Grant Details – 10/13/2016

Looking across the Pusch Ridge Wilderness towards Charouleau Gap from near the Linda Vista Trails. September 2016.
Looking across the Pusch Ridge Wilderness towards Charouleau Gap from near the Linda Vista Trails. September 2016.

Last month in Bears, Steward, Grants, 2006 – 9/10/2016 I included basic information from Arizona State Parks Approves 29 Grants to Enhance Trails throughout AZ about a number of local organizations that received grants – a quick/friendly email to the Grant Program Leader for Arizona State Parks was all that was needed to get a few more details – it is great to see these organizations applying for, and receiving, grant money to help improve outdoor recreation in Southern Arizona! 

 

Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park is located within Coronado National Forest and is managed by Arizona State Parks in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.

The Bridle Trail is a heavily used trail with a trailhead and approximately 1.4 miles long beginning in Catalina State Park and extending into the Coronado National Forest. The Bridle Trail is a relatively flat, slightly curved trail. The trail surface is predominantly a compacted sand substrate, although rocky protrusions exist in a few areas. Maintenance is needed to prevent resources damage and provide for public safety.

This project will add approximately 6″ of base rock as well as 3″ decomposed granite (DG) to Bridle Trail in Catalina State Park. The trail affected is 1.4 miles long and 10 feet wide. Material haulers, compacting equipment, a water truck, and a vibratory roller designed for trail work (narrow base) will be used to spread and compact the surface. Other hand tools will be used to clear brush, prune encroaching vegetation and further manicure the trailhead.

The improvements will provide a quality and safe recreation experience.

 

Coronado NF—Santa Catalina Mountains

As the US Forest Service continues to experience a decline in a located funding, the dispersed recreation program on the Santa Catalina Ranger District has been unable to secure the resources needed to adequately maintain and ensure the safe conditions of its many multiple-use trail ls. The District has approximately 245 miles of multiple-use, National Forest System trails which receive 1 .5 to 2 million visitors each year, according to National Visitor Use Monitoring data. Over the past 14 years, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has experienced several above-averge flood events and two catastrophic wildfires that have exacerbated the need for trail maintenance to sustain the desired recreational opportunities for the annual visitor base.

While the popularity of recreation continues to increase exponentially, the District does not have a trail crew or the personnel required to keep these multiple-use trails maintained within the required specifications and standards, including those criteria that must be met for public safety. The District trails listed in this application have had minimal cyclic maintenance in recent years and are currently in desperate need of corridor expansion, brushing, logging and tread work to mitigate public health and safety concerns, and to provide a better recreation experience for the increasing visitor population. If awarded, these funds will benefit millions of visitors by improving their safety and enhancing their experience on the Santa Catalina Ranger District. These funds will also help to provide training opportunities for our volunteers as they work together with the conservation crews to accomplish these projects.

 

Oro Valley

The Honey Bee Canyon Park Trail Rehabilitation Project will include routine trail maintenance on the existing 2.03 miles of trails within the park.  Honey Bee Canyon Park is a 62-acre natural passive park within the Rancho Vistoso  master planned community.  It features a trail system, two ramadas, and a restroom facility.  The Honey Bee Canyon Park trail system connects to other Oro Valley and Pima County trails.  The park is heavily used on a local and regional basis by residents and visitors.   It was operated by Pima County  until2012, when it was transferred  to the Town of Oro Valley.

The scope of work for this project will include:

l.        Trail clearing – in areas where trail is impassable/difficult (i.e. very rocky)

2.         Re-delineation of trails using available rock where trail tread direction is not evident

3.          Repair of trail where necessary (i.e. in areas where erosion  creates big gullies in trail)

4.         Replacement and/or repair of areas with steps using railroad ties or similar

5.         Repair of natural trail from parking area – making switchbacks easier/safer

A materials storage/staging area will be located in an already cleared area close to the first Ramada.  It is anticipated that a Bobcat might be needed, and will be provided.

The goal of this project  is to enable visitors to have a better travel experience within the park by providing them with safer and better delineated  trails, without losing the appreciation of the natural environment.

 

Climbing Association of Southern Arizona

The Santa Catalina Trails Project will provide maintenance and restoration on heavily used Santa Catalina Ranger District Forest

Service trails that are used by rock climbers, hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

21.5 miles of trails will be targeted, which will include the following trails: Bellota, Trail #39, Bug Springs, Incinerator Ridge, Aspen Trail, Marshal Gulch, Meadow, Trail #5, and Finger Rock.

