McGrew Trail is getting a GATE!!! (5 Viewers)

[Kief]

I don't want to start any rumors about how that gate will be used but I just talked to an employee of the US Forest Service and they are putting a gate on the Trailhead and he stated that it will be entry only by permit.. I don't know if this is the official plan but I think we need to make a little noise. He also mentioned that a group that has a sanctioned run is OK with this.. I am assuming it is the group that has adopted the trail. I hope this is for seasonal closure due to wet/mud fungus spread, etc.. Any one have any info?

 

[Ebag333]

I bet that the club mentioned is the 4-Runner club out of Klamath Falls. Since they posted a metal sign and all.

Seasonal closure I'm okay with, but if they close it all the time (except for runs)....that'll be annoying.

 

[TOY350]

They could try to close it but there are so many access points that it would be futile.

 

[Kief]

My friend mentioned that stuff is getting pretty torn up and that the trailhead is one of the pivotal spots.. He also stated that he was part of the road decomissioning across baldfacecreek and the rocks that blocked access to the river. I told him it didn't work.
I agree T3, the properly equipped rig can just about make a road anywhere out there. I saw more destruction from the fire trails after the Biscuit fire than all the destruction I have seen over the last 15 years of going out there..
Again it only takes a few to make us all look bad.

 

[esh]

I just hope Ranger Fred isn't there at the gate with his white gloves 24/7.

 

[Russ in California]

Say it ain't so Joe, er, Kief.
I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread.

 

[Kief]

I need to take the time to write an inquiry about this. In my discussions with people aquainted with the radical environmental movement the core intention is really to strive for more than you realistically want, knowing the other side will push back and you will end up with a satisfactory result or maybe even better. I don't necessarily think that is what we are dealing with here but I could see it going that direction. After seeing "Trail Closed" signs up when it was actually open I think is a matter of intentional neglect and I am curious to find out what the official plans for the use of this area is.

 

[TOY350]

I know a few years back they wanted everything closed but the trail itself. Saying we will let you drive on the trail but nowhere else, which is just one step from saying the trail is closed once the idiots leave trash and tear it up off of the trail.

 

[Kief]

Oh boy... can't people spell my name right? Anyways, here is the response I received (HITRIR)



Mr. Nobel,
I’m responding to your inquiry about the status of the McGrew Trail. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is preparing to release our Travel Management Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) next week. In the preferred alternative of that document, the McGrew Trail will be open as in the past, but with a seasonal restriction due to concerns of spreading Port Orford Cedar root disease in the area. That seasonal restriction will occur during the wet season of the year, and specific dates will be determined by weather conditions annually. The method of enforcement of this seasonal restriction is yet to be determined, but may include a gate at a future time.

Details about the Travel Management Planning process are posted on our website at: Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest - Projects & Plans

We anticipate the FEIS and ROD will be posted on that website on or about January 20, with a 45 day appeal period beginning immediately thereafter.

Thanks for your interest.


Paul Galloway
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Rogue River-Siskiyou NF
541.618.2113
541.840.0094 - cell
pgalloway@fs.fed.us

I was told the gates are already built and are a minimum of 3/8 steel wall. Looking forward to reading the EIS and ROD