CA Parks proposal to ban all off-trail hiking/climbing ...

[Hikin_Jim]

I heard that the preserve near the tram is established to keep people away from blue curl flowers. They mostly grow on the receding rim of a vernal pool. The wide preserve boundaries prevent people from seeing the wetland area and protect curls that may be growing in the hidden divide area away from the big vernal pool.

I kind of get it with the flowers around a vernal pool. But why Landells and Divide Peaks?

HJ

[Wildhorse]

You are right. An agenda is hidden as well as a vernal pool.

[guest]

Well,
For those around San Diego, (or those wanting to make a long drive).
This does seem to be too extreme, (unless the entire area is super sensitive, and possibly over-regulating public lands.

DPR has scheduled a public hearing on this proposed action. The hearing will be held at the San Diego County Operations Center, Hearing Room, 5520 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 93123 on June 22, 2016 starting at 6 pm and ending when either testimony has completed or no later than 8 pm

INFORMATION DIGEST/POLICY STATEMENT OVERVIEW

This rulemaking action clarifies and makes specific the authority for regulating off-trail use in Natural Preserves, Cultural Preserves, State Cultural Reserves, and State Natural Reserves within the California State Park System. Specifically the proposed regulations would prohibit all public use in these areas unless such use is on a trail, boardwalk or other designated route of travel, unless approved by DPR. These regulations will make it possible to better protect sensitive natural and cultural resources.

If you questions regarding the proposed regulations or the public hearing, please email Alexandra Stehl at trails@parks.ca.gov or call 916-324-0370.

[Hikin_Jim]

And no other meetings in other areas of the state? Nothing against San Diego, but it's a bit far on a Wednesday evening.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

I wrote to Ms. Stehl. Let's see what she has to say. Usually these affairs are pro forma. They've already decided what they're going to do, but the law requires hearings, so hearings they will have. The law does not require them to actually do anything based on the hearing (other than file the paperwork that the hearing occurred).

HJ

[scottmac]

In reference to its effect in Anza Borrego Sate Park:

“It was all a big misunderstanding,” said Alexandra Stehl, the roads and trails manager for the state agency. She said the word “department” in the proposed regulations can be confusing because people incorrectly interpret it to mean the state is delivering a system-wide mandate.

Whole article here:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jun/17/borrego-park-regulation-change/

[scottmac]

UPDATE FROM THE MEETING ...

With this topical quote:

"This whole thing got started due to a tiny natural preserve within Mt. San Jacinto State Park..."

Link to Modern Hiker article:

http://www.modernhiker.com/2016/06/23/what-we-learned-about-the-state-park-proposal-to-restrict-access/

[guest]

Re. the Preserve around the "forbidden lake, or occasional vernal pool" in the San Jac state park, I do believe the state has plans to re-open that area to the public, once improvements are made.
At this time I believe they are building a walkway & observation decks to allow folks to go there & enjoy the area w/out trampling the flowers & frogs.

Now, if we can just get them to re-open the Willow Creek / Laws trail to access Saddle Jct. (w/ out having to go via Wellman's Devide), that would be nice.

ss