The project will accomplish the following goals:

x    Utilize the local Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC), with crews composed of up to 50% local youth, to perform maintenance and restoration work.

x    Develop and implement, in partnership with the Santa Catalina Ranger District, a training program to teach all trail users (rock climbers, hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers) how to perform basic trail maintenance to Forest Service standards.

x    Coordinate and deploy AZCC crews and volunteers sanctioned by the Santa Catalina Trails Project training program (above) to perform maintenance and restoration work as needed by the Santa Catalina Ranger District.

x    Integrate targeted trail maintenance with CASA’s (Climbing Association of Southern Arizona) existing volunteer Adopt a Crag program through joint events with AZCC and other user groups such as the Arizona Trail Association.

 

Association of 4WD Clubs

The purpose of this grant is to create a pilot program that would enhance partnerships between public land managers, motorized recreational users and the general public.  The main focus of this grant is to visit schools, dealerships, organized motorized groups and attend community events to provide Off-Highway information to the general public and listen to concerns and issues related to the Off-Highway Vehicle Program.  The project will work closely with Arizona State Parks and Trails, OHV Ambassadors, and Arizona Game and Fish to provide information related to the program and develop programs that can be used in schools.

Pontatoc Ridge Trail – 9/4/2016

Houses and private property push up to the southern edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains near the Pontatoc Ridge Trail and Tucson is nearly always in view – but the area, views and wildlife are beautiful and there is still plenty of wildness to be found!

A hillside across from Pontatoc Ridge. September 2016.
A hillside across from Pontatoc Ridge. September 2016.
A desert tortoise in the brush at the end of the Pontatoc Ridge Trail. September 2016.
A desert tortoise in the brush at the end of the Pontatoc Ridge Trail. September 2016.
Pontatoc Canyon in shadow at sunset from the end of the Pontatoc Ridge Trail. September 2016.
Pontatoc Canyon in shadow at sunset from the end of the Pontatoc Ridge Trail. September 2016.
Saguaro and moon. September 2016.
Saguaro and moon. September 2016.

Sunsets – 8/28/2016

Table Mountain. August 2016.
Table Mountain. August 2016.
Sunset from the Sutherland Trail in Catalina State Park. August 2016.
Sunset from the Sutherland Trail in Catalina State Park. August 2016.
Sunset near the mouth of Romero Canyon. August 2016.
Sunset near the mouth of Romero Canyon. August 2016.

Sunsets – all taken in or near Catalina State Park, all taken on easy to find trails, all taken less than an hour from the trailhead!

Bears, Steward, Grants, 2006 – 9/10/2016

Clouds over the Santa Catalina Mountains. July 2016.
Clouds over the Santa Catalina Mountains. July 2016.

Bear sightings were in the news last month and this month a female bear who had reportedly followed hikers and tried to enter an occupied cabin was captured and taken to Bearizona in Williams, AZ (the alternative was likely killing the bear). It is worth restating some of the advice from AZGF that can help keep both people and bears safe: 

  • Keeping a clean camp or picnic site.
  • Stowing food, pet food, trash and picnic coolers out of sight and out of smell range of bears.
  • Using bear-proof food and trash receptacles where provided.
  • Washing and stowing cooking utensils immediately after use.
  • Not taking odorous items (toothpaste, lotions, etc.) or clothing used while cooking into tents.
  • Keeping pets leashed.
  • Avoiding contact with bears.

Yearling black bear nabbed on Mt. Lemmon near Tucson – tucson.com, Nuisance bear removed from Mt. Lemmon – KVOA.com, Young bear captured on Mt. Lemmon (WITH VIDEO) – TucsonNewsNow.

Steward Observatory is celebrating its centennial! From the University of Arizona:

Steward Observatory was officially established in 1916 through the foresight and perseverance of its first director, Andrew Ellicott Douglass. Douglass had come to Arizona in 1894 under the sponsorship of Percival Lowell. He was tasked to establish an astronomical observatory which became Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. After he joined the University of Arizona faculty in 1906, Douglas sought to build an observatory in southern Arizona. Steward Observatory was made possible by the generous bequest made by Mrs. Lavinia Steward in memory of her late husband, Henry B. Steward.The Steward gift was used to build an observatory on an isolated tract of university land — a former ostrich farm. Its construction, delayed by World War I, was finally dedicated in 1923. The 36″ diameter Newtonian telescope was the first astronomical telescope to have been built using All-American made products.

Arizona State Parks Approves 29 Grants to Enhance Trails throughout AZ: “Arizona State Parks approved grant funding for 29 trail related projects totaling $3,079,377. Funds will be used to improve the state of existing trails and trail facilities and also to develop new trail systems.” This includes Catalina State Park – 80k, Coronado- Santa Catalina NF – 79k, Oro Valley – 30k, Climbing Association of Southern AZ – 73k and Assocation of 4WD Clubs 65k. Trail projects in Arizona to get funding – TucsonNewsNow

 

10 years ago - Boulders covering the Sabino Canyon Road. July 2006.
10 years ago – Boulders covering the Sabino Canyon Road. July 2006.

