The Mt. Pinos Recreation Area offers some of the most diverse, unspoiled recreation available in So. Calif. Activities available include Fishing, Camping, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Snowboarding, Off-Roading, Astronomy, Mountain Biking, Hiking,and Sightseeing. This Newsletter is designed to give you more info about current recreational events and things to do around Mt. Pinos.
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WELCOME to a good, positive look at recreation, sports /outdoor information and activities in the Mt. Pinos Recreation Area. As many of our local readers know, there are numerous issues that surround recreational activities around our towns. Our objective in this publication is to not only give a fair hearing to all sides of these issues but also encourage each of you to use the National Forest and other local recreation spots more frequently. We will be sharing what we know about all the great things to do here. After all, that is why many of us moved here. The harmony of nature and the outdoors is an example that all of us can follow more closely. Join us in finding new spots to reflect on what life in these great mountains is really about!
Current Happenings and Things To Do At Mt. Pinos:
Want to help work on the Buck Creek Trail, Rancho Nuevo Trail or Mt. Pinos-to-Mt. Abel Trail? Click Here to see the news story and details. Volunteers Needed for new, local Trail Committee! Many projects are planned for our area. If you use local trails, you need to help.
Winter is lingering on this year- still cold and breezy, especially in early mornings and evenings. Streams are still running good in the immediate area around Frazier Park and Lockwood Valley. Some snow is left on the mountains, but most trails are virtually all clear and rideable or hikeable. The advantage to the cool weather? GREAT conditions for hiking, mountain biking, OHV'ing and horseback riding. Poppies and other wildflowers are in bloom throughout the region also.
We are currently trying to raise community awareness about local parks, tourism and recreation issues. You can see further discussion about that at www.shopoutdoors.com/frazierparkenews.html Basically, we are trying to raise more money for our community to use for sprucing up the area and providing more family activities through grants and tax revenues. The Town Council has just erected a new visitor kiosk across the street from the Post Office as a preliminary step to better visitor info. The Chamber is working on a new website and an area map/brochure. Ridge Route Museum opened a new facility after receiving a $10,000 tourism grant, as did our Fiesta Days organizing committee, for $12,000. The Forest Service will be granting the Kern County Road Dept. additional funds for snowplowing, from Adventure Pass receipts, for next winter. Our new local fishing report is at www.shopoutdoors.com/fishingreport.html (fishing is GREAT right now for trout in Piru and Lockwood Creeks, as well as other local streams), .....and we are working on new trail maps and descriptions in printed and CD form. Printed copies of a couple of them are already available at Frazier Ski & Pack., along with other trail and summer recreation info We are also trying to get the Forest Service and the Los Padres Interpretive Association to establish an outdoor interpretive program here, as done elsewhere in the LPNF. We are helping put together a 4th of July Family Fun Day at the local community park- Join Us! Our Jr. Falcons Football team (ages 9 to 13) has just re-formed and is now a member of the Upper Desert Youth Football Association. We are continuing our discussions with local landowners about a mountain bike/bmx park and snowmaking for snowboarding. And.......a substantial amount of money has been raised for building a Skate Park at the park. Progress is in the air!! The objective? A better place to visit and live, and MORE RECREATION.
Remember that summer is one of the best times of the year here. Few crowds, isolated trails and the coolest, cleanest air in this part of the state. Wildflowers bloom at different elevations all the way into late summer. Backcountry hikes on Mt. Pinos are some of the best dayhikes in So. Calif.- great trees and wonderfully quiet.
Don't forget to visit the Forest Service office at Chuchupate Ranger Station, 1 mile south of Frazier Mountain Park Rd, on Lockwood Valley Road. 661-245-3438. Maps, books, botanical info, more hiking, OHV and camping info, winter sports flyers, fishing info are all available there. See link below to the Mt. Pinos District. Ft. Tejon, just north of Lebec, will be starting their Civil War-era reenactment activities soon also- a great history lesson for the kids. The local Native American Cultural Center is discussing establishing an Interpretive Center there also with them.
Quick Hikes & Bikes Around Frazier Park-
1.Tecuya Loop Trail:
Park near the Kern County Fire Station on the West end of Mt. Pinos Way. Travel northwest
on a 4x4 road to a trailbed that breaks off to the southwest, and then switchbacks up to
Cold Springs canyon, then about 1/2 mile toTecuya Ridge Trail. Take this singletrack trail
4 miles east along the crest until it drops via switchbacks/4x4 to "Edison
Road", then down about 1 mile to San Carlos street, just above the elementary school.
Total Distance- 12 miles. Great views of our town, Cuddy Canyon, Frazier Mountain,
Los Padres Estates and the San Joaquin Valley! Take your camera. Edison Road itself
is a nice, scenic 2 to 3 mile hike also.
2. Cuddy Meadows Trail:
This hidden, seldom-used trail is a GREAT link for a hiking or mountain biking
loop up or down McGill Nature Trail and Mill Canyon Rd. (9N04). It travels gently
northwest/southeast on rolling Los Padres National Forest lands on the easterly foothills
of Mt. Pinos, just above the beautiful, expansive Cuddy Valley meadows south of Pinon
Pines. The southerly trailhead is by the road gate just above Plunderosa Ranch, on
Lockwood Valley Rd., and inside Section 12, T8N, R22W on the Cuddy Valley topo map;
northerly trailhead is by the gate at the northwest corner of Sec. 31, T9N, R20W of the
same map. The latter trailhead is on a public right of way just north of the gate,
specified on the map. To find this trailhead, take Darling Ave. off Cuddy Valley Rd.
south thru the estate residences, then southwest to the fence lines south of the church
camp. The public right of way is the road between the two fences that leads south to
the USFS gate and boundary sign.
