Hiking Group Report

By Nancy Banker

Meeting of the Recreation Committee of the Jackson Advisory Group, June 28, 2008.

Participants: Nancy McCarthy, Agnes Woolsey, David Jensen, Jim Moorehead, Linda Perkins, Mary Lou Brewer, Annie LeBus and Nancy Banker 

Nancy McCarthy provided background on the work she did 10 years ago to produce 20 hiking maps of trails in JSDF. David advised the group that there are funds available, with a grant application, to secure funds for printing maps. He will help secure the funds.

We agreed that the first steps would include:

1.         Inventory the existing trails

2.         Survey and mark them

3.         Clean up the trails

4.         Record the level of difficulty

5.         Create maps and publish them

6.         Make maps readily available online

7.         Request an inventory from the JAG

The group members expressed a desire for:

1.         More localized maps (see above) of hiking trails

2.         Well marked trails and trail-heads

3.         Cabins, way-stations and/or camping areas throughout so that hikers can hike in, camp for the night and continue hiking

4.         Connect trails within JSDF to facilitate hiking from one area to another throughout the forest

5.         Connect trails to other areas in the county such as private areas that allow public access, other public parks and forests and BLM land (ala the Coast trail)

6.         Establish a “Friends of the Jackson State Demonstration Forest” to help with trail building and maintenance

7.         Connect with other organizations to assist in trail-building and maintenance such as Americorps. and the local ROP office.

8.         Develop theme trails, e.g., birding. botanical trails and historical trails.

9.         Develop educational information and materials to help educate the public regarding the trails and the history of JSDF.

10.     Create more trails to reduce the establishment of social trails.

11.     Participate and support the eradication of invasive, non-native plants

12.     Reserve a portion of the forest for the flora and fauna.

13.     Create a vita course.

14.     Connect with other agencies and organizations to assist with the development of hiking trails and their maintenance, such as the Sierra Club and the Audubon society.