Work not over 10 years after historic flooding in Sabino Canyon – TucsonNewsNow, Residents remember Sabino Canyon flood on 10 year anniversary – KVOA.com: It has been 10 years since the flooding in the Santa Catalina Mountains that brought huge boulders and massive amounts of debris into the bottom of Sabino Canyon causing millions of dollars of damage to the road and facilities. Other areas in and around the Santa Catalina Mountains were also impacted – but none as dramatically as Sabino Canyon. For a contrast to the flood related footage the City of Tucson posted a 20 year old video from Tucson 12 that showcases the tranquil side of Sabino Canyon from long before the flooding!

10 years ago - road damage in Sabino Canyon after heavy rains. July 2006.
10 years ago – road damage in Sabino Canyon after heavy rains. July 2006.

Mayor Rothschild: City parks need our financial support – tucson.com: A case from the Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild for funding City Parks including a brief discussion of the Land and Water Fund and the statement that he will “be working to make sure we include city parks in any revenue proposal we put before voters”.

Pima County road closures – TucsonNewsNow: There are quite a few washes/roads that can become impassable in stormy weather – if you are using Redington Road to access areas on the south/east side of Santa Catalina Mountains checking its status after significant weather is advisable. Pima County’s Road Closure Information can be helpful as can the Sheriff’s Department Hotline at (520) 547-7510 (as usual expect online information to lag behind the real world…).

North of Tucson, bright hues break out on Box Camp Trail – tucson.com: Inspiring coverage of the Box Camp Trail – “The Box Camp Trail in the Catalina Mountain offers a scenic hike at almost any time of the year, but a trek there in the wake of this summer’s abundant monsoon rains reveals a lush landscape of brilliant wildflowers, waist-high ferns and a gurgling creek.”

Lemmon Meadow: a haven of beauty and tranquility – tucson.com: Nice pictures from the Meadow Trail by Doug Kreutz.

The days are subtly shorter and there have been a few days recently where the temperatures have been beautiful – especially in the evening – certainly Oracle State Park will be having some beautiful days this month, as usual they have an interesting calendar of upcoming events.

Amy Michelle Kijewski was reported missing in early August – her car was found in the Palisades area. Search efforts were suspended several days after she was reported missing. She is described as “5’3″ tall, 135 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a royal blue short-sleeve shirt, green or grey shorts that fall above the knee” and her picture can been seen in the news articles about this incident – Sheriff’s department seeks missing Tucson hiker – Arizona Daily Star, Deputies look for missing hiker – KGUN9, Pima County authorities looking for overdue hiker – TucsonNewNow.

Girl, 8, injured in fall from Sabino Canyon tram – tucson.com: In an unusual accident a girl fell from a moving tram in Sabino Canyon – the owner of Sabino Canyon Tours stated “This is the first injury (involving a tram) that we know of in 30 years”.

It is a great time to visit Sabino Canyon – Monsoon rains have amplified Sabino Canyon’s beauty – tucson.com – but, as always, it is important to be prepared, especially for the heat, when hiking in Southern Arizona – SARA assists in 5 heat-related rescues in Sabino Canyon – TucsonNewsNow.

Rescues/Accidents/Incidents including information from the SARCI Newsletter:

  • Sabino Canyon, The Crack 8/7/2016: A man was hoisted out after a fall.
  • Marshall Saddle 8/10/2016: Hikers were stranded in the dark and assisted out by climbers and SAR teams.
  • Pima Canyon (Off-trail) 8/14/2016: Hikers without lights were helped out by a hiker and SAR Teams.
  • Box Camp Spring 8/16/2016: A hiker was unable to find the trail and requested help – he found the trail after requesting assistance and was met by a Mount Lemmon Deputy and SAR teams on his way out.
  • Butterfly Trail 8/16/2017: A son, part of a group of hikers, went in search of his father who was reported missing. The father was found but then the son was missing – he was found near the Davis Spring junction on the Butterfly Trail.
  • Pusch Peak 8/17/2016: A hiker was reported missing on a hike to the Pusch Peak area – contact was established by phone as he was coming back down and teams accompanied him out when he reached the Linda Vista Trail system.
  • Pima Canyon 8/21/2016: On the return trip from Pima Saddle a hiker slipped and injured his hamstring. He was spotted and hoisted from near the 2nd dam back to the road.

Conjuring – 7/27/2016

Conjuring 1. August 2016.
Conjuring 1. August 2016.

 We are surrounded by what seems like an infinite variety of insects – walking this trail in the daylight, just hours earlier, there was little hint of the magnificent horde that would be conjured from the darkness…

Conjuring 2. August 2016.
Conjuring 2. August 2016.
Conjuring 3. August 2016.
Conjuring 3. August 2016.
Praying Mantis. August 2016.
Praying Mantis. August 2016.

If you enjoy insects certainly don’t miss Arizona: Beetles Bugs Birds and more!