You can ride up the McGill Trail to McGill Campground, then cross Mt. Pinos Highway and
pick up Mill Canyon Rd. on the south side of the highway. There are two roads at
this junction; Mill Canyon is the most northerly road (left, looking downhill).
Or......you can do this route in reverse. Total trail distance- 3 miles.
Total loop- 11 miles. Elevation gain on loop 1,800 ft.; 100 ft. on Meadows trail.
3. North Frazier Mountain Trail:
This trail is actually a 4X road that leads up to the springbox in Sam Young
Canyon, just above Tait Ranch. It's a great spot for a morning or evening
constitutional. The views are tremendous. You can find the trailhead at the
junction of East End and Idaho Trai, on the upper, southeast side of Frazier Park.
It climbs fairly steeply at first, then flattens more after about the 1/4 mile
point. It terminates by the water company springbox, but you can bushwhack up the
canyon to the top of the mountain if you desire. The original USFS/cattle drive
trail went straight up the ridge from the water tank just below the road and ended up on
East Frazier Road at the top of Frazier Mountain. Discussions are underway about
reopening that old trail as a community hiking trail.
4. Cuddy Creek Estates Trail:
This hidden, undefined trail follows an old firebreak up the northeasterly side
of Frazier Mountain. To find it, go to the very east end of Cuddy Creek Estates,
between Frazier Park and Lake of the Woods. An old trail crosses the streambed here,
heading south and directly up the ridge immediately above the crossing, near the power
lines. It terminates high on the side of Frazier Mountain, overlooking Cuddy Creek
and the Estates. Great views of Tecuya Ridge from this trail.
5. Lake of the Woods/Dark Canyon Trail:
This trailhead is located on the very southwest corner of Lake of the Woods, on the
south end of Vernon Drive. The trail travels about 2 miles uphill to its'
termination on road 8N04, which you can take back down if desired. This is one of
the nicest, short trails in the immediate area. It is fairly gentle, follows an old
creekbed that flows in early spring and has great views of LOW and the north end of
Lockwood Valley from the ridge it eventually winds uphill on.
Recreation News Sources:
Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game - News Releases
(Regulations, Season Info, Trout Stocking etc.)
Other Forest Service News
Invitation to participate in Forest Plan Update Process (pdf)
Adobe Acrobat Reader required.FOR UPDATES TO LATE LOCAL SPORTS AND RECREATION STORIES, VISIT www.shopoutdoors.com/frazierparkenews.html and www.shopoutdoors.com/fmsports.html
Parks Allocations from the 2002 Bond Act
Addressed: (For More Kern County-Related Hot Topics, See Kern
Info-Group™)
3/4/02
Ken Peterson
Kern County
4th Dist. Supervisor
Ken:
The Calif. Proposed 2002 Park Per Capita and RZH Bond Acts, (Proposition 40 - 2002 Bond
Act), indicate that per capita grants will be given to each local park in the state.
How do we go about assuring that our local park here in Frazier Park receives some
of this grant money, if the measure passes? Is Kitty Jo Nelson, our District 4
representative on the Park Board, pursuing funds from this source for us? For what
purposes and uses? In what amount, and how is the local per capita figure being
calculated? Does she plan on meeting with the community about it? Do you have
her email address?
Also, I understand that last year's funds from the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air & Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 have not all been allocated. We should have received a total of $12.76 per capita of the Park District Allocation funds for our local community park, and for the local area under that act, or over $100,000 for this tax district. Will we be getting some of those funds?
What is the total allocation that will be granted to our area's residents and communities from both these sources, how will these funds be distributed and to whom? What per-capita population figure is being used in these calculations for zips 93225, 93243 and 93222 and where was the population figure obtained?
Obviously, these funds would be of great benefit to our community, and might even lead to our finally being able to have a family recreation program run at our park, similar to those at other parks and park districts in the county and throughout the state. Do we need to form our own park district to assure we receive our commensurate share of these grant monies?
Thanks a ton for your help.
Lloyd Wiens
Adopt A Creek/Kern County Submit Grant Applications
The Frazier Park Adopt A Creek Project has submitted a $5,700 Tourism Promotion grant application to the Kern County Board of Trade, for 3 separate 500 lb. trout stockings and printing of a promotional brochure. The Board and Kern County are making $250,000 in grant funds available to unincorporated areas in Kern County for promoting more recreation and tourism activities.
In addition, Kern County Floodplain management has submitted a grant application to the Calif. SWRCB and DWR for major funding to correct erosion problems in Cuddy Creek. This first phase of the creek restoration project, if approved, will grant $670,000 for building 20 small check dams in the main reach of Cuddy Creek through the community of Frazier Park, to slow down high waters, reduce bank and streambed deterioration and create natural, contoured meadows throughout the area. 6000 willows and small plants will be planted. It will also establish trails, water quality monitoring sites and an education center that will be used as a catalyst for community involvement in the expansion of the restoration effort, and to educate the public on issues resulting in the problem.
Cold, Icy Weather Hit
12 to 18 inches of snow fell on area mountains and in Frazier Park in the last week of January. Butt-cold temperatures as low as a minus 4 in Lockwood Valley have been reported. General overnite lows in Frazier Park have been from 10 to 15 degrees since then. The 10 day forecast calls for continued clear and cold weather. XC Skiing and snowboarding/snowplay conditions are said to be good to excellent.
FMHS Athletic Dept. Reorganized
Tim Garcia, A.D. at FMHS for the last few years, has resigned the position. Position responsibilities are being covered on an interim basis by Ass't. Prinicpal Bob Gienic, Diana Todd and Jason Fayter. Current activities include finalization of spring sports/transportation schedules, football '02 schedule, coordination within the coaching staff, increased public awareness of athletic activities/needs and revamping of the Athletic Dept's. information coordination with the local communities. Budget analysis, department structure, equipment storage/organization, expense reductions and equipment expenditure review are also underway. Mr. Fayter has been hired as football coach, pending completion of necessary credentialing and approval by the school board.
