January-February 2016

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
January/February 2016
As your outgoing President, I find myself thinking about the should have, would
have, could have items that I wanted to accomplish during my term but didn't. The
"to do" list reminds me of the projects that Shari, my wife, gave me the day I retired.
That list has just gotten longer, not shorter.
There are several things I know we can accomplish as a group. We need to start
seriously looking for new ways to fund our back country crews. What we do is very
important and beneficial to thousands of people who enjoy the back country as much
as we do. The RAC dollars we receive for Trail Work and Fish Plants won't last forever.
We need to continue our endeavor to keep access roads open to Trail Heads and there are several Trail
Heads that need work, such as stock water, corrals and parking improvements. As a group we can whittle
down the long to do list.
The one thing I've learned since becoming a member of The
Top of the State Unit, is that the people in our organization
are the best of
the best. Your
support through
your membership
and
your
thousands of
hours working to
Inside This Issue
accomplish our
"Mission" are
Board of Directors
Page 2
commendable.
Incoming Pres. Message
Page 3
Outgoing President Doug Kaufner
passing the gavel to our
2016 President elect Duane Eastlick
Thank you for
your tremendous
support the past
two years. Doug
Veteran's Parade
Study of Saws for Trail Use
Cont - Saws
Christmas Party
Meeting minutes
Membership Form
Calendar of Events
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page10
2016 OFFICERS
SIS-Q-TRAILS
A publication of the Backcountry Horsemen of California,
Top of the State Unit
Editor : Kathryn Matthews
301 Orchard Ct
Yreka CA 96097-9707
Email: topofthestate-bch@nctv.com
Printed and Distributed by Kathryn Matthews
Publication Information: The SIS~Q~TRAILS Top of the State
Unit, published six times a year. It is an independent publication
with news and information of interest to Top of the State
members.
DISCLAIMER: Articles and advertisements that appear in
SIS-Q-TRAILS do not necessarily reflect the position or
opinion of the BCHC, TOS Unit or its officers and members.
Nor does publication of said articles and advertisements
constitute an endorsement of views or of the goods or services
offered therein that they may express. Accuracy of all material
is the sole responsibility of the authors. BCHC TOS is not
responsible for unsolicited material of any kind.
SUBMISSIONS AND DEADLINES: The Top of the State Unit
welcomes new member contributions, club news, events,
calendar dates, and items of interest that you wish to have
submitted in the next issue of the newsletter. These need to be
submitted by the 15th of the month and will be printed on space
available basis. Edited and published 6 times a year.
Deadline Date:
P ublication Date:
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January 1 July
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Send to newsletter editor/publisher at the following address or
email.
Kathryn Matthews
301 Orchard Ct Yreka CA 96097-9707
email: topofthestate-bch@nctv.com
EDITOR'S NOTE : IT IS THE WISH OF OUR BOARD
MEMBERS NOT TO PUBLISH THEIR ADDRESS.
PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
This newsletter is a document of communication that
disseminates information of the Top of the State Unit of
BCHC covering schedules, information, philosophy and
historical materials pertinent to the participants of the
BackCountry of Northern California.
PRESIDENT
Duane Eastlick
(530) 468-2286
duaneeastlick@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Doug Kaufner
(530) 340-0667
1whitemule4luck@gmail.com
SECRETARY
Barbara Schuyler
(916) 947-8258
rydarnr@aol.com
TREASURER
Caralee Scala
(530) 459-5788
2016-17 BOARD MEMBERS
Tom Berry
907-717-9195
knucklehead2@att.net
Erica Fruiht
707-889-3430
ericafruiht@gmail.com
Virgil Hardy
842-6586
cody@snowcrest.net
Shari Kaufner
340-0668
skphoto@cot.net
Kathryn Matthews
(530) 842-5872
hereinyreka@nctv.com
Dale Payne
(530) 435-2346
dalenmida3p@gmail.com
Rebecca Richman
459-1840
Rebecca_Richman@nctv.com
Robert Robustellini
(530) 468-5636
muletracks@sisqtel.net
Penny Wells-Thomas (530)468-2715
pwells@sisqtel.net
ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBERS
Gail Lyons
(530) 467-3137
jglyons@sisqtel.net
Ken Smith
468-2270
kensmith@sisqtel.net
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
Michael Stapleton
(530) 598-6164
frenchcreek@gmail.com
Gail Lyons
EDUCATION
(530) 467-3137
jglyons@sisqtel.net
FISH PLANT
Duane Eastlick
468-2286
duaneeastlick@gmail.com
Virgil Hardy
842-6586
cody@snowcrest.net
Jennifer Bull
Joe Croteau
GRANTS
(530) 468-2339
(530) 468-2339
jjcroteau@sisqtel.net
MEMBERSHIP
Sharon Horton
(530) 436-9892
setebo@finestplanet.com
NEWSLETTER EDITOR /
E-NOTICES
Kathryn Matthews
(530) 842-5872
topofthestate-bch@nctv.com
Dale Payne
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Robert Robustellini
(530) 468-5636
muletracks@sisqtel.net
Mida Payne
1. Perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of
horses in America's back country and wilderness.
