El Corte de Madera Open Space:
Erosion and siltation issues cloud access to trails.
Crystal Springs:
A critical link in the Bay Area Ridge Trail will open.
Sudden Oak Death:
The contagious arboreal pathogen silently stalks coastal woodlands.
Erosion & Siltation Issues in El Corte de
Madera Open Space:
A new study clouds the waters of mountain bike access in this local riding venue. According to the summary Draft Sediment Reduction Plan �..some trail segments may be deemed too
expensive to fix solely to maintain mutliple use acess, and use of those areas may be temporarily restricted until repairs are completed.� While
ROMP supports the environmental goals of the study it is concerned with the implications to trail access in the preserve for cyclists. MROSD Assistant General Manager, John Escobar will address ROMP at the January general meeting regarding this issue. ROMP will assist in mitigating problematic trail sections by helping design reroutes that respect trail users and eliminate erosional concerns. It will take enormous volunteer participation to save the trails of Skegg�s.
Crystal Springs Access Landmark:
To the west of Hwy 280 on the pristine ridgeline above Crystal Springs Reservoir, lies a critical link in the Bay Area Ridge Trail. On Dec. 18, 2002 the San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission unanimously voted to approve limited access to this ridge in a landmark decision. The plan approved is a compromise that will allow only
escorted access along the 11 mile fire road of Fifield/Cahill Ridge Trail nine times per week by trained guides. Bicyclists, equestrians and hikers will be able to periodically enjoy this previously off limits fire road perhaps as early as July 2003. Logistical planning and guide
training still needs to be done. If you are
interested in becoming a guide contact Trailwork Coordinator, Berry Stevens or National Mountain Bike Patrol Coordinator, Karen Morgan. The mountain cycling community owes thanks to Doug Kerseg and Michael Kelley, of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and many others for championing this cause and supporting bike access here and all along the projected 400 plus miles of the BART.
Sudden Oak Death Still Kills Trees:
The contagious arboreal fungus-like pathogen that silently stalks our coastal woodlands remains a serious threat. It could be hitching rides on muddy mountainbikes and clothing. A microbe called Phytophthora ramorum causes Sudden Oak Death. Phytophthora is Greek for “plant-destroyer.” Detailed scientific studies are underway. We recommend that cyclists avoid rides in muddy conditions, maintain clean equipment, not hike (and never ride) crosscountry in woodlands. The moist conditions of winter are conducive to the spread of this disease that kills manytrees. For more information see:
www.suddenoakdeath.org