Sports schedules for the week are now available on Channel 6 and in the Mountain Enterprise. Baseball and softball begin practice 1/28. The press box at the football field is 90% done, as is Booster Club work on the snack bar. Baseball dugouts are being redone, with new foam lining and paint, coordinated by the Booster Club and new Head Coach Lloyd Dorris. The track at Falcon Stadium has been reworked and is nearing completion, hopefully in time for the spring season. Many gracious time, equipment and financial contributions toward this effort have been made by business people in the community. A grand re-opening will be held upon completion of this great new facility. 7th and 8th Grade weightlifting is also being conducted independently thru the Frazier Park Youth Foundation. Ass't A.D. Lloyd Wiens stated, "Our primary objective right now is to get the department more organized, establish new workout ethics by the athletes and coaches, institute tighter budget controls, get everyone to make more serious commitments to success in our athletic program and get the town more involved with ALL of our sports. The kids of this community deserve the support of everyone in the area. Get out and support them at all of the games and let's develop a positive attitude about winning together."
Mt. Pinos Area Winter Road Conditions and Issues
The FMHS Falcon boys soccer team is in FIRST PLACE in the High Desert League, as of 1/28/01!! Go Falcons!
Local Forest Campground Closure:
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ORDER NO. 01-04-2670-02 Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), and to protect endangered species, the following acts are prohibited within the Mount Pinos Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. This closure order is effective from August 17, 2001, through August 16, 2002.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Done at Goleta, California this 15th day of August , 2001. /s/ Jeanine A. Derby Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571. |
Adventure Pass & PILT Funds Accounting Addressed
12/30/01 Email Sent To:
Tom Kuekes, Ranger
Mt. Pinos Ranger District
Los Padres National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
Frazier Park, Calif. 93225
From:
Lloyd Wiens
P.O. Box 1510
Frazier Park, Ca. 93225
Under authority granted by the Freedom of Information Act, please provide
the following information related to funds generated from within, or paid
by, the Mt. Pinos Ranger District within the last 3 years. If 2001 is not
yet completely available, please provide such information as is now
currently available and advise when the complete year's report(s) will be
completed and become available. If necessary, I will bring a copier to your
office to copy the requested information. Please provide this information
within 30 days.
Adventure Pass Funds:
1. Copies of any and all bank statements, ledgers, balance sheets and other
accounting documentation related to Adventure Pass funds revenues and
expense allocations or account(s), funds allocated to investments, and funds
allocated for any purposes or uses both within and outside of the Mt. Pinos
Ranger District, and indication of where and to whom expense funds were
allocated to.
2. A monthly breakdown of revenues for Adventure Pass funds generated within
the Mt. Pinos Ranger District.
Payments In Lieu Of Taxes:
1. Total monies paid to the County of Kern by either the Mt. Pinos Ranger
District, Pacific Southwest Region or national office(s) of the U.S. Forest
Service as Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT's), as related to funds generated
by or from either the Mt. Pinos Ranger District or those from or applicable
to zip codes 93225, 93222 and 93243.
In addition, could you advise the status of the land exchange between your
District and Kern County for the lands at Camp Condor, and the status of the
permit for the facility at Camp Sid Ostrow on Mil Potrero Hwy. I would also
like a copy of the financial statement submitted to your office for West
Side Recreation & Park District's operations at Mil Potrero Park for 1999,
2000 and 2001.
Thank your very much.
Lloyd Wiens
cc Ken Peterson, Kern Bd. of Trade, CHP, Kern Roads, Region 5-USFS, Chamber of Commerce,
Town Council,
Winter is Here!
11/1/01- Winter is in full swing in the area, after a beautiful fall. Early snow has hit the local mountains- about 1 to 2 feet remained on the ground during Christmas Week. See www.shopoutdoors.com/report.hmtl for current info. Basketball and Soccer are into their league schedules after 1/1 at the high school. For more info, see the local school links at www.frazmtn.com
Falcons Score Big Win in Season Opener! But........Finish
4 and 5.
By Lloyd Wiens
On Saturday nite, Sept. 8, the unranked Frazier Mtn. High School football Falcons won their first game of the season 27 to 7 against Division 13's 5th-ranked St. Genevieve, with a rousing defensive display in the fourth quarter and a balanced running/passing attack. Coming off last season's 7-3 record, many fans were in attendance to see the Falcons new look. Most of last season's second round playoff team was lost to graduation, so great apprehension filled the air for the start of the varsity game, after the JV's tied the Valiants in the first game 0-0 in a GREAT defensive battle.
The first quarter of the varsity contest featured first-game jitters and turnovers by both sides, with the Falcons' Adam Reyna scoring the first points of the season in the second period on a 4th down quarterback sneak from the 2. St. Genevieve scored in the quarter on a slant pass after a Falcon turnover in their own territory. Second half scores by Reyna, tight end Andrew Wagner (12 yard pass), and running back Brandon LaBorde secured the Falcons victory. Reyna's second TD came after a 30 yard power right explosion by running back Dustin Hallam, who finished with 64 yards on 9 carries. Laborde carried 14 times for 47 yards. Reyna was 6 for 17, 104 yards passing; Wagner caught 3 for 49 yards.
St. Genevieve was shut out in the second half. The defensive highlight of the nite was a massive, full-speed, helmet-losing sideline hit in front of the Falcon bench by Middle Linebacker Jeff LaFleur late in the third quarter. That hit seemed to regenerate the Falcons' spirit, as did three major fumble-causing kickoff hits by standout lineman Shaun Lester that led to three Falcon touchdowns, and sacks by LeFleur and DE Wagner. Five pass intereference penalties against the Valiants' frustrated secondary illustrated the speed that Falcon wide receivers Matt Rabun and Gary Dorris will obviously use to full advantage later this year.
