posted May 24, 2023
This project would focus, in part, on stream crossings and trail segments near streams that would improve trail drainage to reduce sedimentation. In addition, these creeks are home to conservation populations of West-slope Cutthroat trout which are a sensitive species of concern in this region. General trail maintenance is important from a watershed health standpoint because much of the trail system is within close proximity to streams that drain into the Wise River and Grasshopper Creek watersheds, both of which are listed on the State of Montana water quality limited streams due to physical substrate alterations (sedimentation/siltation). One of the causes identified is unmaintained roads and trails in the watershed.
posted May 24, 2023
This project will replace three trail bridges on two NFST trails and perform deferred tread maintenance on one of these trails. Replacing the bridges will keep trail users out of streams, prevent erosion, and improve aquatic species' habitat in these creeks. One is a major trail bridge in Wilderness, and the others are minor bridges in closer proximity on a multi-use non-motorized trail in the scenic State Highway 20 corridor. Bridges will be replaced in accordance with the USFS standard designs for 3-stringer log bridges. The stringer and sills will be native timbers sourced on site.
posted May 24, 2023
The Los Padres Forest Association will restore 5.4 miles of the Santa Cruz National Recreation Trail (27W09) along the southern flank of Little Pine Mountain between the single track trailhead at Upper Oso Campground and Happy Hollow Campground. The funds will go specifically towards restoring a .9 mile subsection of trail that contains 3 broken retaining walls and a failing rock wall. The Santa Cruz Trail is one of only two federally designated National Recreation Trails (NRT) within the Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) and has historically been a very popular multi-use trail loved by hikers, backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.
posted May 24, 2023
Trail drainage maintenance will result in a reduction in erosion from trail tread and reduction in sediment delivery to the stream that flows into and out of Farley and Toxaway Lakes, where trails are near or cross it. Functioning drainage and new puncheons will also increase resiliency of the trail to precipitation and runoff. If old puncheons collapse and fail they are not only dangerous to trail users, but the debris can block natural drainage patterns and result in additional erosion. The stream this trail follows is a tributary to Alturas Lake Creek, habitat for anadromous chinook salmon and bull trout, a TES species.
posted May 24, 2023
Trail drainage maintenance will result in a reduction in erosion from trail tread and reduction in sediment delivery to the stream that flows into and out of Caton Lake where trails are near or cross these water bodies. Work on the Caton Lake bridge will result in fewer hikers and stock users crossing the stream off the bridge, resulting in damage to surrounding riparian vegetation and bank stability. Trails in this proposal are adjacent to and cross water bodies, and because of deferred maintenance are not draining properly, resulting in tread erosion and delivery of sediment to streams as well as impacts to riparian vegetation at water crossings.
posted May 24, 2023
While improving access for users, the proposed work on BSTS will also improve conditions for local wetlands and habitats. Tread work, drainage, and crossings, will all work to reduce the erosion and water contamination that comes from overburdened trails. Similarly, rerouting trails will make them more sustainable while reducing the impact on wetlands and streams. Reducing access by unauthorized motorized vehicles will also reduce erosion, contamination of waterways, and the impact on sensitive habitats. Lastly, USFS Aquatics staff have identified the water crossing hardening as a way to improve habitat for the Columbia Spotted Frog.
posted May 24, 2023
The core of this project is reduction in erosion through trail restoration, relocation, and decommissioning. This District's history is in preservation of water quality. The Weeks Act established the parcel of land along Curtis Creek to improve water quality for wildlife as well as people downstream. Today, the health of the Catawba River Watershed is a key focus area for a large swath of the south that relies on it for clean and consistent drinking water supply.
posted May 24, 2023
The Dickey Bell Trail (DBT) Construction and Reconstruction/ Reroute Project includes a 0.6 mile reroute of the DBT and the closure of 0.6 mile and revegetation of the existing DBT that goes through a significant prehistoric archaeological site and has a lot of erosion issues. This reroute will be outside of the archaeological site. Additionally, on the southern end of DBT a new bypass trail will be constructed around the hill climb that will offer a safe route for children, novice and intermediate riders and for riders with stock / unmodified vehicles, while still offering the challenge route for riders with modified vehicles and more experience.
posted May 24, 2023
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The Twenty Lakes Basin Toads and Trails enhancement project proposes to restore over three miles of unauthorized use trails damaging wet, alpine meadow habitat, and address deferred maintenance on nearly ten miles of heavily-used system trails in the popular Hoover Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. By restoring erosive, undesignated user-created trails through sensitive meadow habitat and enhancing existing system trails by addressing deferred maintenance, the project reduces the ecological impact of the designated trail system and improves user experience. User-trail restoration will directly enhance meadow and watershed function to benefit documented breeding populations of federally threatened Yosemite Toad, as well as enhance one of Mono County’s most popular and easily-accessible backcountry angling destinations sporting four species of trout (Brook, Rainbow, Brown, and Golden). The project will benefit three public water systems, as well as a major hydroelectric generation reservoir.
posted May 24, 2023
The Black Canyon Drainage Improvements project involves the following parts: Mitigating invasive species at Trail Creek trailhead to prevent their spread further onto the national forest. Adopting a series of user created trails that have formed in the wide Nordic grooming corridors near the Trail Creek trailhead. We are referring to these as the OPR Loops. Trails that make up 5 loop options on sustainable corridors will be adopted and improved. Trails that are unsustainable or lead to dead ends or private property will be closed and rehabbed.
