larkspur along the North Fork
   
 

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The North Fork American River Alliance, NFARA, is fi ve years old. In these fi ve years, we have gone from literally nothing to an active and respected organization dealing with a range of issues. From development issues on Donner Summit to public access issues in Blue Canyon to the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) travel management plan, our voice is being heard. In addition, through our community presentations, NFARA has been educating the public about issues facing the North Fork. NFARA is a small all-volunteer group with limited fi nancial resources. We have no insurance for liability or our Board of Directors. In order to protect the organization and continue to host events, insurance is necessary. We would also like to expand our educational programs, host larger events and develop an outings program for the public. Highlights of NFARA activities in 2007 include: Programs: Several educational programs were held including one on global warming and one on fi sh and watershed health. Adopt a Trail: NFARA has adopted the Big Granite and Green Valley Trails. One large work party of a dozen cleared brush on the Cherry Point Trail between Loch Leven Lakes and the Big Granite Trail. Additional work parties are planned in for 2008. Lost Camp Road: NFARA has taken the leadership role in protecting the public’s right to use this historic road. Donner Summit/Royal Gorge Development: NFARA is part of a larger conservation effort to ensure development on Donner Summit fi ts with the environment, maintains the existing community and is economically sustainable. NFARA supports the effort to create a Community Plan. TNF Off Road Route Designation/ Vehicle Travel Plan: NFARA has been active in this process. A Draft EIS should be ready by early Summer. North Fork American River Trail: NFARA submitted comments on the Draft EIR. NFARA chose the “No Project Alternative” due to a lack of viable alternatives and the proposals unacceptable mitigation measures. Sierra Nevada Alliance: Participated in 2007 conference, member of Land Use Group, member of Central Sierra Region Conservancy Group. Lost Camp Road Update You may remember from earlier editions that Lost Camp Road has been blocked by a gate and “No Trespassing” signs. The road runs south from Blue Canyon and has been in existence for over 150 years. The public has never stopped using this road as it provides access to Tahoe National Forest land. Land owners along the road rely on it being “public” ? ? ? ? for ingress and egress to their property. NFARA has decided to take legal action against Fred Zillmer, the property owner blocking the road. We do this reluctantly and as a last resort. Conversations with the Forest Service and Placer County have not been as productive as hoped, however they will continue. Last December, NFARA representatives met personally with Mr. Zillmer to try to resolve the issue. A follow-up letter was sent but received no response. In February, we consulted with the law offi ce of Haley and Bilheimer of Nevada City. Haley and Bilheimer were the lawyers for a group trying to keep a Nevada Irrigation District (NID) ditch trail open to the public several years ago. NID and the land owners lost the case and the trail was deemed “public”. Most importantly, this case went to the Third District Court of Appeals and is now a recorded case law. The case lays out the criteria for the public to bring and win such public access lawsuits. NFARA hired Haley and Bilheimer to start legal proceedings against Mr. Zillmer. A letter demanding the removal of the gate by April 18 was sent, but the gate wasn’t removed. In May, A Complaint to Quiet Title and for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief was fi led against Mr. Zillmer in Superior Court of California, County of Placer. In an effort to avoid an all out court battle and the considerable expense such action would require, negotiations between NFARA and Mr. Zillmer were held. There was talk about working out an easement rather than having a legal judgment. Unfortunately the negotiations ended when Mr. Zilmer refused to have the easement recorded. NFARA’s only choice now is to serve Mr. Zillmer with the complaint and go to court. NFARA wants to work with all landowners along Lost Camp Road to help mitigate the impacts of public travel along the road. The biggest concern NFARA, continued from Page 9 seems to be the traffi c on the road creating dust, going fast, etc. With signage, education and enforcement of current laws, the problems can be minimized. However, before any of this can occur there must be an acknowledgement of the public’s right to access and the removal of all barriers. For more information on NFARA issues or for information on how you can help, contact Jim Ricker, jvricker@colfaxnet.com, 530-389-8344. NFARA is a is a 501(c) (3) non-profi t public benefi t corporation and contributions are tax deductible.

Updated 3/6/11