The Falcons play at Cantwell Sacred Heart in Montebello this week. The Cardinals beat Boron 14 to 7 last Friday, so the Falcons will probably have their first real test of the season.
Old Dump Site Discovered Next to Cuddy Creek!
An old community dump site has been discovered on Kern County land, just
west of the last bridge on Frazier Mtn. Pk. Rd., on the south side of the road, west of
the park. Old debris is lying on the surface of the ground, and reports indicate
that the site was run for 20 to 30 years. An old road used to lead into the area and
across the creek; burning and bulldozer work also occurred there. Kern County
Engineering/Flood Control and Waste Management have been advised and will probably be
inspecting the site for environmental impacts.
The site is located immediately adjacent to Cuddy Creek and major springs feeding it.
Without a doubt, those water resources, the local water table and rainbow trout in
the creek, are being contaminated by the rubbish at this location. Is this a toxic
waste site? We will try to get answers for our readers.
Fishing Derby 8/5
The annual local Fiesta Days Fishing Derby was held at the community park pond on Sunday, Aug. 5. 300 lbs. + of rainbow and brown trout were stocked for this event, including some 4 to 5 lb. trophy fish. Door prizes and awards were given out under sponsorship of local merchants also. A 3 lb. trout won the derby; almost 100 people participated and the derby grossed over $1,000 for local causes.
Cuddy Creek Jeopardized by Proposed Sand & Gravel Operation
Cuddy Creek is in jeopardy, AGAIN! CAL-CART Materials of Oakview, Calif.,
in cooperation with Jeff French & Associates and Jim Wainright, is proposing a
massive, 65-acre Sand & Gravel operation in the streambed east of Frazier Park
This operation will construct dams and ponds in the streambed and basically strip-mine the
area, similar to two other operations just upstream from the proposed location. The
location abuts Frazier Mountain Park Rd. and will have a major impact to area aesthetics,
traffic and stream environment. We encourage your participation in this process; comments
regarding this possible project should be submitted to Kern County 4th Dist. Supervisor Ken Peterson, and to Planning. The long term effects on our
community are devastating, both environmentally and aesthetically. The local Adopt A
Creek Poject's memo to Planning follows:
6/2/01
To: Kern County Planning
Scott Denney, Ted James
Re: EA SD8-01; CUP#35, Map No. 237- CAL-CART Materials
I have reviewed the above application and have the following comments:
1. I see no evidence of a Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game Streambed Alteration
Agreement Application having been prepared or submitted by the applicants
for this Proposed Project. There is no question that this application is
required by California Law and the Fish & Game Code.
2. I see no evidence of a Calif. Dept. of Water Resources, State Water
Rights Control Board Application to Appropriate Water for appropriation
and/or diversion of water in this streambed or from the stream for this
Proposed Project. Such an application is without a doubt required by the
State of California.
3. I see no evidence of an upstream or downstream fish or fish habitat
analysis, or a wildlife analysis. No analysis has been done as to impacts
to the native trout fish habitat in Grapevine Creek, or to fish habitat in
Cuddy Creek or Tejon(Castac) Lake. Sedimentation and turbidity to fish
habitat caused by such a project are well beyond that allowed by the Fish &
Game Code. The impact to local deer, elk, turkey, quail and bear habitat
has absolutely not been addressed.
4. I see no evidence of compliance with, or intent to comply with CEQA, (the
Calif. Environmental Quality Act), CEQA Checklist Procedures, NEPA, nor
intent to hold a local, public hearing on water rights matters related to
this Proposed Project. The latter is required by the State of Calif. Water
Code.
5. Existing operations at Frazier Park Sand & Gravel and Channel & Basin,
just west of the Proposed Project, are causing dust pollution to local
residences and vehicle traffic on Frazier Mountain Park Rd. I see no
evidence of mitigation of similar effects that will be created by this
Proposed Project.
6. The project Distribution List, attached to the copy I reviewed, showed
that no copies had been distributed to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers,
the Calif. Depts of Highway Patrol, Water Resources, Air Resources Board,
Kern Air Pollution Control or Engineering Services- Survey (Flood Control).
The impacts to operations and regulations governed by each of these
departments is obvious. To omit them is a blatant attempt to circumvent the
legal process.
7. The "Natural Setting" section of this document inaccurately states that
"This creekbed is generally dry except as a runoff channel." Your
department is well aware of our efforts to restore natural streams and
runoff throughout our area. There is NO doubt that, because of this
restoration effort, flow in this channel, at this location, has increased
substantially in the last 6 months, and that trout will be resident in this
habitat area in the near future, if not in fact existent at the present.
Based on current progress, there is also no doubt that this stream will flow
year round thru this location within the next few weeks or months, as it is
as of today. The site plan does not address in any fashion how the existing
natural streambed and streamflow will be accomodated.
8. The "Cultural Setting" section of this document completely disregards
impacts to the present-day cultural setting, the local rural setting and
environment, and cultural/social impacts thereto caused by these operations,
increased truck traffic and other obvious socially-altering impacts. To not
include commentary in this respect is a total disregard of the existing
local, rural society, residents and environment that have existed here since
the mid-1800's.
It is our intent to assure that all applicable county, state and federal
laws relating to a proposed project of this size and scope be complied with.
Riparian and streambed watershed(s) and wetlands in this area, as elsewhere,
come within the scope of the Public Trust Doctrine, which has been upheld on
numerous occasions by the California courts. This Doctrine upholds the fact
that waters running thru this project location belongs to the citizens of
California, not to the project operators or landowners.
Lloyd Wiens
Frazier Park Adopt A Creek Project
P.O. Box 1510
Frazier Park, Calif. 93225
661-245-3438
Massive Water System Leak Found on Frazier Mtn.
