Pikes Peak Ranger District Christmas Tree Cutting 2020

[SAS]

I'm going to call the Ranger District Office and verify dates, etc. but tentatively they'll be having their annual Christmas Tree cutting on the first two weekends of December, 5-6 and 12-13. This is always a good "event" and a great way to support the Pikes Peak Ranger District. Mark your calendars and check back here for more details as they are known.

 

[SAS]

I spoke to Ranger Rick today. They're going to have the tree cutting but things will operate differently this year due to concerns about SARS-CoV-2.

First, the dates--there will be three weekends! November 28-29, December 5-6, and December 12-13. They think the first two weekends will be busiest, so that's where should focus for maximum club participation.

Second, the rally point--we're not going to be utilizing the Woodland Park USFS Work Station this year. The Ranger District is selling tree-cutting permits online, so there will be no "operations base" like years past. We'll meet as a group each day at the Alta Convenience Store (8am???) and then drive together to a rally point to meet Ranger District staff, get an overview/safety brief, issue and test radios, etc. Site is yet TBD.

Third, the tree-cutting area is not going to be on Rampart Range Road (FSR 300). It will be further west, and north of Divide to include parts of Rule Ridge, Phantom Creek/Signal Butte, Cedar Mountain Road, etc. Rick is sending me the map via email so I can forward that to all interested.

More to follow, so mark your calendars!

 

[CO_Hunter]

Lots of changes, thanks

 

[patrickk]

My calendar is marked!

 

[black95]

wow. not on Rampart Range?? That is surprising. I was going to suggest meeting at my new house, since it is right behind the USFS work station. Guess we will be going to Divide instead.

 

[LCPapa]

won't be able to go tomorrow the 21st but do hope to support the tree cutting saturday the 28th

 

[SAS]

I filled out the documents that the Pike Peak Ranger District wanted from the club (Risk Assessment Worksheet and Group Volunteer Form) and returned them to the PPRD office. We'll have (like years past) a Volunteer Sign-Up sheet each morning so they know who's on site.

Here is the link to the Pikes Peak Ranger District's webpage for tree cutting. Halfway down the page is a link (in blue text) for the cutting area map.

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands - Forest Products Permits

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands - Forest Products Permits

www.fs.usda.gov

 

[SAS]

Roll Call!

Who's in this Saturday, November 28?

Who's in this Sunday, November 29?

Both days--NOT MEETING at the Alta c-store in Crystola.
Instead, we'll meet in DIVIDE at the Stop N Save: address is 10 Meadow Park Drive, Divide CO.

Meet between 8am and 830am. Group departs at 830am. Drive west on 24 to intersection with CR-5, turns north on CR-5 (Manchester Creek) for 5 miles +/- to the Rule Ridge Trailhead parking area (meet USFS there).

 

[twbland]

I’ll be there tomorrow along with the Mrs and son.

 

[ICD FJ40]

I'm in for Saturday

 

[PWCO70crusier]

I'm out this weekend, working...

 

[Goslow]

I am in for Sunday. Vic

 

[LCPapa]

I'm in for Saturday the 28th and will meet you in Divide. I'll be with my wife Teri and Grandson Isaiah (10 years old).

 

[SAS]

Thanks to the volunteers who came out today! We had six rigs so it was good coverage. There is some snow but not so much that it makes driving conditions slick. Zero recoveries today.

Who's available for Sunday, November 29? Right now it's only myself and @Goslow

EDIT: @jflocs is coming too so we'll have at least 3 rigs!

 

[Grimeless]

Planning to be there Sat, 12/5, with 2 other rigs. We'll be running together. Are we meeting the same place next weekend? sg

 

[cbmontgo]

So what does the group actually “do” at this event? I’d like to join up one of these weekends if I can.

 

[PWCO70crusier]

So what does the group actually “do” at this event? I’d like to join up one of these weekends if I can.

...we meet up, drive around, pull people out who get stuck, make sure everyone is behaving (no shooting, cutting in the right areas), monitoring for the Forest Service. Mostly its drive around and have fun...

 

[cbmontgo]

...we meet up, drive around, pull people out who get stuck, make sure everyone is behaving (no shooting, cutting in the right areas), monitoring for the Forest Service. Mostly its drive around and have fun...

Cool deal. Sounds fun.

 

[SAS]

Thanks to the Sunday volunteers--Josh @OverlandTrax , Victor @Goslow , and Jeff @jflocs Today was lighter traffic than yesterday.

Planning to be there Sat, 12/5, with 2 other rigs. We'll be running together. Are we meeting the same place next weekend? sg

Yes, the Stop N Go at 10 Meadow Park Drive (Divide) seems to be a good spot to stage, so I recommend we continue to use it for USFS support this year.

 

[SAS]

Creek Road at west boundary