Month: September 2008

Draft BAER report released

A draft of the BAER report was released a few days ago. You can find the entire report here:

Click to access 090508_2520_3a_basin2500-8_redacted.pdf

Here are a few highlights:

“The potential for increased stream flows leading to flooding and debris flows is high to very high, particularly above some of the slopes above Highway 1 and structures near Big Sur and the Tassajara Zen Center. ”

“Given the predicted effects of the fire, all of the high value resources listed above are at serious risk for severe consequences should a storm of any significance rain on the burned area within the next three years. Impacts would occur from a combination of increases in flood flows, sediment yield, landslides and debris flows.”

“The hillslopes are generally too steep for soil treatments such as hydromulching to be effective.”

“Recommended treatments to help protect human life and safety include participating in the
establishment of an early alert system, storm patrols, and working with local agencies to help at-risk
communities be prepared in the event of a storm.”

“Additionally, the potential loss of access along Highway 1 may occur from flooding and debris flows from Pheneger Creek in the north down to Rat Creek in the south.”

“…there are no land treatments (hillslope treatments) which could be effectively implemented to provide soil cover and minimize or reduce the threat.”

“The trail system in the burned area should be closed until after the first winter following the fire. Conditions following the first winter should be evaluated to judge if additional time is needed to
provide for user safety or for protection of the trails at risk.”

“he BAER team recommends that the Los Padres National Forest area within the burned perimeter be closed to public access from the present time until it is determined by the Monterey District and Supervisors Office staff that conditions are safe enough to open this area. Hazards include trees and limbs falling, flooding, washout of trails, and dry ravel covering trails. Areas where the public may access hazardous areas from outside of this closure should also be analysed and, if necessary, posted with warning or closure signs.”

(Paraphrased) Trail inspectors will work through out the winter, assessing and correcting damage and while there, will be looking for signs of illegal entry and contacting law enforcement re same.

Neighbors

Met my new neighbors, today. She and her husband bought a place down toward the bottom, but at the top of the bottom. She was out hiking with a couple girl friends, one from Norway, and we suggested they hop in the back for a trip up the hill, out of the trees, so they could see where they were. They did.

As we came out of the trees, and into the sun, the three of them let out whoops and hollers that made us laugh. Once we got them to the top of the ridge, we stopped to let them out. I pointed out where I live, where certain land marks were, and took photos of them with Cone Peak in the background. Introducing them to the ‘hood, as it were. I like my new neighbor.

Firefighters Mural

This is a preliminary sketch of the traveling thank-you mural Dave Allen, the art teacher at PUSD, and the students will be working on this year. Dave hopes to have this mural, once completed, travel to various venues for exhibition, and to make cards that can be sent to the firefighting units from all over the world who came to our aid. Even though Dave was in Idaho during the fires, he stayed very connected with his community, and became very involved in providing ideas and input. Thanks, Dave.

Hunting Season

Well, I picked up my signs, new locks for the gates, and sometimes wonder why I bother? I go through this ritual all the time. Last time, “they” — who ever “they” were, just tore down all the “no trespassing” and “no hunting” signs I put up, sometimes, they shoot ’em up, first! I think I’ve bought 6 new locks, so far this year, at a cost of $20-$25 each. People like to break them off. I don’t know why, they cannot get through, and the dogs and I just chase them off, again. But still, something about a locked gate on “their” national forest just sets them off. I figure this is my “zen” practice — I look to Quan Yin to teach me compassion for people who have no sense, except one of “entitlement.”

And I can always tell when hunters are out and about, as they are today, because I can hear the gunfire, and even if I cannot, my dogs can. Dakota, the alpha female, has a terrible fear of gun shots, and hides at my feet whenever she can.

Oh, I guess deer hunting season is over on the 21st of this month. *Sigh* only 18 days left!!
*************************************************************************************
Two new announcements on the announcement page. One regarding the memorial, and the second regarding a winter preparation workshop sponsored by CPOA.