The Frazier Park Public Utility District's water springbox in Sam Young
Canyon, on the north side of Frazier Mountain, is blowing a gasket! Thousands of
gallons of water are spraying 50 to 60 feet out of the top of the box and running
off/leeching into nearby native terrain. This leakage represents a serious illegal
diversion of water from natural resources and streambeds in the area which could benefit
from this runoff from winter snows. Sources indicate this major leakage has been
occurring for about the last 60 days.
Reports are being filed with the State Water Rights Control Board, Fish & Game, the
Forest Service and Kern County Environmental Health by the local Cuddy Creek Adopt A Creek project.
5/15/01- Update:
State Environmental Health Services advises that Sam Young Canyon springbox will be
refitted with a relief valve and new flow meter by the end of the week. Excess water
will be placed in the stream channel!! They will also be inspecting/researching
similar activities and requirements for Pine and Dark canyon springs/springboxes.
7/27/01- Update: The top of the springbox has apparently now been closed
and repaired; spraying stopped. Flow meter still in disrepair. Usage appears
to have been reduced. State Water Rights recently ran an inspection of both the
Frazier Park and Lake of the Woods water districts. State Health is scheduled to do
the same. State Water Resources is also conducting extensive research in our area.
Funds Allocated to Local Park Districts By Calif.
Dept. of Parks;
Frazier Park Funds Diverted by County Parks; New Parks District Under Discussion
On April 6, 2001, the Calif. Dept.of Parks allocated
millions of dollars to local Parks Districts and Counties. Included were
2 million-plus dollars for Kern County Parks and $178,000 for Westside Recreation &
Parks District in Taft. These funds were received from Grants associated with the
Year 2000 Bond Act and the Clean Water/Clean Air Act. See info below in the Adopt A
Creek summary, or in the Calif. Parks News & Links section.
Emails were sent to Kern County Assessor's Office, Parks Dept. and Kern County 4th Dist. Supervisor Ken Peterson. Inquiry also made 5/1/01 to the County Auditor/Controller, who indicated that funds were allocated by community populations. A response was received from Bob Addison, Parks Dept. Mgr., as follows. Community involvement is strongly suggested, to assure receipt of our appropriate share of these funds. Additional research is being conducted to determine precisely how funds from Clean Water/Clean Air were supposed to be used. Text of these emails and response follows. Additional info will be requested from Frazier Park area representative on the Parks Board of Directors, Kitty Jo Nelson.
As the result of this and other activities, several local citizens are beginning discussions about forming a local Parks & Recreation District. For more info, or to participate in this planning process, call 245-3438. It is anticipated that additional family-oriented activities will be planned as a part of this proposal.
4/18/01
To Ken Peterson: cc: Bob Addison- Parks Dept.
Ken: Based on my review of the allocations noted in this document,
we
should be receiving a total of $12.76 per capita of the Park District
Allocation funds for our local community park, and for the local area
under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air & Coastal Protection
Bond Act of 2000. What is the total allocation that will be granted to
our area's residents and communities, how will these funds be distributed and
to whom? What per-capita population figure is being used in these
calculations for zips 93225, 93243 and 93222?
http://www.cal-parks.ca.gov/grants/allocations/ALLOCATIONSFOR2000BONDACT.pdf
Thanks.
Lloyd Wiens (No Response Received)
4/19/01
To: Kern County Tax Assessor
Could you advise the following information for zip codes 93225, 93243 and
93222 and the Frazier Mtn. Tax District :
1. Total assessed valuation for properties in these areas .
2. Total # of parcels & property owners assessed in these areas.
3. The last year a general reassessment of properties in these areas was
conducted.
Also, when tax monies are allocated or distributed on a "Per Capita" basis,
how is per capita calculated and on what basis for these areas.
Thanks for your help.
Lloyd Wiens (No response received)
>>> "Internet Outdoors Unlimited" <shopout@shopoutdoors.com> 05/01 3:09 PM
>>>
5/1/01
Bob Addison
Kern County Parks
Re: Cal Parks -2000 Bond and Clean Water Act Grants
Bob: Scott Johnson of the Auditor/Controller's office advised me that the
above-noted funds (see prior email) were allocated by the state for
our area based on a population calculation made by several agencies.
Those funds were then granted to your department for the Frazier Mountain
Community Park.
Can you advise the population figure used for our area, and the amount of
money allocated for granting to our community and park by your department.
Grants were subject to minimums and other criteria, based on what I see on
CalParks website. Was there a minimum amount applied to the grant
involved for our area, based on population?
How will these funds be allocated, and used in our area(s)? Certainly, I
would hope that some of the Clean Water Act monies could be used for
restoration of the park ponds or other stream/water-related issues and
concerns here. It is clear that those funds were intended for such
purposes.
Thanks again.
Lloyd Wiens
From: Parks Director <parksdirector@co.kern.ca.us> (Bob
Addison)
To: shopout@shopoutdoors.com <shopout@shopoutdoors.com>
Date: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 3:45 PM
Subject: Re: 2000 Bond and Clean Water Act Grants
>The initial funds are allocated to the County on the basis of County
>population. A list of projects for those funds was developed, reviewed by
>the Parks Commission and approved by the Board. There is no constraint to
>break the population down smaller than countywide. A project for Frazier
>Park was placed highest on the County list for certain grant funding and has
>been submitted. Other projects for the Parks Bond will be submitted on a
>competitive basis.
>
>Currently, none of the proposed projects involve the pond. We need to meet
>in the near future, to discuss the pond situation and your other thoughts on
>Frazier Park projects.
