Wilderness Committee Update…Summer 2020
Wilderness Committee update.. Robbin Schindele
I hope this finds everyone well after the events of the past few months. Summer is upon us, the Covid-19 restrictions are easing and its time for Wilderness Committee to get active again. We’ have some hikes planned and we’ll be back at the Umpqua Valley Farmers Market on Saturdays to spread the word on the Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal asking people to sign postcards to send to our Federal Legislators. We are also in the early planning stages of a couple more fun projects.
Hikes: In line with the Corona virus social distancing restrictions the following Guidelines apply for all hikes.
Hikes may resume as of June 5 and will be open to UW members only. Destinations will be within Douglas County and we will not be advertising to general public such as on Facebook or in the newspaper. Preregistration will be required to limit the group size to 10. Unlike the past, we will not be encouraging carpooling, except for couples/family members who live together. Meeting place is Fowler St parking lot by the library and participants will observe 6 feet social distancing while signing our participation waiver. Hikers will maintain a 6 ft distance at trailhead and on trail from others outside their immediate household.
Scheduled Hikes:
Saturday, June 13 This will be a mostly on-trail and a bit off-trail (~0.25 mile one way). We’ll hike a couple miles from the Wright Creek Trailhead of the North Umpqua Trail (NUT), walk along a ridge and drop down to a creek. There is a short crawl up the creek into a waterfall area and geologic formation then a very short climb (with steps) up a rock. From there, it’s pretty easy to the waterfalls. There is a protected pool that requires wading/swimming across to get the best view of the waterfalls, but it’s clear of debris and easy. Getting wet is probably going to happen. Wear hiking boots/shoes and bring water shoes with you. It’s one of the best locations in the Umpqua National Forest (UNF). This hike is limited to 5 people + hike leader. Text Tony Cannon, 541.378.8312 to register.
Sunday, June 21 NUT Lemolo Falls (from Lemolo dam area). 3 miles round trip hike to a 120ft horsetail style falls and Warm Springs Falls then a 0.6 miles round trip to 70ft block style falls. Driving distance is about 80 mi each way. Text Diana to register 541-784-5004
July Date TBD Limpy Rock Cave (this is not to the Dog Creek Petroglyph cave). This is a simple walk through the forest and a bit of side-hilling (~100 yards) right before the rock. It’s a huge 2-compartment cave and one of the two biggest caves the hike leader has found on the UNF. Bring the brightest flashlight and headlamp you have, though it is definitely not dark. Hiking poles might be helpful. If time permits, we can poke around inside the cave. Initially, there’s a bit of steep coming off the road and back up but the rest is a gentle walk through the forest. There is a gate that is usually open, but if the gate is closed, it will add a ~2.25 mile round trip walk along the road. The off trail portion is ~0.3 miles and is really pleasant.
Watch the UW website for information on more late summer and fall hikes.
Farmers Market- This is one of the most pleasant ways to spend Saturday mornings in Roseburg. There is lots of fresh local produce and flowers, some great food and people watching. Wilderness Committee members will be there to hand out brochures, inform people about the Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal and ask people to sign custom postcards asking Senators Weyden and Merkley and Representatives DeFazio and Blumena
uer to support the proposal. Last summer over 1000 postcards were mailed. Stop by for a chat and sign a few post cards.
We are in the early planning stages for two other fun public events this summer. In late July or early August we‘re hoping to sponsor a fishing derby in cooperation with Oregon Fish and Wildlife on the Main Umpqua to help fight the invasive Small Mouth Bass. These fish are voracious predators who are having a devastating affect on the Salmon and Steelhead smolt heading to the ocean. There will be prizes for the most fish caught, biggest fish and other categories. Hopefully we will attract enough people to have some impact on this non-native species. More information will be forthcoming.
In August, we plan to hold a Natural History Scavenger Hunt. We will create a list of specific flora, fauna and geological features and invite the public into the forest to photograph the list of items over a period of weeks and submit them to an online gallery. We will have prizes for people who complete the list. Watch for more information in your email box.
Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal.
Two years ago we put up a 4×8’ sign in Glide alongside Hwy 138 which still looks great. The sign asks passersby to support the Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal. If you live on a busy road in the area, and have space, please consider having a similar sign on your property. The Wilderness Committee will produce and put it in place, If you’re interested please email Robbin@umpquawatersheds.org
Stay well and we’ll see at the Farmers’ Market or one of our hikes or events.
