Close HLT?

[RARECJ8]

Well, California way of thinking has worked its way here. Supposedly a Washoe County worker has located some endangered plan on or near the HLT. Read the following messages. Will post up as more is known.

mb

_____________________________________________

Whoa! The Hunter Lake Trail is an RS2477 right-of-way, having been built in the late 1850s and early 1860s to access the timber in the Carson Range. It has existed as a road for about 143 years. There are abandoned 2 wheel drive autos and trucks from the 1950s along the road, attesting to its negotiability by such vehicles over a half century ago. When the Mt. Rose Wilderness was created in the 1989-1990 Congressional session, the Hunter Lake Road (trail) corridor was specifically mapped out as a motorized vehicular way separating the Mt. Rose Wilderness into north and south sections. In Russell Elliott?s book History of Nevada it is stated that there existed over 200 miles of roads in what is now the Mt. Rose Wilderness. A trip on the Hunter Lake Trail easily verifies this truth, and I can provide current photos of engineered roads in that wilderness. Furthermore, evidence of the engineered road appears within ? mile of the end of pavement at Pinehaven Rd., where rock berms show alongside the road up through the private property and through the National Forest all the way to Garson Rd. We would be happy to work with you, and sharing information such as this is necessary to protect public access.



Phil Bender

Washoe County Backcountry Coalition

Hills Angels 4x4 Club of Reno





-----Original Message-----
From: Nelson, Lynda [mailto:LNelson@washoecounty.us]
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 1:32 PM
To: Phil and Patty Bender
Subject: RE: Rare Plant - Hunter Lake Trail off Pinehaven Rd.



Phil: I really can't disclose any information about this rare plant at this time as negotiations are under way with agencies and property owners, as to the managment and impact of future development in the area. Sorry bout that!! Lynda Nelson

-----Original Message-----
From: Phil and Patty Bender [mailto:mtnhi71@charter.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 9:38 AM
To: Nelson, Lynda
Cc: CAdams7649@aol.com
Subject: Rare Plant - Hunter Lake Trail off Pinehaven Rd.

Hi Lynda. Please advise what the rare plant is, where it is located, and what it looks like (maybe you could email a photo). Is this the only place on the planet where it lives?



Many thanks.



Phil Bender

Washoe County Backcountry Coalition

Hills Angels 4x4 Club of Reno

[kairo]

find it, dig it out, and move it :D

[Dirty Harry]

What a bunch of crap. So HLT has been a road for nearly 150 years and NOW all of a sudden this plant is in danger because we drive on HLT? Environmentalists are well meaning, but they do more damage than good to their cause by tying up Forest Service and BLM money in court instead of letting the money reach the ground where it could be used to patrol and cite people who are doing real damage. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Denis]

That's bizarre. There are endangered plants on Earth, let's close Earth.

[UrbnKrwlr]

:rolleyes: whats next??? "A rare, endangered rock has been found at the moonrocks, vehicular travel prohibited" ?????:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Dnmeistr]

I doubt it has much to do with the plant than to do with homeowners, the plant is just an excuse.

[Washoe Wrangler]

This is text I just E-mailed to; lnelson@washoecounty.us Dear Lynda,I've just read information or better put , lack of information regarding a rare plant that has been spotted in the Hunter Lake Area. Your statement "I really can't disclose information about this rare plant at this time as negotiations are under way with agencies and property owners,as to the managment and impact to future development in this area". This statement at best is vague, and at worst arriogant. I would like information regarding this issue.(1) What is the species of vegatation ? (2) What are the GPS coordinates of said vegatation ? (3) Who are the public agencies you are currently in negotiations with ? (4) Who are the private land owners you are currently in negotiations with ? If this is not information you feel comfortable desemanating to the public, could you give me contact information (Name, Phone#,E-mail) of your Department head. Thank you for your time, Pat Sullivan

[Sierra Valley]

This is rediculous at best. I worked for the F.S. for many years, and when an endangered plant was near a road they just put a fence up around it. Its just a way for the home owners in the area to get it shut down so that they can use it for walking their dogs.