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ORDER NO. 00-7-2670-7 Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), and to protect endangered species, the following acts are prohibited within the Mount Pinos Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. This closure order is effective from June 7, 2000, through June 6, 2001. Ed. Note: Species is the Southwestern Arroyo Toad. 1. Being in the Hardluck Campground after sundown or before sunrise. The Hardluck Campground is located in Section 18, T.7N., R. 19W, SBB&M, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.58(1). 2. Being in the sandy streambank areas which are fenced off to public entry and adjacent to the Hardluck Campground. 36 CFR 261.53(a). Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571. Done at Goleta, California this 2nd day of June, 2000 JEANINE A. DERBY |
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ORDER NO. 00-8-2670-8 Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(b) , and to protect endangered species, the following act is prohibited within the Mount Pinos Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. This closure order is effective from June 8, 2000, through June 7, 2001. Ed. Note- Species is the Southwestern Arroyo Toad. Using any type of motorized vehicle on the Buck Creek Road also known as Hardluck Road (Forest Road 7N08) from the locked gate located at Los Alamos Work Station in Section 18, T.7N, R.18W., SBB&M to the locked gate at Hardluck Campground in Section 24, T.7N., R.19 W., SBB&M. 36 CFR 261.54(a). Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 3. Persons with disabilities using assistive devices or aids. An assistive device is a piece of equipment, such as a wheelchair, used by a person with a disability on a daily basis to help in the accomplishment of one of life's major functions or activities. A wheelchair is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act to be "a device designed solely for use by a mobility?impaired person for locomotion, that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area." 42 USC 12207(c)(2). A wheelchair may be motorized or non-motorized. This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571. Done at Goleta, California this 2nd day of June, 2000 JEANINE A. DERBY |
FMHS SPORTS
Spring football is underway! Almost 70 players reported for the first day of practice. Practice continues thru 6/2; a spring scrimmage game is anticipated to close out this training session. For more info, contact head coach Jason Fayter at the school. 248-0310.
Pricing for Printed Copies of this publication:
$1.00 Per Issue, or $10.00 Per Year, For 12 Issues
Mail To: P.O. Box 1510; Frazier Park, Ca. 93225
More local info can be found
ONLINE at:
www.shopoutdoors.com
www.frazmtn.com
www.california-recreation.com
This Issue’s Features:
Adopt-A-Creek Update
Winter- Info and Editorial
Fishing Info
Trail Report
Classifieds
Organization Reports
Adopt A Creek Project Update
Several recent events have occurred that the Frazier Park Area Adopt A Creek Project wanted to advise the community about. Additional details about these events are available online at: www.shopoutdoors.com/Adopt-a-Creek.html
4/3- Response from Calif. Dept. of Water Resources Complaints Received.
Water Rights Division confirms receipt of Project complaint about excessive
water diversions by LOW Mutual Water Co. and Frazier Park Public Utilities District.
"Our intitial review of the files for the water rights of
both.......district(s).... reveals evidence indicating that the diversion and use of water
may be considerably greater than authorized by each of the licenses. Consequently, I
have asked staff as soon as their schedule allows to conduct inspections of the diversion
and use of water by the ......districts(s)..... Results of our compliance inspection
will be sent to you upon preparation of the subsequent written inspection reports."
Signed, Harry M. Schueller, Chief, Div. of Water Rights, State of Calif.
1. Kern County Roads Dept. has acknowledged our concerns about obstructions created by
Mt. Pinos Hwy. to the two main tributaries feeding Cuddy Creek from Mt. Pinos, and will
review these locations for modification or cleanup as soon as weather permits. Roads has
also acknowledged that no permits exist for these diversions/blockages from the State
Water Rights board or Fish & Game. Correction of these diversions should substantially
increase surface waterflow thru Cuddy Valley. Based on observations, on 2/26 the main fork
of Cuddy Creek in Cuddy Valley was the only tributary in the entire
area that wass not running.
2. Our trout stocking permit for Cuddy Creek and tributaries has been approved by Fish
& Game. A Streambed Alteration Agreement application is still under review and
modification.
3. We have contacted the Pinon Pines water district about obstruction of the natural
streamflow of Cuddy Creek by the entry road, caused by new culvert placement and a
construction/walking access road on the west side of the entry road. The latter is causing
the natural stream to percolate underground and create a pond, and has eliminated the
natural flow of surface water to the sag pond east of the entry and downstream. Volunteer
assistance in remedying this problem with a walking bridge has been offered.
4. Other road/culvert obstructions and diversions upstream from Pinon Pines have also been
observed. Landowners will be contacted and offered voluntary help to correct. Kern County
Roads, Kern County
Planning and the Army Corps of Engineers have been notified; copies of road construction
plans and permits have been requested.
5. Formal complaints have been filed with the State Division of Water Rights regarding
water diversion/usage in excess of granted allotments in Sam Young and Pine Canyons by the
Frazier Park Public Utility District and in Dark Canyon by the Lake of the Woods Mutual
Water Co.
6. A video depicting various local Cuddy Creek canyon watershed issues is now available
for purchase from the Project for $19.95.
7. Contacts have been made with the Dept. of Water Resources for water flow, quality and
temperature metering devices and their installation, as well as info about grants
available thru the Urban Streams Restoration Program, and with the Division of Water
Rights for a pollution analysis, all in regards to Cuddy Creek. We have also contacted the
Kern County Building Dept. about residential pollution to the creek in Frazier Park &
Lake of the Woods.
8. Kern County Roads Dept., Fish & Game and the Forest Service have been contacted about debris clogging Cuddy Creek and causing it to go underground above Lockwood Valley Road, and just upstream from Ivins Dr. in Lake of the Woods. Trout that have migrated upstream of there are now trapped in Cuddy Valley because of inaccessibility to the south fork of the Creek.
9. Contact was made with Wind Wolves Preserve regarding fishery observations for San
Emigdio Creek. Fish & Game has expressed solid interest in developing a wild trout
fishery on this tributary. The Project anticipates touring this area with Fish & Game
and representatives from PMC in April or May. This project would be a wonderful addition
to outdoor recreation in that area.
