In 2018, Vickie Sanders at El Dorado County began laying the seeds with Placer County to assume control over the maintenance of the Rubicon Trail from Loon Lake through to Lake Tahoe. The Rubicon Trail has never been a high priority for Placer County, so El Dorado County began the process to get an MOU (Memorandum of Understand or Formal written agreement) in order to take control. In 2019, with the MOU secure, Vickie began planning a very important project on Cadillac Hill. At the very popular Steve Morris history of the Rubicon speech at Jeepers Jamboree, Steve stated that in his opinion, the road base at Cadillac Hill was 10 feet lower in some areas from his first visit. This erosion over the years lowering sections of the hillside needed to be addressed. However, the amount of natural rock around Cadillac Hill had been used in previous projects. It was clear that a helicopter would be required to fly rock available at the Gerle Addit, an ENF facility (Loon Lake, spillway, and tunnel rock from the ’50s) to Cadillac Hill. Vickie secured a grant from the OHV Fund to hire the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane from Siller, but the grant required matching funds. In early 2020, the Rubicon Trail Foundation voted to provide the $32,000 of matching funds required to execute the grant. The project was on!
In April, when the weather on the trail became more clear, Siller was able to confirm availability for the weekend of May 15-17. However, any project like this requires manpower and Jeepers Jamboree, with years of experience doing work on Cadillac Hill, stepped up to provide the crew required to complete the work. Rubicon Trail Foundation provided support by feeding the volunteers, in addition to the previously approved matching funds.
On May 15, the rock began being flown to Cadillac. There were 3 RTF directors, 3 JJ directors, and 5 JJ volunteers for a total of 10 people on site for rock delivery. Rock was laid down on cyclone fence and the fence was pulled over and secured with hog rings. More rock was placed over that blanket of rock, for final securing.
Final work below V Rock
In total, 264,000 lbs of rock was flown to Cadillac Hill and a couple other locations. Overall the project was a major success and a great example of El Dorado County, State OHV Fund, Rubicon Trail Foundation donors, and trail volunteers to ensure an important project on the trail is completed.
The Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) was asked by Vickie Sanders, Parks Manager for El Dorado County if we would be interested in an as needed contract for pumping the restrooms on the Rubicon.
The RTF Board met to discuss the “as needed” contract and our consensus was, we don’t have the manpower this year to operate the Unimog on the trail. It was our understanding the county poo truck would be ready to go this season, so we focused our energies on other trail activities.
As a possible solution, RTF has offered to train a county employee on the operation of the RTF Unimog. We have also offered to lease the Unimog to the County for $1 for the season.
The RTF board understands the necessity of pumping and cleaning the toilets on the trail and we are open to any suggestions to make sure it gets done properly and in a timely manner.
The Rubicon Trail Foundation is federally recognized, non-profit organization dedicated to the future health of the Rubicon Trail. The Rubicon Trail Foundation acts as the support for Rubicon work projects, Friends of the Rubicon, and as a liaison with local government organizations. This support can range from getting approval for projects from the appropriate agencies, to feeding the volunteers, to buying the supplies needed to maintain the trail. We also fight the efforts of others to close or restrict use of the Rubicon Trail System. All funds raised help to enhance the future health of the Rubicon Trail, while ensuring responsible motorized year-round access.
Our Officers and Directors represent a wide variety of Rubicon Trail users and supporters. These include trail users, land owners, county representatives, manufacturers, and Rubicon event organizers. For more information on getting involved or supporting the Rubicon Trail Foundation please call us at 888-678-2426 or visit our website at www.rubicontrail.org.
I hate to do this but, I need to close the trail on May 15th-17th. We need to get the helicopter project done. With the snow and pandemic it has been a challenge. In previous years we have been able to do these project during the week but this has been a strange years as we all know.
Due to schedules we are forced to do this on the weekend.
The main focus is Cadillac Hill building gabions as we all know it is always needing work and is vital to the trail.
We will also be working at hairpin to rebuild the rock wall. There are other locations on both sides where we will be working.
There are so many parts and pieces to a project like this, but in 5 days we can do it all and the trail will be yours for the rest of the season.
