Category The Divide Outdoors at Deb Peter – Auburn-Cool Real Estate

State and Federal Agencies that offer us opportunities to recreate on and off the Georgetown Divide; the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forestry and California State Parks.  

Both the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land Management answer to the U.S. Department of the Interior.  The Bureau of Reclamation, established in 1902, “manages water in the west”, constructing more than 600 dams and reservoirs including Hoover Dam.  The American River Division consists of Folsom Lake, Sly Park and Auburn-Folsom South units, of which the primary feature was to be the Auburn Dam.  Nearby Foresthill Bridge is the 2^nd highest bridge built by the Reclamation. 

The Bureau of Land Management, established in 1946, is responsible locally for Cronan Ranch and Folsom Recreation Management Area.  BLM oversees a variety of programs for the management and conservation of approximately 13% of the total U.S. land surface.  This includes administering about 57 million acres of commercial forests and woodland, grazing permits on 160 million acres of public rangeland, soil and watershed management, and fire protection on public lands. 

The U.S. Forestry was established in 1905 under direction of the Department of Agriculture.  The Forest Service manages public lands in National Forests and grasslands which encompass 193 million acres of land.  California is one of nine geographic regions in the Country the Forest Service manages.  El Dorado National Forest turns 100 this year. 

California State Parks’ mission is to “provide for the health, inspiration and education” of California residents by preserving and protecting natural and cultural resources.  The Park manages 278 “units”.  Most popular are the State beaches; the Parks are responsible for nearly 1/3 of California’s coastline.  There are 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails within the system.  3% of Park visitors operate OHV’s in a State Park each year, yet the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Division has administered $331.3 million in OHV grant funds.  Recreational Trails Fund is only 2.09% of the operating budget.  California State Parks survive through volunteer man hours, nearly 1 million hours contributed on an annual basis.  With 65% of the Sierra Region being publicly owned, it makes sense to be more familiar with our neighboring agencies.  The Bureau of Land Management oversees Cronan Ranch, the California State Parks administers under a contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, and our up country Rock Creek Trail system falls under the U.S. Forestry.

Mike Lynch, Superintendent of Auburn State Recreation Area, met with El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation members and guests October 7^th to provide insight into the Park’s challenges in keeping its gates open.  It appears Park funding is solid during the current fiscal year, but uncertain afterwards.  The existing staff of field rangers is roughly half what it was 30 years ago; a clear example. 

During the briefing, Mike noted the irony of our recent opening of another trail along the South Fork of the American River, extending trails within Cronan Ranch, while struggling along the North and Middle Fork to remain open to the public.

It is widely known that our Parks are underfunded.  Advocates of Proposition 21 say “Vote Yes on 21”, November 2^nd.  If passed, California vehicles will get free day-use admission at our State Parks in exchange for paying $18.00 in annual license fees.  Out of State vehicles will continue to pay the current $10.00 – $15.00 daily rate.  85% of what is collected will support our severely underfunded State Parks; 15% will reinforce State Wildlife and Ocean Protection Agencies.  For more information, refer to www.yesforstateparks.com.

National Trails Day – June 5^th, Trailsfest in Coloma – June 7^th, and the American River Confluence Festival in Auburn – June 13^th.

Many of us relocated to the Georgetown Divide and surrounding areas to participate in endurance horseback riding, ultra running or cycling.  The Western States 100 Mile Run, the Tevis Cup 100 Mile in 1 Day Ride and events like these draw attention to our trails much like the recent Amgen Tour of California draws attention to road cycling.  While some of us compete regularly in these events or at least aspire to, many more of us seek events far less demanding; a short hike, a pleasure ride on horseback, or a bike ride down the street.  Before the summer’s heat can’t be escaped, check out ongoing hikes offered and led by these local groups:  Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers, the Mother Lode Chapter of Sierra Club and the American River Conservancy.

Another great upcoming family event is the Rock & Roll Geology Tour and Fun Ride on November 8th, benefiting the American River Conservancy. It’s a slow-paced mountain bike ride at Cronan Ranch, out to the River and back. Tom Judy, geologist – nationally recognized mountain bike competitor – outdoor instructor, is the same guide who has offered other local events to reinforce safety, improve skills, and better communicate between trail users. Tom and his wife Jill are wonderful ambassadors for our trails. Tom will be stopping along the way to explain geologic features unique to the Gold Country.

Ahh November … the first thing that comes to mind is Thanksgiving! This year, the Run to Feed the Hungry is celebrating its 16th annual benefit for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. This major fundraiser expects to draw 30,000 people and raise $800,000. Besides food assistance, the Food Bank offers mother-baby support, adult education, clothing donations and more. Other local Food Banks can be accessed on-line at www.foodbankedc.org or www.placerfoodbank.org. Be sure to pre-register for the Run/Walk to reserve a shirt, www.runtofeedthehungry.com. If you haven’t previously participated, this is a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day. Share it with your entire family!