2. Assist the various government and private agencies in
their maintenance and management of said resources.
3. Educate, encourage and solicit active participation in
wise and sustaining use of the back country by horsemen
and the general public.
4. Work to ensure that the public lands remain open to
recreational stock use.
5. Foster and encourage the formation of new state
backcountry horsemen organizations
HISTORIAN
Barbara Matthews
(530) 842-1038
barbarasmiracle@nctv.com
Larry Arkfeld
INSURANCE
(530) 842-5634
larryarkfeld@yahoo.com
AIR MEDICAL
(530) 435-2346
dalenmida3p@gmail.com
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Erica Fruiht
707-889-3430
ericafruiht@gmail.com
Rebecca Richman
459-1840
Rebecca_Richman@nctv.com
PUBLICITY
Penny Wells-Thomas (530)468-2715
pwells@sisqtel.net
Lori Luddon
(530) 938-2365
oreos@cot.net
PUBLIC LANDS
Duane Eastlick
468-2286
duaneeastlick@gmail.com
Tom Higgs
459-3669
Doug Kaufner
(530) 340-0667
1whitemule4luck@gmail.com
Bill Knispel
(707) 489-0162
highfiveretrievers@yahoo.com
Michael Stapleton
(530) 598-6164
frenchcreek@gmail.com
SUNSHINE
Sherry Glendenning
(530) 468-5503
sherhorse@sisqtel.net
WEB MASTER
Kathryn Matthews
(530) 842-5872
webmaster@bchc-tos.com
WORK PARTY TEAM LEADERS
Tom Berry
907-717-9195
knucklehead2@att.net
Art Hanna
905-0350
art_hanna@yahoo.com
Bill Kleaver
GROUP RIDES
Laurie Pedro-Robustellini
Robert Robustellini
(530) 468-5636
muletracks@sisqtel.net
PARADES
(530) 435-2346
dalenmida3p@gmail.com
(530) 459-5426
kleav5426@cot.net
John Lyons
(530) 467-3137
jglyons@sisqtel.net
Ed Matthews
(530) 842-5872
ematthews@nctv.com
Dale Payne
(530) 435-2346
dalenmida3p@gmail.com
Rick Zylstra
(530) 859-0219
RTZmules@yahoo.com
2015 BCHC Lucky Calendars
Our Lucky Calendars Raffle Winners are:
Becky Sanders
Sept. 28th - Linda Ellison from Yreka
Oct. 3rd - Gary Kleaver from Montague
Oct. 28th - Douglas Langford from Yreka
Nov. 6th - Marilyn Smith from Yreka
Nov. 7th - Tammy Wilchwood from Etna
Incoming President's Message
Here we are starting another year as BCH TOS members and yes, I am your new President for 2016. Doug has
moved over to the Vice President’s job. Well those of you that know me, know me. Those that don’t, I have been
a BCH member off and on since it started way back when.
I have run a small business in Scott Valley for the last 25 years or so. I have been a partner in sandeoutfitters for
over 15 years. So yes, I really enjoy the trails that we all ride and work on. Nothing is greater than clearing a trail
then riding and packing mules on the trail and just enjoying the mountains. So I can say if you as a member haven't
worked on a trail project and would like to experience it then give me a call or call any of the board members. We
can make that happen and would really like the help. You would be welcomed.
Being President is a new experience for me and I hope to get it done with everyone's help. We have a returning
board member or two and a new board member or two. If you haven't been to one of our meetings please come and
lets get to know you. Your ideas are important to us and we all want to keep our BCH TOS unit running at it's best.