Our goal has been to complete it before Memorial Day Weekend.
I have attached the notice to agencies so that you all have the same information.
Jeff Blewett, Cal4Wheel Natural Resources Consultant
SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER
Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 19 ordered California’s nearly 40 million residents to stay home, making it the first state to impose that strict mandate on all residents to counteract a looming surge of new infections.
The order takes effect immediately and remains in place “until further notice.” Californians are not allowed to leave their homes except for essential purposes. The mandatory order allows Californians to continue to visit gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, takeout and delivery restaurants, banks and laundromats.
People can leave their homes to care for a relative, a friend, seek healthcare services or commute to jobs deemed essential.
This hits all of us hard, but for our community it seems worse. We are very independent individuals who enjoy the wide-open spaces that our Jeeps, Toyota’s, dirt bikes and UTV’s get us to. Most of us live to off-road; we are always planning the next trip, and to be stuck indoors for how ever long this “shelter in place” order lasts may just drive us crazy.
If you just can’t take it anymore and have to get out and enjoy the great outdoors please do your part by following the CDC guidelines by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
Here are some COVID-19 (coronavirus) OHV related updates.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS DEPARTMENT
State parks announced today the temporary closure of all campgrounds in the state park system (including all SVRA’s) to support state and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches will remain open. Restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to take soap for hand washing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt directed the National Park Service to temporarily suspend the collection of all park entrance fees until further notice.
Other states and municipalities have implemented similar policies waiving fees to parks in an effort to support social distancing. At a majority of park locations, outdoor spaces remain open to the public.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Death Valley NP will be implementing new guidelines issued from the White House, CDC, and local and state authorities to promote social distancing.
As of March 18, 2020, all visitor centers are closed, ranger led programs have been cancelled, and the following campgrounds are closed: Emigrant, Mesquite Springs, Texas Springs, Furnace Creek, Sunset and Stovepipe Wells.
They have made the health and safety of the visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Death Valley National Park their number one priority. The National Park Service is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the situation and will update us when things change.
UNCLE TOM’S CABIN
Uncle Tom’s cabin is a popular wintertime destination up near Georgetown on the road to the Rubicon Trail. They have decided to temporarily close the bar in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 virus. Please respect the wishes of the property owner and stay off the Uncle Tom’s Cabin property.
Here is the press release that they issued:
“There is nothing we care about more than the safety and well-being of our customers and our community of family and friends. With the effects of the outbreak being felt more each day, our primary concern and area of focus is the health and safety of our communities.
In these uncertain times, we must all do our best to help ease the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Following recommendations from local authorities on limiting public gatherings we will be CLOSED.
We apologize and for the first time in 156 years under these conditions, feel this is the best course of action for the safety and well-being of our caretakers and customers.”
STANISLAUS COUNTY
Both Frank Raines and LaGrange OHV areas have been temporarily closed by Stanislaus County to effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 virus.
FRIENDS OF THE RUBICON ANNUAL MEETING
The meeting scheduled for April 4 has been temporarily cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Cal4 will do its best to keep you updated on all things OHV during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
Please remember, if you do decide to go out into the world and enjoy your favorite OHV area or trail , do your part to maintain social distancing, not only does this protect you, but it also protects your family and friends from exposure to the COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The Rubicon Trail Board of Directors hopes you are able to get out and enjoy nature and the things that you love by staying healthy. Be safe and remember to always “Buckle Up”.
Each year the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) gets together for a 2- day planning session to plan the year ahead and go over things that did and did not work.
First, we dedicated time to talking with Vickie and Justin from the County to hear about their new grants and how we can help fund these. In January the County made a formal request to the Rubicon Trail Foundation for matching funds for the Operations and Maintenance Grant for the Placer County side of $32,000 and the Planning Grant for the Placer County side of $28,540. We approved to fund the $32,000 for the O&M Grant. We are still discussing the Planning Grant and gathering information to make the best use of donor’s money.
RTF Events:
Black Tie & Boots– This year is a SOLD-OUT event, honoring Randy Burleson with the prestigious “Rock Award”. We are excited to raise funds for the Rubicon Trail and look forward to seeing many of our Sponsors, Donors and Supporters.