10. A grant application in the amount of $175,000 has been submitted to the Kern County
Wildlife Resources Commission, for reintroducing the ponds that previously existed in
Frazier Mountain Community Park. The commission is being asked to implement the
"Phase One Redevelopment Plan" for this park
that was approved by the Kern County Board of Supervisors on 7/1/58 and never completed.
Drawings of the 1958 plan, and a copy of the grant application, are in the possession of
the Project and available for public review.
11. The Kern County Wildlife Resources Commission has been asked to provide an accounting
as to where our 50% share of funds and total local revenues derived from fishing and
hunting violation citations written in our local zip code areas have been spent for the
last 5 years. This percentage of these funds is returned by Fish & Game to the
Taft/Maricopa Judicial District, wherein we reside, sent on to the Commission, and legally
designated to be used for fish stocking, fish & wildlife habitat improvement purposes
in the areas within which the citations were originally written. From what we can
determine, minimal amounts of these funds have ever been spent in our local area and are
being diverted elsewhere in the county.
You are encouraged to join the project and participate in cleanup/restoration of our local
tributaries. Next meeting info is available on our website, shown above..
Patchy snow still remained into mid-May on Mt. Pinos and surrounding mountains! Total snow accumulation this winter in the area was 300 inches plus! .........one of the most productive seasons in years! Thunderstorms have occurred occassionally in May also, primarily in afternoons; be prepared.
Trails are partially muddy above 7,500 ft. elevation, with small streams and drainages running. Be prepared for wet trailbeds in many locations. It is expected that high-elevation hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails will not be completely clear of snow until the middle of May.
Paid Advertisement:
Many destructive things have been printed in other local publications recently regarding our business, including statements from a public employee that border on personal libel. Rather than responding to that legally, and participating in creating more negativity and divisiveness in this community, we have decided to move forward in a positive manner. Part of that response is the co-sponsorship of this publication, which will focus on the good things about recreation here. We have addressed some of these issues with the higher-ups in the county, the Forest Service and the CHP.
Suffice it to say that we intend to pursue our legal request for all public documents related to the Presidents Weekend closure of access to Frazier Park by visitors. This problem has gone on for DECADES in our area and is a blight on our community. It is up to publicly-paid and elected officials to solve it finally, in a POSITIVE fashion .....not by restraining trade and commerce unlike anywhere else in the state. We have received responses from Mr. Peterson and the Legal Counsel for the CHP, and we have responded to the state senate and assembly. This is an old-standing issue that we will continue to pursue resolution of for the next couple of years by whatever means necessary, including public accountability of expenditures of tax monies generated in our local area.
This issue goes well beyond the positions espoused by these officials publicly. There are contracts, regulations, secret verbal agreements and arrangements between local public agencies that most persons in the public sector are not privy to. The taxpayers, including us, have a right to know what the LAW says about all this, and what regulations truly apply. We will endure whatever public ridicule is necessary in order to accomplish that. The Freedom of Information and similar acts were passed by Congress and our State representatives for precisely such reasons.
Thank you sincerely to everyone that has stopped by and supported our American right to do so. In the meantime, we intend to enjoy the local outdoors and publicly-owned lands to their fullest, and support all of our friends and customers to continue to do likewise. ALWAYS remember that this property was set aside for OUR use by Congress; they had no intention of our use thereof being restricted without just cause when they did so.
We also intend to fully pursue unwarranted and unlawful destruction of the local
watershed by other area public agencies.
Lloyd Wiens; Frazier Ski & Pack
Recreational History on the Grapevine:
by Lloyd Wiens
In view of the impact of governemental management decisions on local recreational facilities, it is useful for us to look at the past and analyze what has transpired in our area. These items are based on historical maps and other resources that are freely available to the public.
There has been an abundance of closures of campgrounds, roads and trails in the past 50 years, and many trails have been removed from federally-produced maps, including Los Padres Forest maps and USGS topographical maps. Many of the trails removed and/or closed are still on the National Trails Register and thereby still eligible for use and maintenance by the public. Were there not so many examples of this, one would think that a single closure was only an isolated situation. After reviewing the following facts, however, one can only conclude that, primarily because of funding, there has been an ongoing reduction in public access and recreational facilities for many years. Perhaps funds generated from the Adventure Pass can be used to reinstate many of these facilities.
Did you know that there used to be:
- A campground and trout fishing on Seymour Road on the southeast side of Mt. Pinos, in the Sage Flat area.
- Ski tows and/or lifts at Mt. Able Lodge, Camp Condor and above Mil Potrero Park from the late 40's and into the ‘60’s.
- Free-flowing creeks, wetlands and/or tributaries through what is now the PMC golf course, and also by the S turns?
- A "loop" trail/roadbed system south of Pinon Pines through the meadows to Cuddy Ranch and back to Cuddy Valley road.
- A trail from east of Frazier Park to Tecuya Ridge, to Oneill Canyon, Lebec Oaks Ranch and north to Grapevine.
- A "stock" trail/roadbed from the Tait Ranch up the west side of Sam Young Canyon to what was then privately-owned property at the top of Frazier Mountain.
- A campground located just east of Frazier Park on the north side of Frazier Mtn. Pk. Rd. called "Pinyon" campground, where the elementary school is now located.
- A trail down Bradley Canyon that connected via loop north from Tecuya Ridge to Black Bob and on to Salt Creek.
- A trail/road from Cobblestone Mountain southeast to a campground called Halfway Spring, now gone, then on to Ellis Apiary campground, Blue Point, Piru Creek, then south to Piru, Timescal and Fillmore.
- A Kern County Park where the El Tejon baseball fields now exist. The old light standards are still up.
- A trail to what was then called Winniger Canyon on the east side of Frazier Mountain.
- An L.A. County campground, "Tejon", 2 miles east and above Gorman, near Lindbergh corner. And yes, that site was named for Charles Lindbergh, who used to hang-glide from that point!
- USFS Guard stations at the north entrance to Hungry Valley, "Tejon Guard Station", and at Gold Hill.
