Fall 2009 NFARA News

Western States Trail Historic Designation Study Moves Forward
By Gus Thomson, originally published in the Auburn Journal,used with permission.

Senator Barbara Boxer with support from Senator Dianne Feinstein has introduced legislation to authorize a study by the Department of the Interior to designate the Western States Trail a National Historic Trail. The 100 mile trail from Squaw Valley to Auburn, used by endurance horseback racers and runners, is also a favorite trail among day hikers and backpackers.

The majestic vistas, astonishing geologic features, climax old growth forests, river crossings, lush meadows, and sparkling streams make this trail an exceptional cross-section of Sierran natural history. The section of trail from Foresthill through the Auburn State Recreation Area to Auburn was designated a National Recreational Trail in 1974.

The Western States Trail has its origins as a Native American trail leading to High Sierra summer hunting camps that also enabled the eastern Sierran tribes to trade with the foothill and valley tribes. During the Gold Rush, the trail became a link between the colorful historic mining camps of Last Chance, Deadwood, Michigan Bluff , Foresthill and the many seasonal placer gold camps that sprouted along the banks of the Middle Fork of the American River.

Over the last century the trail has maintained its natural and historic integrity. Senators Boxer and Feinstein recognize the Western States Trail’s national historic, scenic and ecological significance with the introduction of this study bill that would protect the integrity of the trail for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come. National Historic Trail designation enjoys broad local support from regional government agencies and from recreational and environmental groups.

For those interested in learning more about the Western States Trail, there is a Western States Trail Hiking Booklet featuring maps and trail descriptions. There is also a DVD available, They Crossed the Mountain: A History of the Western States Trail. Contact Western States Trail Foundation at 530-823- 7282 or go online to www.teviscup.org/home.

Forest Service Opens Foot Trails into the NF American River
From Tahoe National Forest news release.

The Mumford Bar, Beacroft, Sailor Flat, and American River trails as well as Forest Roads 0088- 23, 0088-36, and 0088-45 were opened on July 24, after months of closure due to fire effects of the 2008 American River Complex Fire.

The American River Hot Shots made a concerted effort to open most of these trails. There is some tread damage, but it is relatively minor. The majority of the work has been cutting fallen trees out of the trail. There are also a lot of smaller trees (stubs) that were burned hanging into the trail making it difficult to use the trails due to jabs and cuts. According to Chris Fischer, District Ranger, “We've been fortunate to have the tremendous help provided by our Hot Shot crew. In three days twenty folks made outstanding progress, opening the Mumford Bar Trail as accessed from the Foresthill Divide, all but the very bottom ¼ mile of Beacroft Trail, and the American River Trail between Mumford Bar and Beacroft. As the nation is moving deeper into fire season we can't depend on the Hot Shots to continue to assist us in opening the trails.”

Reconnaissance conducted by district trails staff indicates that the Sailor Flat trail and the American River trail segment between Sailor Flat and Beacroft, as well as the bottom ¼ mile of Beacroft are usable but there are some logs to step over, some gullies to step over or go through, and stubs to avoid. The Mumford Bar trail as accessed from Government Springs has not had any reconnaissance done, yet. Trail users are reminded that most of these trails are inside a burned area, and to be aware of their surroundings. Fischer continues “The bridge over Tadpole Creek at the bottom of Beacroft was burned in last years fires and no longer exists. Hikers can still navigate across Tadpole Creek, with care, but it would be very difficult for equestrian users to cross Tadpole Creek. We’re looking for opportunities to replace the bridge, but first need to determine if the remaining steel and cement were damaged.”

These trails access the designated Wild segment of the North Fork American River, and are not open to motorized use.

Please contact the American River Ranger District’s at (530) 367-2224 or view the Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/ for more information.

Special NFARA Membership Offer
Ron Gould, NFARA vice-president, has recently published a wonderful North Fork Trails Guide, providing information on 40 trails in the region. Ron has generously made this guide available to NFARA to help support the good work we do to protect and preserve the North Fork. We are providing the guide as a gift for those who join NFARA at the Contributing Member level ($50) or higher. These guides are currently available only through NFARA. Join NFARA at $50 level and receive the guide book as our thanks for your support. If you have already joined at a lower level, send in an additional contribution to raise your 2009 total to $50 and receive the guide book as our thanks.

This offer is only good through 2009. Join at www.nfara.org, using PayPal, or send your donation to — NFARA, PO Box 292, Gold Run, CA 95717

NFARA is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit corporation and donations are tax deductible. For more information contact Jim Ricker