[Connect]

Don't lemme find out what it is, or it will no longer be endangered, just straight up extinct :roll:

[Washoe Wrangler]

This is text I just E-mailed to; lnelson@washoecounty.us Dear Lynda,I've just read information or better put , lack of information regarding a rare plant that has been spotted in the Hunter Lake Area. Your statement "I really can't disclose information about this rare plant at this time as negotiations are under way with agencies and property owners,as to the managment and impact to future development in this area". This statement at best is vague, and at worst arriogant. I would like information regarding this issue.(1) What is the species of vegatation ? (2) What are the GPS coordinates of said vegatation ? (3) Who are the public agencies you are currently in negotiations with ? (4) Who are the private land owners you are currently in negotiations with ? If this is not information you feel comfortable desemanating to the public, could you give me contact information (Name, Phone#,E-mail) of your Department head. Thank you for your time, Pat Sullivan
I recieved a email from Lynda Nelson (Natural Resource Coordinator), Washoe County Parks. The following is her response:" The person you need to talk to is Ed Decarlo in the Carson City Field Office for the U.S. Forest Service at 882-2766. Forrest Service is working on the project with property owners and has asked Washoe County to take a field vist with them to the site. I'm sorry I can't be more specific than that. It is really not a Washoe County Parks project at this time, but with the U.S. Forrest Service in Carson". THIS IS HOW A CLOSURE STARTS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET OFF YOUR A$$ -----PHONE CALLS, EMAIL,VIST THE CARSON FIELD OFFICE-----, IF YOU DON'T DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS WHO WILL, YOUR TOOTH FAIRY ?????????

[Connect]

is there anyway we can help them with their project? (vehicles, labor time, etc) that will make them realize we care and will do anything to keep it open???? I think we need a representative to make a formal visit with Ed Decarlo and get the scoop!

[cutthroat]

Good job posting prior to the closer. I just fired off numerous emails to all parties involved. This is an obvious test of the limits these people will go to further the cause, or their careers. I'm not a hater, but lets be real....HLT is one of the oldest trails we have. If they beat this trail forget about single tracks. Thanks Mark and Washoe Wrangler. People PLEASE fire off.

Join Cal4 or Blue Ribbon, it matters. We have less than 5 active members on this board.

[Connect]

Links for those?

[Reno Computer Repair]

Anyone contacted Larry Anderson or Scott who we did the Peavine Cleanup with?

I will call them both Friday. The Decarlo guy was the one that wanted trailers used at the Peavine cleanup on initial contact.

[cutthroat]

Links for those?

I'd like to post up, but everyone I've emailed are client's and friends, the last thing I need is a bunch of bull**** posts from the clown minority on this site... sorry but thats the internet. I'm a member of Cal4 and Blue Ribbon, start here as they pay high dollar lobbyists to represent us and stop the illegal land grabs and closures. Don't like politics, lawyers, or voting....forget about offroading. I depend on these guys for my voice.

Could the MOD's sticky local entities and the major backers. A simple point and click or sticky might help us tards voice on these issues.

[Sierra Valley]

We can voice all we want, but all it comes down to is the Forest Service and other gov agencies need to get a back bone and do whats right for the forest. I worked with the forest service for 7 summers and nothing impressed me how things were done. I would have to say that things are only going to get worse. We have liberals sitting in their plush city offices making decisions based on what they want and not facts. The only way things are going to change is when its already to late. Our forests are burning b/c we cant log them and thin them, we supress all the fires and all this does is make the forests more unhealthy. When John Beckworth first came to the Sierra Valley, in his notes he said there were about 4 Pine trees per quarter acre. These trees were 8 feet in diameter, the only trees that I see like that are tree stumps left from that time. The only way we can win is getting people active in politics. Blue Ribbon and Cal4 is not enough, you need people in office who can actually do something about it. Thats why we need to get people elected to office who feel the same as us. I bet 75% of the people on this board dont vote, dont follow current events, dont care. Until this changes we will just have to accept whats dealt our way. Its a shame.

[wixjp]

We can voice all we want... When John Beckworth first came to the Sierra Valley, in his notes he said there were about 4 Pine trees per quarter acre. These trees were 8 feet in diameter, the only trees that I see like that are tree stumps left from that time.


His name was Jim! Get the brotha's name right, you probably really dont live out here do ya? :slap:

[RARECJ8]

yeah, his name was Jim and he was a bruthah... Just below my house is an emigrant trail marker for the Beckworth Trail headed north out of reno and someone recently chiseled the plaque off of the marker--WTF would someone do that?

He has the distinction of finding and having the lowest pass over the Sierra named after him-- makes jim bridger and joseph walker seem like po white boys.

mb

[wixjp]

My father in law bought an old cabin that was owned by jim, and he's been wanting to build it next to his creek but f'n sierra county wont let him. Some day we will sneek it up, it's prety neet all the old logs and chit.