Cantina- RTF is moving forward with meeting with the Forest Service to discuss permit issues and requirements. We hope to be updating you soon with an update for this fun event serving the best tacos on the Rubicon and focusing on education.
Off the Rocks Show & Shine- RTF is already working on a date and fun for the 2nd Annual Off the Rock Show & Shine. We look forward to sharing that date with you soon. This is a great event to come see the wheeling community and show off your rig.
Internally we updated the RTF History, had some training on Google Docs, talked about the importance of social media marketing and exposure and how we should move forward sharing information with all users, supporters, donors, sponsors and the next generation.
We updated our Strategic Plan and Goals.
Strategic Plan- How do we improve our educational programs on the the trail and stewardship for current and future stakeholders?
Strategic Plan- How do we improve communication with our present and future stakeholders?
Strategic Plan – How can we increase and diversify our funding streams?
We do have openings on the RTF Board, we are all volunteers and welcome you to come join us at a meeting and/or ask any questions you may have.
Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.
Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.
We are so excited to have the support of the community behind this event and to honor “Randy Burleson” with the Rock Award. We are also so excited to support our beloved Rubicon Trail and you the Supporters. We thank each of you and we are all so glad to be part of the Rubicon Tribe.
We have some great auction items and raffle items
Thank You to our Sponsors
Gold Cadillac
Madhatters 4×4 Club
Jeepers Jamboree
Jeepers Jamboree Cook Crew
Auburn Jeep Club
4×4 In Motion
Rubicon Springs Silver
Daryl & Lori Warden
John & Barbara Arenz
Mountain Transit Authority
Jeff Blewett
Mott Roofing/Gordon Mott
Dan & Alison Dreyer
Toys on the Rocks
LineX of Rancho Cordova/Tyrone Miller
Duncan Farms & Holden Sheet Metal
Rubicon Trail Adventures
Brian Petrie
Two Guys Trail Gear/Arabia’s Overkill
Black Tie & Boots Sponsor
Gallery & Barton, APLC – Jesse Barton
Donors
Chris Cowan, Rusty & Bev Folena, Arnolds for Awards, Jeepers Jamboree Board of Directors, Power Tank, Rubicon Trail Adventures, Total Metal Innovations, Daryl & Lori Warden, Jonathan & Kelly Carlos, Diana Cobleigh, Carson’s Metal Artwork & Design, Arden Jewelers, Toys on the Rocks, Stymeist Auto Body– Paint of Placerville, Becky Pardi, Line X /Rancho Cordova, John & Kelly Holden, Shannon Chard, Gordon Mott, Infinite Spin Performing Arts/Julie Arenz, Shelby Wells, Matt & Angie Warden, Bubba Rope , Yukon Gear & Axle, A-Fab Creations,Rack-It, Dry Diggings Distillery, TNT Powder Coating, West Coast Customs, C&H Auto Parts, Placerville Pizza Factory /David & Terri Thomas, Mike & Sherri Arnold, UBS, DeLucca Restoration, JR & Amy Wylie, Marlin Crawler, Bookshelf Wines , WARN Industries, John & Barb Arenz, C&H Auto Parts, Jackson Rancheria Casino, Ken Hower, Dan & Kelly DeWolf, Laura Blake, Quick Quack Car Washes, Kenny Prince Jr., Mike Gerondakis. Emile Grabowski, &
Riebes Auto Parts of Placerville
Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.
Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.
We’ve decided the best way to keep trail users informed about the Rubicon Oversight Committee (ROC) is to post a summary of the meeting here. ROC meetings are held by El Dorado County Parks Department from time to time, though with more regularity in the summer. The last one was July 2019, so it has been a while, so this meeting was very well attended.
This time the ROC was held at Wally’s Pizza Bar in Cameron Park. As always, El Dorado County Parks hosted and representatives from the Rubicon Trail Foundation, Friends of the Rubicon, Cal4Wheel, Tahoe National Forest, EL Dorado National Forest, Jeeper’s Jamboree, Rubicon Trail Partnership, Green Acres, and Rubicon Soda Springs attended. Of course there were many trail users and club representatives there as well.