- Roads from what is now Flying J south to just above FMHS on what was called Foley Ranch, to the Tejon Guard Station.
- A campground in Grade Valley, 1 mile north of Piru Creek on Grade Valley Road.
- A campground on the northeast slope of Alamo Mtn. called "Big Spring".
- An end to Mt. Pinos Highway at McGill Campground. During the winter, from there a signed ski trail, the "Mt. Pinos Skiway", travelled to Sawmill Mtn. and Mt. Able.
- A trail from the meadowy area between PMC and Mil Potrero Park to the saddle between Grouse Mtn. and Mt. Able and on to Mesa Spring.
- Old stagecoach routes from Mutau Flat, Lockwood Creek, Schoolhouse summit on Lockwood Valley Road, then to the west of Plunderosa Ranch, on to the "Y", then down canyon on the east side of Mil Potrero Hwy. to San Emigdio Creek, down that canyon through what was called the "Devil’s Kitchen", on to San Emigdio Ranch, Bakersfield and the coast. There was another route from Grade Valley southwest on what is now Lockwood Valley Road to Hwy. 33 and northwest to the coast. An additional one went from Lake Hughes to what is now the Gun Club on Hwy. 138 (an old sod stagecoach building still stands there), then northwest to Quail Lake, north over the crest of Winters Ridge and down to the old Tejon Ranch headquarters, San Sebastian Indian Reservation and on to Bakersfield.
- A whole series of 4X4 roads on the crest south of Lockwood Creek and northwest of Piru Creek.
- An old road next to Lockwood Creek, to & from a mining town at the junction of Piru and Lockwood Creek, called "Lexington".
- An old lodge, "Pine Mountain Lodge" on the top of Pine Mountain, south of Camp Schiedeck, that was a popular gathering/backcountry/hunting spot on the north fork of Piedra Blanca until it was destroyed by fire.
- Catchable trout that spawned at the top of Seymour Creek, near McGill Campground, on Mt. Pinos. There also was an old sawmill just below that area.
- A campground at Hardluck Campground, which is now closed, due to the Arroyo Toad.
Other interesting facts about our area that you may not know:
- Bighorn sheep were released near Thorn Point in the ‘70’s; some still survive near Piru Creek and McDonald Peak.
- 18,000 lbs. of trout were air-dropped in backcountry streams around Piru, Mutau, Lockwood, etc. by Fish and Game in the ‘70’s.
- The Pacific Crest trail crosses Hwy. 138 and travels north and south somewhere east of Quail Lake. The route is not marked through that area.
- The local tribe of the Chumash was apparently called the El Tejon band. There were 3 or 4 different nations that lived peacefully on the shores of Kashtiq/Castac/Tejon Lake.
- Between 150 and 175 Indians were slaughtered by the U.S. Army near Buena Vista Lake around 1855, just after California achieved statehood. Apparently General Beale was involved in this activity on behalf of the state. Additionally, many women and children were driven by soldiers on horseback into Kashtiq Lake and drowned.
- Old Highway 99 lies buried at the bottom of Pyramid Lake.
-Ventura county built Seymour Road to provide a recreational park loop road on Mt. Pinos.
If you have other additions to this list, please let us know about them.
LOS PADRES FOREST PLAN REVISIONS
The Forest Plan for the Los Padres National Forest is in the process of being revised.
Public comments are being solicited. Submit YOURS to Mike Foster, the local District
Ranger, as soon as possible. Here is what we submitted:
Mike:
Here's my preliminary comments for the new forest plan for the Mt. Pinos Ranger District:
Commit winter adventure pass revenues generated in this district to winteractivities,
support services and snowplowing in THIS district. Insist that those funds be used here,
not elsewhere in the LPNF, in view of the severity of the problems we have here. Develop
parking facilities and transportation services for winter, in cooperation with local
private landowners and organizations. Develop a thorough, documented management plan for
handling winter visitors and vehicle traffic, in conjunction with Kern County and the
Calif. Highway Patrol. Consider making Mt. Pinos Hwy./Cuddy Valley Rd./Frazier Mtn. Pk.
Rd. a state highway so CalTrans resources can be used to maintain it.
Implement an Interprepretive program. It is long overdue. Other Districts in the Forest have it; so should we. The kids and schools in this community deserve it, and it will help change the social structure and environmental/forest resources awareness here.
Do a riparian/wetlands and fisheries/stream and water use/diversion compliance assessment of the district. Insist on watershed regulatory compliance by Special Use Permittees. Conduct a watershed, water quality, aquifer and hydrological analysis of streams and water resources in the area, in cooperation with State Water Resources and Kern County Engineering Surveys, Services and Flood Control departments.
Develop Rural Development partnering program(s) and grants for/with thelocal community, in view of the impact Forest Service operations here have on area activities and the economy.
Construct a hiking/horseback/mountain biking trail on the north face of Frazier Mountain to the summit that is immediately accessible to Frazier Park residents and visitors. Implement summit registers on peaks in the area. Encourage increased use of the local forest by residents by doing so, and by publishing a hiking/mountain biking/horseback trails map for the district.
Develop a legitimate study/analysis of Native American issues in the district that includes commentary from local, not out-of-state, tribe members regarding historical cultural values in the area. Insist that local historical artifacts being held without authority be inventoried and returned to closest remaining survivors.
Construct a visitor information facility and Native American Interpretive Center on Frazier Mtn. Park Rd. near the entrance to our area. Model it after the Inyo/Mammoth R.D. Visitors Center.
In sum total, I believe these actions will provide a foundation for a higher level of
local awareness and participation in forest issues and activities, from a positive
standpoint. Too many negative issues dominate the local community's involvement in Forest
activities, and the good things about recreation in our area need to be emphasized more by
all of us that are directly involved in them.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Lloyd Wiens
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