[Sierra Valley]

Sorry, was a few beers deep. And yes its Jim Beckworth. He was a half breed. Was the first to survey sierra valley. I believe he died in Sierra Valley as well, not sure if he was burried here.

[72 Virginians]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Beckwourth

:thumbsup:

[chevylj]

Mark:
I private messaged you. Please get back to me as soon as you can
THanks


JACK

[KONG]

Well...What's the word on this? Are there any updates?

[Washoe Wrangler]

Well...What's the word on this? Are there any updates?

More info on "Hunter Lake Martis USFS Plan Changes" THREAD!:)

[RARECJ8]

we have not received any word on the threatened plant. The Martis TRavel Plan is soon to be submitted for federal approval. public comments are soon set to expire, so get in ur letters ASAP.

at issue are several roads in the broinco creek drainage and a number of signed and numbered 'spur' roads-- roads that eventually dead-end. They propose cloaing these dead-end roads, sovme after several miles, because they're 'party spots'-- frankly, most kids don''t go that far to party-- moss lake, etc is about the limit

here is a response from an email from the truckee meadows trail association. speaks for it self.

__________________________________________

Hi, Carl. Truckee Meadows Trails Association discussed the Martis Plan
at our last board meeting. Our response is basically going to support
the proposed road closures, caution against having motorized trails too
close to wilderness areas, and admit that we got hopelessly deadlocked
on the issue of the motorized plan. I rather like the response you
formulated on behalf of the Dust Devils and that was basically position
I took at our board meeting. Some members of the TMTA board, however,
are opposed to motorized travel near Big Meadow, so we couldn't reach a
consensus. I'm afraid the TMTA response is going to be minimal.


__________________________________________________ __

here is a related meeting:
Hi Everyone -

We are set for Tuesday, October 3, 9-11 a.m. at Bartley Ranch Regional Park's Huffaker Pavilion (outside of the old schoolhouse to the right of the covered bridge . . . let's hope it doesn't rain).



We are on Undersheriff Haley's schedule, and the plan is to have a round table discussion about what we can do to PREVENT illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, etc. (I'm going to go out on a limb here and establish that the premise of the meeting is that we are all not just a little sick of cleaning up our open spaces! Prevention is key!!)



Thank you everyone for coming! Please bring your good humor, ideas, and an open mind. I'll be bringing bagels -

Christi



Christi Cakiroglu

Executive Director

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful
P.O. Box 7412
Reno, NV 89510
775-851-5185



_______________________________________________

here's the response from the hills angels

There's no reason to
close
the spur roads - they provide some dispersed primitive camping and view
opportunities, and access to areas suitable for hunting. The spur roads stop
at the wilderness boundary on the east and at private land on the west
(462B, 462D & 462F). FR 462 and its spurs are part of the Hunter Lake
Road/Trail system which the Hills Angels 4x4 Club has adopted and is
maintaining. All these roads are engineered roads made by mechanical
equipment and not pioneered roads.

Furthermore, closing the spur roads (462A, 462C, and the road to Davis
Meadow) denies hikers and equestrians access to the wilderness from these
points, since they could not park their vehicles at the end of these roads.

The FS statement that "The Martis area currently has poor access and is
lightly used" is false. Hundreds of vehicles and people access the crest of
the Carson Range from Garson Road every year. There is an ungated access
road starting east of the blue gate, running south then west to join FR 462
west of the blue gate.

Boomtown has granted the FS an easement across its land to join public land
at the curve junction of Old Town Rd. and Warrior Rd. east of the NDF fire
station. The Forest Service has chosen to ignore this easement. It would
connect with FR 449 south of the Steamboat Ditch.

[RARECJ8]

here is the PLAN! if u don't like, write a letter NOW! or don't later complain of the closures...

mb

_________________


Comments Welcome
The Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest welcomes your comments on its proposal to improve travel management in the Martis area. (See Map). The proposal includes designating roads and trails for motorized use, closing some roads to motorized use, and establishing a motorized trailhead.
Background / Purpose and Need for Action
The Martis area encompasses about 54,000 acres south and east of the Truckee River/Interstate 80 corridor west of Reno. The eastern boundary is the crest of the Carson Range and the area extends south to Mt. Rose. The area includes a portion of the Mt. Rose Wilderness. Primary watersheds within the area are Gray Creek, Bronco Creek and Deep Creek.