The meeting moved quickly as there were lots of discussion items on the agenda.
Annual Report: Vickie Sanders from El Dorado County parks talked about the Rubicon Trail 2019 Annual Report that has been released by the County. It is available at their website at: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/Rubicon . The report contains information about trail work done by the county and volunteers, Adopt-A-Trail, events the parks department has attended, fund raising efforts, and a law enforcement re-cap.
Rubicon MOU: This was a discussion about the Memorandum of Understanding (a letter between agencies that outlines actions and responsibilities) between El Dorado County, State Parks Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR), the Tahoe National Forest, and The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The MOU creates the framework for El Dorado County managing maintenance efforts on the Placer County side of the trail. Since it is freshly signed, we haven’t really seen it in action, but the County expects work on the Placer County side to be in full swing in the coming season.
Grants: This was a discussion about upcoming OHMVR grants to El Dorado County for work on the trail. Grants are separated into the following categories: Operations and Maintenance, Planning, Restoration, and Safety and Education. The county has received the following grants this cycle:
Operations and Maintenance $750,000
Planning $140,000 (three year grant)
Restoration $50,000
Safety and Education $101,000
These grants have a twenty five percent “match” requirement, meaning that the for every $75 the county gets from OHMVR, they must match that with $25 from other sources. On the El Dorado County side those other sources include SMUD funds, in lieu funds (funds from the OHMVR division in lieu of doing OHV work in the county), donated materials, and volunteer hours.
For the first time, this year El Dorado County will be working in Placer County. Because of legal restrictions, they cannot spend El Dorado County dollars anywhere except in El Dorado County. Both Forests are also unable to provide funding due to budget constraints. Placer County has said that they have no authority or responsibility for the trail other than law enforcement. This means that El Dorado County has asked for a grant for approximately $65,000 from Rubicon Trail Foundation. The foundation has only known about the request for a week or so and no decision has been made about the request. This would also be the largest grant we have made, and the largest annual expenditure we have ever made, so we don’t take it lightly. Stay tuned and we will let you know!
The County also talked about new grant audit requirements that are much more strict than in the past.
Maintenance Activities for 2020 Season: This was a discussion of some new maintenance activities to be undertaken in the 2020 season in addition to some that didn’t get done in the 2019 season. The county keeps a list of these activities online. Individual or group volunteers can sign up for these projects by contacting the parks department at 530-621-5360. The list can be viewed at the El Dorado County Parks website at https://www.edcgov.us/Government/Rubicon .
If anyone would like to suggest a project that is not on the list, the county encourages you to contact them with that information as well.
County Seasonal Help: The county hired one person for seasonal help at the kiosk greeting users and giving out information and spill kits. They would like to hire another for the 2020 season. They are also looking to hire someone seasonally to assist with toilet pumping on the trail.
County Pumper Truck Update: The county has collected $36,000 towards building the new pumper truck. They also have a truck that was donated by SMUD as a base vehicle and some parts from vendors. They are working on putting together a contract to build the truck now. (Note: The county has received a $5000 dollar donation from RTF, and RTF also donated an additional $6771 that were proceeds from the Marlin Crawler Roundup to the effort. Thanks to Marlin, Chris, and Mike for their dedication to the trail, they also donated $6771 from the event for an event total of $13, 543!)
Jamboree 5 year Parade Permit: The County reported that a resolution to grant a 5 year parade permit to Jeepers Jamboree will be on the Board of Supervisors agenda for their February 11th meeting. The permit has been granted to Jeepers Jamboree annually since 1979 to close the trail on the El Dorado County side during their event in order to facilitate their “parade”. The first five year permit was issued five years ago, and the new permit will also be a five year permit. The permit as submitted is unchanged in terms of reach or language.
El Dorado National Forest Open House: The ENF announced that they will be holding an open house for the purpose of vetting their OHMVR grants with the public February 12th from 4:00PM through 7:00PM at the Forest Supervisor’s Office at 100 Forni Road in Placerville.
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