Some of the things we will be working on this Winter and Spring will be getting Safety Certification from the Forest
Service for tool and saw operation and Certification for First Aid and CPR for Trail Crew Leaders. We will also
be getting our trail crews put together so we will be able to get started clearing trails as soon as THAT SNOW we
see up on the top of the mountains slowly starts to melt and our trails slowly start to open.
We also have many other club activities such as Trail Rides, Spring Tune Up, clinics, dinners and etc. So once again,
if you are a member and want to get involved we would welcome you. You may be a long time member, a returning
member, or a new member please let us know your ideas for activities and your suggestions. Lets talk.
Thanks and I hope to see and meet you all. If you have any questions, suggestions or you just want to talk
mountains, horses and mules please give me a call at 530-598-1457.
Thank you - Duane Eastlick
3
On Saturday, November 7th the Top of the State Unit rode in the
Veteran's Parade in Etna. There were only four riders (John Lyons, Bill
Knispel, Mida Payne and Dale Payne) that rode. The weather was cool
but there was a good turn out as far as the people on the street watching.
Our very own member, Sherry Glendenning rode with her father who was honored this year as American Legion
Perry Harris Post @ 260 selected Duane Glendenning a WWII Veteran to be Grand Marshall.
High Desert Trail Riders BCH is sponsoring a movie "Unbranded". I know you would like it. Part of it is
going through the Grand Canyon. Just search for Unbranded to find out more.
http://watch.unbrandedthefilm.com/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
The club is sponsoring a showing in Klamath Falls on January 11th at Pelican Cinemas or you can pay for a
streaming version to watch at home. You can see more here on our BCH website and there is a link to order
tickets. Anyway, be sure some of your club members know about this movie.
https://www.facebook.com/HighDesertTrailRiders/?fref=ts
4
A Study of Crosscut Saws or Power Saws for Trail Clearing
by Dan Applebaker
Back Country Horsemen of America, Vol 26, Issure 4, Page 11, Fall 2015
At a recent BCHA National Meet-ing a friend, who has had the responsibility
of clearing hundreds of miles of trails over many years with both traditional
crosscut saws, noted the benefits of power saws. My friend had just
mentioned the faster cutting speed and in-creased efficiency of using power
saws instead of crosscut saws for clearing down logs from trails. A member
of a large environmental organization and a diehard advocate of wilderness
purity challenged the statement that a power saw cuts faster than a crosscut
saw. The challenger asked, “Do you have any data to back up your claim?”
My friend is also very much of a wilderness advocate (as BCH members are)
and believes very strongly in our wilderness preservation system. He also believes that the traditional crosscut saw
is the appropriate tool for routine clearing of wilderness trails—as long as preserving historic access and the
purposes out lined in the Wilderness Act can be accomplished by their use.
The GAO Report on Forest Service trails clearly established that the Forest Service is not able to maintain
thousands of miles of trails to provide access for the use and enjoyment of thousands of acres of wilderness by the
American public and visitors. In 2012 the Forest Service reported maintenance on only 37% of 158,000 miles of
trail and only 25% was done to maintenance standards. Continued lack of maintenance on trails will eventually
make the reconstruction of these trails and structures prohibitively expensive. As a result, thousands of miles of
trail will be closed and eliminated from the trail systems. The risk of losing a huge percentage of our trails, and
concentrating all use on the remaining trails, was a huge wake-up call to some of us.
As a result of the discussion at the BCHA meeting, my friend suggested a study comparing the use of crosscut saws
to power saws in trail clearing. An experienced sawyer working with the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA)
conducted one comparison, but we knew of no in-depth studies. I have to admit that I had trouble justifying the
time to do a study to reinforce the obvious. I mean, after all, is not the efficiency of the power saw why the logging
industry changed from crosscut saws to power saws sixty years ago?
The BCH of Oregon decided that a comparison study of the efficiency of crosscut saws and power saws in cutting
times, safety, and fatigue of the sawyers was justified. The study was conducted in February 2015 on trails adjacent
to Wilderness on the west slopes of the Cascades. Casey and Phil Hufstader (Oregon’s National Directors) took
over the project of planning, organizing, and administering the study. All sawyers were volunteers with the High
Country Wilderness Packers chapter of BCH of Oregon. Present at the site while cutting was being conducted, were
several independent observers, representing three separate agencies and landowners. Observers were invited to
observe, comment, and add credibility to the study. The independent observers were: an Oregon Department of
Forestry retired Forester, a USFS retired cutting contract administrator, and an Oregon Occupation Health and
Safety retired safety officer. Filming of A Study of Crosscut Saws or Power Saws for Trail Clearing By Dan
Applebaker the study was by an independent contractor.