The purpose of this project is to provide access and an efficient road system needed for both public and administrative motorized purposes. The Martis area currently has poor access and is lightly used in comparison to nearby forest areas. Access from Garson road is gated on private land, and the Hunter Lake Road and the Bronco Creek Road are in poor condition and require 4WD. Over the next ten years, thousands of new homes will be built in the Verdi and Martis Valley areas. The demand for use in the adjacent National Forest lands will increase dramatically. The Carson Ranger District needs to be proactive in planning for access and well-defined motorized recreation use.


The Forest Service worked cooperatively with the City of Reno and Washoe County to analyze the issues in the Martis area and to make a series of recommendations that helped set the stage for future management decisions. These recommendations were published in the Martis/Interstate 80 Corridor Landscape Assessment and Strategy developed by the Carson Ranger District. The Martis Landscape Analysis is posted on the forest website, www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf, under Projects and Plans. A copy is also available from the district on request. One of the primary recommendations from the strategy included developing a road system that is usable by a variety of motorized user groups, provices strategic access for firefighters and is designed to protect natural and cultural resources.
The Proposed Action
The proposed action includes these provisions:
Access
The proposed travel plan would allow access from Garson Road and the Hunter Lake Road. The Carson RD would work with the City of Reno to establish legal access from Garson Road. Currently, there is also access to the area from Bronco Creek, Murphy Meadow, Fuller Lake/Quilici, Levintina Canyon and Hunter Creek. These access points require travel through private land or have safety problems and aren’t suitable for public use. Access from Levintina Canyon would be designated for non-motorized use only.
Motorized Trailhead
Establish a motorized trailhead at the National Forest boundary on Garson Road. The site would be approximately two acres with room for horse and ATV trailers and 20-30 parking spaces. The trailhead would be surfaced and have toilet facilities and an information kiosk. A gate would be installed just past the trailhead to close the road during late fall, winter and early spring when the roads are wet and motorized travel would cause damage.
Motorized Travel
Under the proposed action the Carson Ranger District Travel Management Plan for the Martis area would be updated by authorizing a system of motorized routes. The primary road system would be Garson Road (Forest road 462) south to Bronco Creek, and the Hunter Lake Road, which connects with the Garson Road at Big Meadow. A return loop would be designated from Bronco Creek back to Garson Road. The road from Bronco Creek south to Gray Creek would remain open to provide a view point for the public. However, approximately five miles of the Bronco Creek Road, between the National Forest boundary and the proposed loop road, would be closed for public use and open for Forest Service administrative use and access to the Floriston water tank.

The Fuller Lake spur would also remain open. A short section, approximately 300 feet, of the Hunter Lake Road on the south end of Big Meadow would be rerouted to restore meadow habitat. Approximately 38 miles of road, including the Hunter Lake Road, would be authorized for motorized use. Roads would be maintained for use by high clearance vehicles.

Roads at the north end of the project area, accessed from Garson Road, Levintina Canyon and Hunter Creek, along with several spur roads would be closed to motorized use. The roads at Murphy Meadows would also be closed to motorized use. Approximately 18 miles of road would be closed.

Signing and Patrolling
Designated routes would be mapped and signed. The area would be patrolled by Forest Service personnel to enforce closures. Volunteers would be solicited from both motorized recreation communities to help with monitoring, enforcement, and public education efforts.
Comment Process
The Forest Service encourages your substantive comments on this proposed action, along with supporting reasons that the responsible official should consider in reaching a decision (36 CFR 215.6(a)(3).
Your comments will help us prepare an environmental assessment on the proposed action. The assessment will be used to determine whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact. If there is no potential for significant impacts, that finding along with the environmental assessment and a decision notice will be released for public information. A 45-day appeal period will be provided after release of the environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, and decision notice. If the environmental assessment concludes that there is the potential for significant impacts then an environmental impact statement would be prepared.
To maintain eligibility for appeal, each individual or, for an organization, an authorized representative, must submit substantive comments on this proposed action and must sign the comments or otherwise verify their identity. Substantive comments are those within the scope of, are specific to, and have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and include supporting reasons that the Responsible Officials should consider in reaching a decision.
Please send your comments to the Responsible Official for this project, who is Gary Schiff, Carson District Ranger, 1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89703; phone (775) 882-2766 fax (775) 884-8199; or you may hand-deliver your comments to the above address during normal business hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Email comments may be sent to comments-intermtn-humboldt-toiyabe-carson@fs.fed.us. The opportunity to comment ends 30 days following the date of publication of the legal notice in the Reno Gazette Journal.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record for this project and will be available for public inspection and will be released if requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
Additional information on the proposed action may be obtained by contacting Sally Champion or David Loomis, 1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89703; phone (775) 882-2766 fax (775) 884-8199.