Acorn Trail Blocked

[Kevin Quinn]

I will do my homework, but Acorn trail is blocked by several fallen trees. If all checks out I will take a run up and clear it. I have not used a chain saw on national forest land so I will check for all compliance issues. I have already removed all other debris, except snow,,,,but hey i can do that too.

[CNMmom]

While I love your enthusiasm, you cannot use a chainsaw on federal land without an extensive training class and certification process. I work with the Adopt A Trail program in the San Bernadino Forest and this is a major limiting factor in the amount of work we can accomplish in the spring every year. Luckily my club was able to have one of our members go through one of the training courses so we are able to clear trails. Maybe this weekend you could visit Grassy Hollow and inform them of the trail conditions. They may have the ability to have someone assigned to do trail maintenance. Good Luck! 

[Kevin Quinn]

Ahh, I had a feeling. It pays to ask. Thank you for that information. I will check with Grassy Hollow and then I will see what little I can do by hand.

[CNMmom]

I hosted a hiker this week who came down it and he said that it was in pretty bad shape. I am sure that work will need to be done in order for the AC100 to use it.

[Kevin Quinn]

Beside doing the right thing and notifying those that seem to be in charge I will take a day with an axe and a shovel and clear all I can. I think acorn is awesome and was bummed to see it re-routed and confusing.

[snowave]

Let me know approximately where the fallen trees are, and a guess on the diameter of each, and I will fwd the information to the right people with the USFS to get them cleared from the trail. 

With the hundreds of miles of trails on the forest, the USFS relies on reports from the public to get things like this taken care of. The fire crews usually enjoy doing this kind of work, so once it's reported to them, it often gets done pretty quickly. 

mtcook@fs.fed.us

Thanks for your efforts and concerns!

[makgirl]

I hosted a hiker this week who came down it and he said that it was in pretty bad shape. I am sure that work will need to be done in order for the AC100 to use it.

AC100 is early this year: July 23rd, I hope they can clear it in time.

[Kevin Quinn]

I hope to do acorn tomorrow with an axe, tree saw and shovel. I will clear what I can then let you know what is left. At least 2 trees were over two feet in diameter and I doubt i would be able to make a dent in them.

[Nolena]

When confronted with this problem in the past, I have notified contacts They just need to know where there are problems.

[Kevin Quinn]

I am pretty sure, as you say, that just by notifying the folks at Grassy Hollow over time the trail will be cleared. But since I am working less due to our fabulous economy, I can think of a lot worse things to do for a day than to spend time on Acorn clearing obstructions. But being a bit of an idiot when it comes to whats right and wrong in the forest realm I would ask those more knowledgeable, is it okay to do what I am about to do?
No power tools, clearing only the trail, no watershed obstruction and cognizant of trail drainage. So what do you think, good idea? Or should I stay home and vacuum and wash windows?

[Domingo]

[Kevin Quinn]

[ForestGal]

Is there still a lot of snow on the upper Acorn trail?

[bootsmiles]

Kevin,

Yup, there are several trees down on the PCT up Baden Powell.
Everybody is making their way over, under, around them, just fine. (it's nothing compared to the snow you'll deal with higher up)
Thank you very much for doing your best on Acorn trail (or any trail for that matter)
For as far as I know, quite a few of the people that used to do trail (PCT) maintenance have gotten a "bit older" and/or are dealing with other problems.
So, again, thank you very much for your trail work.

[Kevin Quinn]

This is the giant tree on the switchback.



BEFORE



AFTER

[Kevin Quinn]

Thanks for your thanks. If was a lot more fun than work. As far as snow, just one patch on Acorn but several on the pct from Guffy to the trail head at hwy 2.

[bootsmiles]

Wow!
The ones on Baden Powell are not even half that size.
And quite a few of the PCTrs are coming in to town via the Acorn trail.
I'm sure they appreciate your work.

[ChrisLynnet]

Way to go Kevin! 

[Tomas]

Wow, good work. I rarely use the acorn trail, but as was stated before, your work on any trail is appreciated. I also know that many PCT hikers use the acorn trail to enjoy the legendary hospitality of our town.

[Domingo]

Kevin, thank you so much for clearing the Acorn Trail.  I have an idea:  are you willing to organize a work party and invite anyone from the forum to help you when you tackle Baden Powell?  Back in the day Nolena invited the rest of us to meet and do hikes together and it was a nice way to meet others from the forum and build a greater sense of community.  Besides, everyone who helps will be doing something awesome for those who use those trails. As Bootsmiles mentioned, Baden Powell won't be half the work that Acorn was (your aching back will feel the difference).