– For more information, contact Heidi: handerson@fs.fed.us

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: February 28
– We’ve put together a First Aid / CPR certification class for February 28.
– The class will be held in Ojai.
– If you need your certification renewed, this is a great opportunity.
– The cost will be around $40-$50.
– Let us know if interested: bryan@LPForest.org

SUPERVISORS OFFICE FLOODED
– The Forest Supervisors Office in Goleta was flooded last week.
– It will be closed for the next month or two.
– Business will continue for the Forest with much of the staff being moved to different districts or working remotely.

FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN CONTROLLED BURNS
– There will be a series of controlled burns in and around Figueroa Mountain starting this month.
– The focus is to burn some of the ladder effect fuel buildup.

Happy Holidays and wishing each of you a stocking filled with hiking and riding gear……..

Los Padres Cloud Formations