Sam Houston/Davy Crockett National Forests closes areas

[mcrider]

News
Release


U.S. Forest Service
2221 North Raguet St.
Lufkin, Texas 75904
www.fs.usda.gov/texas
March 30, 2012 Contact: Warren Oja, 936-344-6205

For Immediate Release

Sam Houston National Forest closes areas
due to hazardous trees



As trees continue to die in the wake of last summer’s historic drought, safety concerns for forest visitors are prompting the closure of several areas in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Among areas closed are Cagle Hiking Trail, John’s Point Trail, Long Star Hiking Trail, Multi-Use Trail, Office Hiking Trail, Equestrian Trail, Double Lake Shore Hiking Trail and Double Lake Mountain Bike Trail. In addition, some hunter camps and some parking areas will be posted as closed as well as Kelly’s Pond camping area, dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 271, Stubblefield Recreation Area and Paloka Point off Forest Service Road 248.

Despite recent rainfall, the extreme stress from the drought continues to kill trees, said Stephanie Neal Johnson, acting forest supervisor for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

“Safety is always a primary concern, and we will close trails, some hunter camps and other places in the forest where people gather until we can evaluate their condition,” Johnson said.

Forest visitors should always check their surroundings and be aware of the possibility of falling limbs or trees.

“We understand this is the time of year when people like to get out in the great outdoors, and everyone must remember they are responsible for their own safety,” Johnson said.

For more information, contact Sam Houston National Forest Ranger Warren Oja at 936-344-6205.

###

================================================== ===========================================

News
Release


U.S. Forest Service
2221 North Raguet St.
Lufkin, Texas 75904
www.fs.usda.gov/texas
March 30, 2012 Contact: Gerald Lawrence, 936-655-2299

For Immediate Release

Davy Crockett National Forest closes areas
due to hazardous trees


As trees continue to die in the wake of last summer’s historic drought, safety concerns for forest visitors are prompting the closure of several areas in the Davy Crockett National Forest.

Among areas closed are Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, 4C National Recreation Trail, Tall Pines Trail and Piney Creek Horse Trails. In addition, some hunter camps and some parking areas will be posted as closed.

Despite recent rainfall, the extreme stress from the drought continues to kill trees, said Stephanie Neal Johnson, acting forest supervisor for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

“Safety is always a primary concern, and we will close trails, some hunter camps and other places in the forest where people gather until we can evaluate their condition,” Johnson said.

Forest visitors should always check their surroundings and be aware of the possibility of falling limbs or trees.

“We understand this is the time of year when people like to get out in the great outdoors, and everyone must remember that they are responsible for their own safety,” Johnson said.

For more information, contact Davy Crockett National Forest Ranger Gerald Lawrence at 936-655-2299.

###

[Tourmeister]

So does this mean ALL the motorcycle trails are closed? Or just certain trail heads, like Kelly's Pond?

[fly]

ck out there site.

hope there work crews dont take all summer long.. even closed scotts ridge boat ramp darnnit

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/...telprdb5359719

[mcrider]

Originally Posted by Tourmeister

So does this mean ALL the motorcycle trails are closed? Or just certain trail heads, like Kelly's Pond?

ALL trails are closed!

[SL350]

Originally Posted by mcrider

ALL trails are closed!

Maybe this is a time to volunteer and get those trails cleaned up and ready? Do they ask for help?

[TwoSmokeDS]

I like the down trees in the way. More challenging.

[Tourmeister]

Originally Posted by SL350

Maybe this is a time to volunteer and get those trails cleaned up and ready? Do they ask for help?

I don't know for sure, but I would be shocked if they allowed volunteers given the proclivity of the government to require training, paperwork, use of "preferred" or "approved" contractors, etc,... Just think back to what happened when FEMA showed up for the Bastrop fires and started sending away all the volunteers that already had things under control...

[SilverBullet]

Originally Posted by Tourmeister

I don't know for sure, but I would be shocked if they allowed volunteers given the proclivity of the government to require training, paperwork, use of "preferred" or "approved" contractors, etc,... Just think back to what happened when FEMA showed up for the Bastrop fires and started sending away all the volunteers that already had things under control...

Of course new untrained volunteers won't be allowed for the same reason the area is in lock down mode now. But probably they will work with the current trail steward organizations. So you might inquire through those groups, always good to stay involved. See OP's signature bar for one link.

Is that true about Bastrop? I hadn't heard anything like that before. Fires were under control and then FEMA stepped in and let things get out of control again? Or still stayed under control but they just didn't want/need the volunteer help anymore so sent them home?

_

[subcomm]

Please don't ever question the wisdom and benevolence of Big Brother. They always know what is best for ignorant and helpless civilians.

[sandman]

Better have your bike plated or you will never be able to ride in the SHNF.

[mcrider]

Trail Users,
As most of you know all trails in the Sam Houston NF are closed, because of all the dead trees. In an effort to evaluate the trail system the Forest Service is organizing trail users to help find the dead trees. We need ALL trail users help! User work groups will meet maybe as early as this weekend. When the call goes out we will need as many trail users as possible to bring their motorcycles, four wheelers, bicycles, horses and/or hiking boots to the forest to travel all the trails in the Sam Houston by April 18th.

The plan will be to travel the trails & GPS the dead tree locations within 150' either side.

This is just a pre-begging email to alert you what is going on & so you can pass the word.

Do not go to the forest until the meeting place in communicated to you. Just make ready.

[Wick]

I guess I need to finally buy me a GPS. Once the trees are located, I would think it would take some time to drop all of the trees.

[Tourmeister]

Hmmm... this could actually be fun! It means having to ride on a weekday though, so getting off work might be an issue for many folks.

[mcrider]

The district ranger, Warren Oja, emailed me with the plan.

NFGT Hazard Tree Rapid Assessment Plan.
Friday, Apil 06, 2012 2:14 PM
SPREAD THE WORD THRU YOUR TRAIL NETWORK

Chris – There will be a meeting at the district office on 9:30 am Monday, 4/9/12 to brief our employees and trail coalition volunteers, who will be assessing the hazardous trees on trails and trail heads within the Sam Houston NF.

Data collection forms and instructions will be handed out and explained along with using GPS units, taking photo points, volunteer agreements, and a safety briefing. For those who can’t make it Monday, but wish to help later

In the week or following weekend, the district will provide additional briefings at that time. See you Monday.

If we want the trails open again, WE ALL NEED TO HELP!

I plan on working next week. Anyone else that can please do so we can get a jump on next weekend.

[Tourmeister]

Where is the district office?

[mcrider]

Sorry about that Scott, I just assumed everyone knew.

The district office is on FM 1375 west of I-45 about 3 miles on the right.

[ninthlord]

Think how nice and peaceful it is right now - thousands of trees falling and no one there to hear them.

[Tourmeister]

Originally Posted by mcrider

Sorry about that Scott, I just assumed everyone knew.

The district office is on FM 1375 west of I-45 about 3 miles on the right.

Okay.

Not sure if I can make it given the time of day. Please take notes and share here. I might still be able to help unless being at the meeting is required.

[Wick]

I can make it on Friday, what do we need to do and bring?

[Tourmeister]

Any info from the meeting yet?