Water shortage & Swarthout Creek - rafting

[WWMtnGal]

Just awesome photos Bob!  That is so beautiful!!

Good job!
 

[Hillbillies]

Ha......LOL

Last time I looked on here there was a post by some ding dong saying he gets paid a lot of money to do research.......funny how he can't get any info on this topic.....maybe he needs to go back to "Research School" or something.......  

Just wanted to say that the photos of the guys (I know Dan pretty good) and the other guy in the boat was pretty darn funny...... 

Also, nice photos BostonBob.......Is that an easy hike? 

[wcmanes]

I think we should be working for a wild river designation for Swarthout Creek. That way, we could restore the trout and beaver and take out all of the man made things that cross the creek.

There are quite a few properties that require stream crossings to access their houses. Are you suggesting these people should be forced to abandon their property?

[wcmanes]

So all the people who live off of Cardinal and Flume Canyon would have to walk all the way up and down the hill every day? Where would they all park?

[Wildman]

So all the people who live off of Cardinal and Flume Canyon would have to walk all the way up and down the hill every day? Where would they all park?

Walking doesn't sound that unreasonable....does it?  Might start a fitness trend that would benefit us all.  Folks will be able to park in dirt lots that parallel the highway.  Folks closer to the main part of town who live on the North side of the creek will pay to park in the lot across from the AM/PM.  The lot is fenced and safer then just being on the street. 

[300]

Swarthout Creek already has a specific designation by the Army Corp of Engineers. This waterway has been the topic of discussion for over a hundred years as it feeds the Mojave valley. A great deal of history is documented in CA Water Resources decisions that can be found online and it does take plenty of work.

I think we should be working for a wild river designation for Swarthout Creek.  That way, we could restore the trout and beaver and take out all of the man made things that cross the creek. 

[San_Andreas_Fault]

Everyone needs to be careful of the property rights of the riparian owner(s).

Some states have ruled that one who floats upon the waters of a river or stream over or through private property, without touching the stream banks or beds, does not commit a criminal trespass, because the essential element of entering or remaining in or upon "premises," which includes banks or beds, is missing.

With that said, be carefull not to be on the private property of others.

SAF

[Lisa]

greenfencejumper,
Maybe I'm wrong but it doesn't sound like you're really interested in the riparian rights of the water "itself". The State Water Commission rulings and decisions are online that address Swarthout Creek as being a subterranean flow, of a stream.

It sounds more like you're looking for research information regarding river law in California. Here's a research link that may help in your quest:

http://www.nors.org/states/ca-law.htm

See, Wrightwood is a small sandbox and we do try to play nice 

Lisa - I hope you see this or someone tells you about it - can you please send me your references or links to the statements below about the 1899 designation - or if someone else knows.... this will benefit us all - we do not want to become Big Bear or the like and we need to maintain the rights we have - we be small - but the gross income of this area probably makes up for most of San Bernardino City! We need COunty services to be dolled out fairly
THank you VERY MUCH - all help appreciated!
Greenfencejumper

[Edwin]

I'm sure the people who were illegally detained, while rafting down Swarthout Creek last week will be interested in your research.

[AntiFltLndrs]

Off the path a bit, but is anyone elses water rusty orange today?  I live on lark / division side

[TaiChiMe]

Hey Bostonbob,  Those pictures were great and made me want to see the falls up close and personal.  How do you get to Government Canyon?  Thanks

[Chesslike]

Hey Bostonbob, Those pictures were great and made me want to see the falls up close and personal. How do you get to Government Canyon? Thanks

Also, nice photos BostonBob.......Is that an easy hike?

It is a fairly easy hike, you just have to be careful of all the loose material along the canyon walls. To get to it you just follow Swarthout Creek all the way up until you get to the Water Co. property. Take their dirt road until you get to the two huge water tanks which are just east of Mtn. High East. Just follow the canyon up from the water tanks.

[angiepoo]

Hey those are great pics.  George looks like he is really enjoying himself. 

And greenfencejumper sounds like he getting a little defensive.  Hmmmmmm, I wonder why.  What's the big deal? 

[artology]

Wow! Looks like fun! I may have to get myself a raft. Lisa, as usual, you've come through with great information.

[angiepoo]

That there's pretty funny Wildman!

[LasPulgas]

   But only for those of us with a sense of humor, I'm guessing.   

[Cardinal]

That there's pretty funny Wildman!

OK.  Am I missing something or did some posts on this thread just go away?  I have been having trouble seeing threads sometimes.

[Nolena]

Not that I would ever instigate anything......but.....I'll bet Cajon Creek is REALLY high this year! A person could start where Swarthout Canyon Road crosses the creek, and go down to Devore (at least).
Take pictures.

[YoMama]

 OK Shrew-lovers they're at it again. I got a call from my business partner ,this evening, and it seems as though the Swathout Canyon Whitewater Rafting Company is going to try the bottom section again tomorrow whether they half to walk half of it or not. Sounds like they're packing a water-proof folder loaded with government paper challenging anyone who dares to stop their adventure. I asked my Bud if he couid get me a ride and he said they can't take anyone as they need to complete this section quietly for insurance and precedents or something like that!?. Sounds like they're setting up for next years 3 to 4 weeks of tours to me? I can't wait to see those pictures again ! He told me where they're are going in but I'm not supposed to relay that to anyone. I may try to surprise them behind the post-office section, as the head down. Bud said they wouldn't mind it there. I want a ride, ONLY IN WRIGHTWOOD.

[200]

YoMama,
I've got my documents laminated.

To qualify as navigable river, just remember that the legal test is based on the river's natural conditions.

The natural conditions in question existed before upstream pumping began to fill holding ponds and snow making. There's records to prove that Swarthout Creek flowed nearly every year before man intervened upstream.

Streams that are navigable, for title purposes, are owned by the states, held in trust for the public. We are the public.

Take a look at Luker's Place historic photos when trout fishing was offered. Navigation, fishing, and commerce existed in Swarthout Creek long before housing existed.

I'll never advocate trespassing but public access may exist on Caltrans property that is adjacent to Hwy2.

Remember... Navigability is determined as of the date of statehood not after snowmaking!