Trail News - March '97

Oh So Scenic 50K Fun Run or Bike - March 16th
The entries are trickling in and so far, they are about equally divided between bike or run. Diane and Russ Melanson will be at aid station number 1 where Yankee Jims hits Canyon Way at about the 10 mile point. There will be another aid station on Ponderosa Way after the bridge crossing. Mike, Sherri and kids will be at the finish line and Mike promises to make some kind of homemade soup.

FATRAC Volunteers Working Harder
Once again the mountain bike club dominated the turnout for the work day on the new Foreshill Divide Loop trail on March 1st. On top of that I published an start time an hour late in the last newsletter so the FTA members that did show up were late. We worked hard to try to make up for it. The trail is really coming along and it feels good to walk along a beautiful trail that you've helped build. The next work day on this trail will be on California Trails Day, Saturday April 26th, at 9 AM at Upper Lake Clementine Rd.

Western States 100 Runners Doing Trail Work
As of this year the run is requiring all participants to give back to the trails by doing some work on them. Many runners will be doing that on March 29th when they will be up here for a night training run. They're meeting at 9 AM in Foresthill at California St. and will be dispatched to various parts of the California St. section which has been severely damaged in the New Year's rains. If you'd like to help out, show up at 9 AM.

Trails through the Talley Orchard
Next time you see Larry Jordon, please thank him. Here's the story: recently someone has been going onto the Talley property, cutting down trees and hauling them away using the skid roads that are also used as neighborhood trails. These trails are on private property and there are no easements, but the Talley's have generously allowed them to be used for years. However, the illegal logging had to stop so they blocked off all entrances to the property, shutting down the trails. Clayton Slack noticed right away and contacted the FTA and Larry Jordon to see if there was anything we could do to stop the logging without closing the trails. Larry worked with the property owner who agreed on a trial basis to allow Larry to create earth barriers with his tractor so that a truck could not get in, but trail users could. Larry used his own time, equipment and personal charm to keep these trails open and is asking that anyone who uses these trails be extra considerate, pick up any trash they see, and report any suspicious activities they might observe to the Sheriff. We have been given a second chance with no future guarantee.

Update on Slack's Proposed Equestrian Center
Someone else bought the 24-acre parcel that Clayton and Sherryl Slack were looking at for their dream equestrian center. They are now looking for other properties in the area. If anyone knows of a potential good fit, please contact them.

Next Youth Outing - March 21th
We're going to explore the trail around Todd Valley Pond and pick up any trash we find. This trail can be wet and muddy this time of year, so don't wear new shoes. Meet at the Elementary School at 2 PM. If you'd like to join us, call Sherri at 367-3928.

Greg Wells to talk about Trail Safety
If you've been wondering what to do if you find a mountain lion is following you down the trail, come to the next meeting. Greg Wells, our local State Parks Ranger, has promised to give us some information about the frequency different kinds trail problems and accidents are reported in our area and some tips on how to use the trails safely.

Good luck to those participating in the Cool Canyon Crawl.

Previous newsletters
February '97
January '97
December '96
November '96
October '96
September '96
August '96
July '96
May '96
April '96
March '96
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Foresthill Trails Alliance                      PO Box 468, Foresthill, CA 95631
http://foothill.net/fta/                        email: fta@foothill.net