TRĀL MONTHLY MEETING

September 8, 2010

In Attendance: Chari Ainsworth, Perri Bachini, Freeman Cooley, Don Covert, Allen Cross, Patrick Frawley, Barb Hill, Randy Hill, Stacy Logan, Bret Marchant, Deborah Mayo, Kevin Patterson, Amy Racki, Rich Smith, Bob Theobald, Kevin Thompson,

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Rich Smith.

Area Updates

Mesquite – Rich reported that there is a little trash in the area and suggested that we organize a clean-up event with the Rockstars MC Club.  The fence is still up, and the signs are still in place.  The Hanging Garden area isn’t being tracked through.  Amy reported that the fire crews went out and trimmed some of the dead brush back after the fire.  

Bulldog East & West – No report on the west, but Bret reported that some trails, specifically 1356, has deteriorated significantly after the rains, and will probably need heavy equipment to make repairs. Allen, Bret, Joe, and Rich will go out to look at the area and access it.  The gravel pit that was closed is being used.  The fence keeps getting torn down.

Freeman Cooley reported that the 4 Peaks alternate parking area has been laced with 4” nails.  Looks like a 100’ radius.  The area looks like it was “paved with nails” there are so many.  Amy would like the area cleaned as soon as possible.  Allen will check on a magnet roller and we can organize a group of people to help out.

There are a few abandoned vehicles out in the desert.  There’s one off the 1829 for sure.  Amy said law enforcement needs to know so they can determine if they are stolen or not.  Joe and Allen will work together to ID the areas so enforcement can go out and check the vehicles.  

Forest Service Update

The Travel Management Plan is moving towards Draft Final.  Amy presented on the proposed naming convention of the “new” trails.  The Sycamore area will be broken into two zones; Sycamore and Mesquite.  Trails that cross the boundary line will carry the same designation all the way from beginning to end.  For example, if a trail starts in Mesquite and terminates in Sycamore, it would carry the designation MQ101; MQ defines which zone the trail starts in, and the 101 would be the trail number.

Bee Line construction has started, and there will be restrictions in place beginning September 11^th.  Access to Mesquite will be restricted starting October 1^st, and continuing until around December 10^th.

Sugarloaf will be closed during the week starting in January.

Hwy 88 (Apache Trail) will be closed from October to January after Tortilla Flats for bridge repairs.

It was suggested that trail 160 be signed to warn OHV’ers that access to Mesquite may be impended so they don’t try to enter the area and not be able to get back out.  The kiosk should be tagged too.

Amy has 30 helmet skins.  Rich will hold them until people are trained on patrols.

Open Discussion

Rich did a presentation (see here) on upcoming training.

With no other business to address, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM