Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Trail Condiditons

As of March 11th ....
Most trails are looking good.

Granite Basin is mostly dry...there are a couple of mushy spots on 345 and there is lots of water in the creeks.

396 - Is dry and good to go
9415 -Wolverton is good until you hit the Quartz then it is super mushy for about 200 feet after that it is good.
305 has some wet spots by the water crossings.
The Dells of course are good to go
Thumb Butte is good on the 318, 316, 317 side.  The switch backs on 392 is good but don't go up or down 326 just yet... it is super mushy at the top and the trail has already been "widened" by people trying to go around the mushy spots.
Aspen Creek 48 - the lower section is still mushy since it doesn't get much day light but when you get to the water bars the rest of the trail is in good shape.

If you have any other updates please feel free to post a comment below.


Monday, January 12, 2015

Trail Conditions

Please be respectful of the trails when they are muddy or snowy.  There have been many reports of "post holes" on trails.  If it is muddy please don't go out.    This goes for all users groups as well.   Tire tracks in the mud take a while to even out, too.  

Please report any trail conditions to this site.  All of the major user groups get a copy of the reports so they can put out to their memberships.  Lets all work together to keep our trails in great condition over the wet winter months.

UPDATE - 3/2/2015 -  ALL TRAILS ARE CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER - it will take until at least the weekend before they will be usable again and some may still be very mushy.  Please turn around if you encounter soft sections.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Filter Added to Trail 347

PTSC identified a section of trail that needed to have a filter put in place.  

At the top of 347 out of the Cayuse trail head a filter was put in place just before the blind right hand curve.  This will slow bikers speed when going into the corner thus making the corner more safe.   The filter did not take any of the 'fun' out of the trail it added some, while forcing the biker to slow their speed when coming into the corner.

There are several other areas on 347 that have been identified for a filter. PTSC will work on those once we get feed back on how this first one went.

Please go ride, hike or bike that trail and let us know what you think.  You can give us feed back on the "My Outdoor Experience" tab on the this website.




Jason trying out the filter




PTSC notes: March 25, 2013

PNF reported on the RAC grant of #308 will be delayed.
PNF gave update about the Greater Prescott Trails Planning meeting.
            Became activated after PTSC came together to work on resolving safety issues.
            This is a big study about trail needs and has defined areas/zones to be studied.
            It will include an environmental assessment plan.
            GPTP realizes a large demand for trail use
            GPTP is focused on long term….  a vision for 50 years out.
            GPTP will have an in-depth look at the issues at hand.
            GPTP will be designing how to collect the information and try to avoid missing
                        any trail user groups.  They will give an over-view of what has been studied
                        so far per zone.
            Short term goals…do now… as well as long term goals will be listed.
            Connections between other communities will be looked at.
            Trail safety issue will be considered when planning trails.

Denny reported on the Almosta Trail work day when equestrians and bikers worked
together putting up post with new information signs.  It was a fun day and the bikers
were glad they did not have to pack in the heavy post, signs and tools.

Brooke reported on the revision of the www.ptcs-2011.blogspot.com <http://www.ptcs-2011.blogspot.com/>   now have a domain www.PrescottTrailsSafetyCoalition.com with an addition
Of a reporting system that users can report anything…good or not…that occurs on their
trail rides or hikes or biking usage.  This will keep track of which trails have the most
traffic as well as an incident issue.  PNF needs more detailed input about the trails in
order to make more accurate assessment of the trail user and trail needs.  Questions as
how many people in the group, what did you see, have any positive or negative encounters with other users, did people yield correctly and politely, and issues about speed or signage.  Names and contact information must be given to verify the report.  PTSC members were asked to check out the web site and inform her if anything might needs to be changed. Go to "My Outdoor Experience" to report.
A PNFS link will be added.

PNF suggested a smart phone bar code could be on Kiosks to quickly inform users about
trail information maps, etc.  (This is already being done in Coconino National Forests.)

PNF is also taking note of the urgent needs for bigger and better tail heads.

WORK PROJECTS:
1. A pamphlet designed to be put into appropriate stores, PNF, etc.  (Jason and Debbie.)
2. Plans for the Relay/Race and BBQ at Wm Valley Trail Head for all users.  (Brooke, Joyce, Sara, Denise.)
3.  Brushing Video need for Adopt a Trail Program.
4.  Create a Time Line for all projects.  (Denny and Brad.)
            #307 re-route, using CAT solution.
            #531 needs more courteous signs.
            Whiskey Row Race….route on City Map
            Endurance Race…April 13th – 15th.
            Camp Wood Motorcycle Race.
            April30th Easter Egg Hunt at Emmanuel Pass.  (PMBA)
            #332 needs road X-ing signage on Iron Spgs Rd.
            Groom Crk needs signage.  (Jason, Spike, Denny)  #332, #396, #254 and TH at Girl
                        Scout camp.
            #347 filtering blind corners.  (Riders and bikers.)
            #352 needs filtering

5.  Another Annual Trail Head Meeting.  Conside with National Trails Day, June 1, 2013.
(PNF will be planning the program.)

Another IMBA Classroom and Trail work coming.

Discussion re Patrick Kell’s statements made at Sedona. Many not happy with his presentation.
He suggested Sedona will be a destination for mountain biking as has been suggested about Prescott. PMBA is not supporting Prescott being a destination place.  They are not supporting  building down hill flow trails because PNF has natural one. Brooke noted the IMBA does not speak for PMBA

Craig and Leslie looking into starting a Trail Safety Coalition in Coconino‘s Red Rock District.
He reported that people did not have a positive reaction to Patrick Kell presentation. Craig is working toward more education for trail users on the Verde side.

Jason from PNF stated the destination issue speaks to good access to public trails (trail heads) and that much influx of people would interfere with people living here. People live here for the quality of living provided here.  Tourisms not the ONLY economic issue for Prescott.

PMBA is saying there would be a greater need for more trails to accommodate an influx of trail users.  Also a destination place would be greatly hinderd by PNF’s physical barriers, as sight lines, that would not be good for mountain bikers.

Events:
 June 8th…Outdoor Festival
 April 14th-17th…International Trail Symposium, Fountain Hills.
 New motorized trail at Dosey Pit.
 Will use Swecco on #384 (Wolf Crk Falls)

Next PTSC meeting:  May 13th at CVFS.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Jan 14th meeting


PTSC MTG……..Jan 14, 2013

Neigel gave report to PTSC to clarify and explain how he sees the relationship with PNF with PTSC
after his meeting with Betty, which left him with a “bad feeling.”

PNF can not give preference to any group, as any government agency., .city, county, state, etc.
PTSC can only be recognized for it’s IMPUT.
There has to be an open, public meeting to gather information.
Independent groups can collect their information and give it to PNF.
PNF can not be seen as favoring one group over another.
(This was miss-understood to mean that PTSC could not longer meet at a FS facility.
We can still l meet there as long as it is not seen as a part of PNF’s policy/leading/called by PNF.)

The question is being asked: “Why isn’t the FS dong anything?”
“What are all the different committees for?”
STEWARDSHIP FORUM: Formed in 2008-09 was a collaborative group of cross agencies, that cross boundaries….BLM, city, NF, etc…..to see how the whole forest is being used. Then get more focused by forming zones….Verde zone, Prescott zone, etc. Stewardship Forum was to plan
the involvement and propose how they saw the general plan for the forest.
FOREST PLANNING REVISONS…….TRAIL PLANNING
This group to establish a general plan for all users….recreation sports, aqua faira (?), boundary issues. trail planning, etc.
Now using SF to bring user groups together to contact and utilizes this forum to spread information out to all groups.

Two meeting on Jan. 24, 2012:
a.m. Stewardship Forum….representative for different organizations
p.m. Forest Planning….PNF personnel…viewing zones, how to use land management (city, county) groups

Issues of miss-understanding and lack of communication:
History of all meetings.
History of PTSC and web site.

PARALLEL PROCESS of all user groups (PTSC, city, county, NF, Community Trust etc.. becomes
the “think tank” for the FS.

Paul K…..PTASC acts as advisory group?
Spike……PTSC wants to solve immediate SHORT TERM problem, as safety issues, with out need for NEPA, maybe some quick-fix Cat. Exclusion vs. Friends of the AZ Trails wanting LONG TERM planning which would require possible NEPAs, legal changes, etc.

Omero (PNF) explained changed in the PNF organization in order to meet future challenges to the forest, developing a better web page, better volunteer coordination.

SEE Organizational Chart hand-out.

PROPOSED WORK PROJECTS FOR PTSC:

#347...re-route need Cat. Exclusion.
#531...signage needed for switchbacks and blind corners.
#332…needs RR X-.crossing signs.
#347…needs three filtering locations
#396… needs some more signage…trail names, numbers.
Groom Creek needs more signage.
#366 m #332 and #264 trailheads and trailhead by Girl Scout Camp.
Annual trail head meetings.
Develop a Reporting Form to put on all web sites that the individual organizations can manage.
Design way to count amount of users on high use trails and to determine which trails are high usage.
Develop educational pamphlet to put out inn stores, at trail signs, for city, county, groups, etc.
Trail User Event/Race which will require a PNF Permit with a BBQ social included. (Need a
committee.)
Develop a Brushing Video and put up on web sites. Also can use by the Volunteer Academy.
Trail Head issues to be sent to Jason to take to the Stewardship Forum and the Trail Planning Comm.
Meeting to be every other Monday.
Develop a Time Line to be put on web site…..Brad and Denny.
IMBA to hold trail building workshop and practicum. Re-routing #62 and/or RR grad at #332.

Next mtg: CV PNF, March 4th, 5:30pm

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Here is our response to the Forest Service bringing in the Udall Group.



PTSC MEETING
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
 
The meeting was called by Brooke W. because of the flood of e-mails seeking answers as to WHAT and WHY and HOW the Udall Environmental Conflict Resolution Institute was going to be used by the PNF  to deal with the trail issues.

NEW BUSINESS.

There is concern about HOW the Institute will deal with the various trail user groups.  PSTC felt we had already “closed the door” on separating the groups where as the Institute wants to break the groups up into one-on-one sessions.

Betty Matthews noted it was better to cooperate with the Institute so they can get the “big picture” of how we get along and how we are working together to solve problems.

Betty noted her FS background of 23 years and that she has worked with the Institute before and felt them to be pro-active facillators when dealing with collaborative issues between user groups.

There was a lengthily discussion that the PTSC has already been a model for conflict resolution and has a history already of coming up with many solutions, actions plans, and activities to address the issues of the non-motorized, multi-user groups in the PNF.  It was noted that groups and specific persons have been invited to join the PTSC so their specific issues, concerns and suggestions to correct the conflict between groups would be heard and recognized.

PTSC also acknowledged that, now, the motorized trail users are also having safety issues and will, form now on, be included in the PTSC group

Betty continued to urge the PTSC to bring in the Institute to build a design for all the get together and build upon what the PTSC has already be doing.

Betty described a possible scenario of how the Institute might work.

  1. The five groups would be put  into each of their own discussion group. (Listening  sessions.)
    1. Equestrian
    2. Hikers
    3. Bikers
    4. Motorized
    5. The small group opposing  bikers on the trails.
2.        The ideas from these individual groups would be gathered, summarized and presented to                                                              the larger Collaborative (all groups) group for discussion
3.        From the Collaborative group, actions plans would be designed.
4.        The actions plans would be what the people/public support when thinking about the “bigger picture” of the PNF usage.  Then those actions plans would be assigned to which ever group would be responsible for their implementation.

The Listening Sessions will be conducted by the facilitator to give people a “safe place” to talk, without fear off intimidation, or of not being heard and would feel free to state what their issues are, what their solutions are, and list what they want to talk about in the larger collaborative group.
The Collaborative session will be facilitated by the Institute leaders so emotions won’t take over and all voices will be heard.

It was again noted that the PTSC has already been implementing many action plans and have even developed a time-line to accomplish specific tasks.  (Noted was the web site.)

A discussion about the intake of information not being equitable, i.e. the small group vs the larger group, will give the small group more say than the larger group already working on issues.  Information will be weighted in favor of the small group.  No conclusion was drawn from this discussion except to be cautious.

Jason W. noted that the inclusion of new people’s experiences and ideas the better it will reduce fears and make progress more solid.  Then it will be harder to “drop the ball” and not finish the work.  Also, with group collaboration it will be easier to support each other out when signing on for grants.

OLD BUSINESS

PTSC can not use the universal stop sign symbol or colors.  A circle using yellow and black will be okay.  Diana N will develop a new design still listing all the user groups around the edge.

PNF now has Limited Sight signs and Slow signs ready to be put on the trails.  Jason will be asking for volunteers to help him put them in.

Jason noted when he is out on the trails he makes personal contact with anyone he meet and takes the time to talk to them about trail safety issues.  He encouraged all to do the same.

Plans were made to contact and talk to relevant shop owners and ask them to talk to their customers.  Especially regarding head phones and ear buds.  If one must use them , then use only one ear piece.

The motorized group will be invited to the next PTSC meeting.

MEETING ADJORNED with PTSC letting Betty know that we will completely cooperate with
her efforts in utilizing the UECRI to work with the PNF and all groups involved in the trail use conflict.










Friday, March 2, 2012

Email From Forest Service 2/3/12

Trail User Conflict Collaborative Planning 2/3/12 - Email from Forest Service

Hello everyone- I wanted to send each of you an email regarding some future listening sessions the Forest will be hosting via Udall Foundation's U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute).

The Prescott National Forest (PNF)is currently working to assess and refine collaborative efforts with community members in order to develop strategies to reduce and minimize trail-use conflict in the PNF.  As most of you are aware, we had a few accidents on the forest between mountain bikers and horseback riders over the last year.  Many of you have been very involved in helping us with new signs, educational clinics, and assessing trail conditions.  Much work has been done, and I really want to thank each of you for hard work!  Now, I need to assess what more can the PNF do to reduce and minimize trail-use conflicts on the Prescott.

With this in mind, the PNF has engaged the U.S. Institute to provide neutral services on this initiative.  The U.S. Institute is an impartial, independent federal agency, and their mission is to help parties, including public, private, and non-profit individuals and organizations, improve collaboration and resolve conflicts involving environmental, natural resource, and public lands issues.  The U.S. Institute will staff professional mediators to work with the PNF and community members to help design a process to address and minimize trail-use conflicts in a collaborative forum.

As a first step, the U.S. Institute will hold several listening sessions with trail users.  The purpose of the listening sessions is to identify the range of interests, issues, and concerns related to the various trail user groups.  Listening sessions will be held in confidential, small-group settings with selected trail users and U.S. Institute staff.   Information gathered at these sessions will be summarized in a manner that is non-attributable to participants.  This information will help inform the PNF how community members would like to engage in a collaborative process to discuss and address trail-use challenges.

The listening sessions are tentatively scheduled for February, and the final schedule for the sessions will be developed with input from the participants.

As a key community partner, the U.S. Institute would like to contact you directly to get your input on identifying potential participants for the listening sessions, and to answer any questions that you may have about these sessions.  Please anticipate being contacted by one of the U.S. Institute staff working on this initiative (Brian Manwaring, Program Manager, manwaring@ecr.gov <mailto:manwaring@ecr.gov>  and Lindsey Sexton, Program Associate, sexton@ecr.gov <mailto:sexton@ecr.gov> ) in the coming weeks. If you have any questions for the U.S. Institute staff prior to their call, feel free to contact them directly.
Thank you for all the hard work on the PNF and I look forward to solving our challenges together.  Betty