MULBERRY ACCESS LOCKOUT MEETING Thursday

[George Locke]

The new access points and non-camping area as described in the information to be addressed in the meeting tomorrow have several disturbing elements.

One-No camping at Big Eddy or all the way to Cain Bluff - This would elemenate all off road river side camping on road accessable sites basically to Spirits Creek or maybe including all sites to Hurricane Creek.

Two- The gates were locked at Wolf Pen, Indian Creek and Redding Campground last monday on 8-12-13. The creek was running 3.9 and my buds had to carry the three hundred yards to the put in.
Who gets to decide what is safe for you?
The creek did get over 14' on Saturday and the campgrouds were vulnerble to flooding but the risk was non- existent on Monday.

I'm worried that the "improvements" at Big Eddy, Spirits Creek and Wilson Lane will ensue more regulatory shutdowns and blocked access as a knee jerk reactions to what happened at Little Mo.

Love to be free to paddle,
Jungle Boater- Geo

[magicmike]

This is the kind of thing I was worried about when I saw the post about the meeting!-M-

[Half Ton]

Best to come on out, learn more, and make comments for certain. I'll be there for sure.

[panicman]

Gates were also locked on that Sunday when it was like maybe 5 feet for a bit that day. 5 feet is a nice rafting level and kinda hard to drag a raft that far. Heard they lock them when its above 4.5 and don't allow access at birds or turners bend. News to me.

[magicmike]

Did anyone make it to the meeting? How'd it go ? -M-

[prophet]

just got back. really like the kayak ban

[magicmike]

What? Please explain. -M-

[George Locke]

Yes Grant,
The approval of the kayak ban has been in the works for several years now. We were delighed that the NFS realized the legitimacy of our complaints. Maggotts and the river do not cohabitate. I am thankful our suggestions were considered and confirmed.

Jungle Boater

[prophet]

What? Please explain. -M-

[Half Ton]

All legit acces points will be graveled, and BFR boulders (big fat rocks) will be placed on illicit vehicle & atv accesses to river to prevent gravel bar driving.

Potentially the illicit atv/4x4 trails between such acces areas, and which are in the riparian floodplain, may be gated/ bfr'd as well.

Additionally, illicit atv / 4x4 trails off of shores lake rd and 215 may be bfr'd/gated to keep out illegal automated traffic. You can always park your ride on the road shoulders and hike or backpack into these areas to camp, fish, or swim down by the river though. Just not drive in.

He'll or high water days may need Sherpas from now on.

Hey, at least Agfc enforcer tourism deteration program could be ended on the mulberry.

[Canoe_Codger]

I get the part about limiting unauthorized trail riding, driving on gravel bars etc. to prevent erosion and other degradation of the habitat. But it appears that access is being limited mostly for those with mobility issues.

I do hire "sherpas" to portage my canoe and gear at public accesses where they are available. Otherwise my canoeing would be limited to looking at my desktop background and watching youtube videos. My "sherpas" are very aware of ADA regulations and in fact go far beyond what is required by law and don't charge me a dime extra for it, or even accept an offered tip.

Being an old Codger who has canoed since Ike was President, rIver closings in general are a new phenomenon to me. I understand governing authorities (and outfitters) need to limit their liabilities, especially after the example of what happened at Albert Pike. But canoeing wild rivers is, has been, and always will be a risk sport in which participants accept the risk.


Michael

[NickHobbs]

I hate to hear about the ban on kayaks, who will be there to throw Grant a rope when he comes swimming by.

[Canoe_Codger]

With a jigsaw and some patience, many kayaks make passable canoes. And if you miscut and mess it up, trim a bit more, cover with minicell and have a SUP board!

[magicmike]

Sorry to interrupt ya'll's fun with a request for real information, but were the gate closings in relation to water levels discussed? -M-

[prophet]

i was told the gate closings were from the main USFS office in Russellville and only affected a few spots - redding and indian creek.