2016 Christmas Tree Cutting Patrol

[CO_Hunter]

That time of year again. Cant say I was really on top of it, I got a call from Rick to ask if we were still on for this.

The dates this year are Dec 3 & 4 and Dec. 10 & 11.

Dec. 10 the permits will be sold at the gravel lot we normally park in during check in.

Coordinator will check out with F/S in case there are any last minute changes for next day.

Meet/depart at the Western at 8:00/8:30

2m frequency 146.580
CB ch 4

Sat Dec. 3
Coordinator - Leon - 1/2 day
Sam
David H.
Andrew 1/2 (maybe)
Dillon (new guy )
Tomas


Sun Dec 4
Coordinator -Tracey
Luke
David M.
Kyle
Ryan(?)



Sat Dec 10
Coordinator - Leon
Sam
Dillon (maybe)
Todd
David and son


Sun Dec 11
Coordinator -Andrew
Tracey
Steve Giunta (new guy )
Luke
Jarredb (new guy )
Eric




We want this to be fun but remember first and foremost this is a volunteer event and we are helping the Forest Service. So if it snows and it is not your day you can still come out but please keep to your original commitment as well.

Also, don't forget to track your mileage, starting from home. This is an official gov't volunteer effort so mileage should be tax deductible (consult your tax advisor).

 

[nensha]

I just received an email from Jon Pfieffer about the Xmas tree program. He's requesting the club contact him (jonpfeiffer@fs.fed.us) and Rick Ellsworth (rellsworth@fs.fed.us) about the club's participation this year.

Here's some details that Jon sent out:

Greeting Everyone:


It’s that time of year again. Christmas Tree cutting is coming up very soon, and is just around the corner!


Program duration cutting dates this year are: MON November 28th through FRI December 16th. There are TWO weekends during the tree cutting program: DECEMBER 3rd & 4th DECEMBER 10th & 11th.

Cutting Area: Same as last year (mainly the Rampart Range Road area)…..with that small additional area added (between the “Y” on 300) south of the sledding hill to FSR 309. There might also be a “satellite area” as well; not entirely certain at this point…but there may be more details that follow on that, or not.

 

[Grimeless]

Leon, Put me down for the 3rd and 10th as well.

 

[SAS]

Sam, put me on the Sundays, 4 and 11. I can be the coordinator if needed.

 

[Springs505]

I'm going to plan on the 11th. Will coordinate if needed.

 

[dhayes80]

I'll be there on Saturday December 3rd.

David H

 

[CO_Hunter]

Okay everyone, this starts next weekend. Time to commit and volunteer. This is our signature event in the community.

For the new folks, don't be shy, no previous experience required. You will be teamed with someone experienced.

 

[Springs505]

Okay everyone, this starts next weekend. Time to commit and volunteer. This is our signature event in the community.

For the new folks, don't be shy, no previous experience required. You will be teamed with someone experienced.

FWIW, I have been planning on cutting a tree with the fam on the 3rd, I will see if I can talk the wife into patrolling half the day or so.

For those on the fence, I will say that I always have fun working this event and I have yet to work a day where the clubs help was not needed. Please sign up ASAP!

 

[Steveandstuff]

I will join you on 11 December.

 

[black95]

Put me down for the two sundays - 4th and 11th.

I was up there in my truck Sunday 11/27. I drove 300u/300v, then over to 325 to 324, and out 323. There is a lot of ice in the shady spots.

The natural spring over 300v is frozen to a sheet of ice already, so please be careful if you go down it from 300. Coming up from 300u isn't so bad, I made it in my full size Dodge with careful driving.

I'm sure the slide off spot on 315 is already trecherous too, I've always though they should close that portion for the tree cutting.

Folks who haven't been up in a while are going to be surprised by all the new fencing. The NFS must have gotten a great deal on T-posts and fence wire this year. Pretty much everything that's not a "3xx" road is gone, along with all of the side of road camping spots. That should eliminate a lot of people getting too far off the road... there's really no place to go.

 

[nensha]

I was over the tippy section on 315 on Sunday and it wasn't bad. But then, I wouldn't want the general public going over it. I was wondering if 300U and V were iced over yet.

From what I saw on Sunday was if it's shady, it's probably icy. Lots of icy spots on 314 & 315.

All the new fencing is from the service getting some grants to rehab the area. It's been needed for a long time. Rick had the fire crew doing a lot of the work. Which explains all the cut down trees behind the fences. I was up there repairing some of the new fences the DAY AFTER they were put in. Dumb public! I've also been repairing other fences in the area as needed. I think there's still about 20 that need fixing.

Remember people if the road or trail you're looking at isn't on the MVUM, it's illegal to be on it. That includes going past the end of routes. Like the last 1 mile on 318 (Powerline Rd.). By passes are also illegal.

 

[black95]

Well, I feel that's unfortunate. Used to be able to have a lot of fun out there on all of the back trails and loops. Now, there's just graded road. Whoopie. The problem they're going to run into, or already have run into, is guys like me that have given up. They preach about "staying the trail" and "trail advocacy", and tell us it will benefit our hobby and cause.... well it doesn't. We've never gained an inch. We lose trails and places to wheel ever year at a staggering rate, AND NEVER GET ANYTHING BACK. Never an inch of ground gained. Ever. Where's the incentive??

Sadly, I've given up, and quit.

The thing they seen to fail realize- is that guys like me- I'm going to four wheel. That will never change. I WILL FIND somewhere to go.

 

[CO_Hunter]

As bad as the access issue is getting, we need to get back on topic.

Still looking thin, please consider signing up.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Wish I could make it...

 

[LCPilot]

Put me in for Sunday the 4th. This is about the 12th year that I have done this event. It is great to get out and 1. Help People, 2. Help the Forest Service, 3. Have a chance to get out of the house and catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

 

[PWCO70crusier]

Put me down for Dec 4th as well...FJ40 or Xterra???

 

[nensha]

Talked with some forestry folks last night. They mentioned that someone got stuck on 315 in the last week. If we get more snow, that's more likely to happen with all the public up there on the weekends. Even though it's not in the cutting area people are always going out that way. Also, Rick is figuring lots of stuck people because of all the ice and packed snow. Right now Fern Creek (351) isn't too bad and there's about 3 inches of snow in spots on 327. The north gate on Rampart is getting closed today (Dec. 1).

 

[Steveandstuff]

Is there an address for where we are meeting?

 

[CO_Hunter]

Western gas station on the way into Woodland Park.

20421 Hwy 24

 

[SAS]

...FJ40 or Xterra???

FJ40!!!