The object of the study was to provide cut times between equally skilled volunteer cutters on the same log using
crosscut saws and chainsaws. The crosscut saw was borrowed from the PCTA and was sharpened just for the study.
The chainsaw was borrowed from the local saw shop and was a factory saw with a new chain. The volunteer
5
sawyers each have regular jobs and are not professionals for any agency or summer trail crew. The sawyers were
selected for their experience and to have similar capabilities with their respective tools. This was done to match
as closely as possible the experience, skill and capabilities between the sawyers of the two sawing methods.
Six separate field cuts were executed and each session was videotaped and timed. After six trials, it was obvious
that the ratio in cut times stayed the same between the two separate teams. More cuts would not provide additional
data. The degree of difficulty for each team was identical, as cuts were made side-by-side with each type saw. All
diameters were measured to a tenth of an inch and time was recorded to the nearest second for each of the exercises.
Are power saws really faster in cutting time when clearing trees from backcountry trails? The results show
significant reductions in cutting time by using power saws, so the answer is yes. Although the study was designed
to show only differences in cutting times, it also showed using the power saws significantly reduced fatigue and
increased safety.
1. The actual sawing time of the total number of logs in the study for the crosscut saws was 25’ 30” while the same
sawing time for the same logs with the power saws was 3’ 20” seconds or a difference of 22 minutes and 10
seconds. Cutting speed for the power saws is 7.65 times faster than the crosscut saws. Although it was not
considered in this study, it is worth mentioning that if labor efficiency is important (and it certainly should be for
an Agency that cannot get their job done now), the actual saw time could be considered as double on the crosscut
saw if the time for two sawyers on a crosscut is compared to one on a chainsaw.
2. Crosscut sawyer fatigue was evident in the videos. The sawyers were young men in relatively good physical
condition, but the crosscut sawyers showed fatigue on the larger logs even with breaks to wedge and oil the saw.
The power saw operation was nearly effortless. This difference could be significant for older sawyers who often
work on volunteer crews.
3. Fatigue and safety are also factors. There is increased risk of injury due to fatigue and the necessity to put a
sawyer on both sides of the log in the crosscut sawing operation. The chainsaw operator can operate the saw with
less exertion and can also stand on the safest side of the log to make the cut. There is also concern that the necessity
of limbing with an axe in the crosscut saw operation is a higher risk than limbing with a chainsaw (and it is certainly
slower). The study did not consider other factors such as: travel time between trees, age of crew, number of crew
members, steepness of trail, steepness of the side hill, brush levels along the trail, and logs stacked up on each other.
In a day’s work, the travel time between trees would be the same regardless of the type of saw used. However,
other factors need consideration when deciding the degree of efficiency of use of the power saw over the crosscut
saw. In “on the trail” situations the advantages of the power saw may be much greater than reflected in our study.
A couple of situations that we routinely face in trail clearing are mentioned here as examples.
•
To cut 80, 12” diameter trees in a mile, the power saw would save 1 hour and 50 minutes per mile over the
use of the crosscut saw.
•
To cut 30, 25” diameter trees in a mile, the power saw would save 2 hours and 54 minutes per mile over the
use of the crosscut saw.
The point is the use of power saws significantly reduces the time it takes to clear down logs from trails. Power saws
can provide a safer work environment by reducing sawyer fatigue and placing the sawyer in a safer position while
cutting. The power saw often allows the clearing of trees that simply cannot be cut with a crosscut saw because
of the position of the down tree on the ground. In that case the trail must be closed, the log drilled and shot off with
explosives—or removed with a power saw.
The difference in cutting time and overall efficiency may not be sufficient to justify changing current trail
maintenance practices when down trees are cleared annually, when there is a normal volume, and trees are a normal
diameter. After a significant climatic event or when down trees have not been routinely cleared from the trail for
6
an extended period of time, the efficiency of power saws could make the
difference. It’s a big difference between meeting Congressional intent
in the Wilderness Act and leaving the area unrepaired and unfit “for
future use and enjoyment as wilderness.”
BCH of Oregon approve of the use of traditional tools for routine
clearing of trails in wilderness (as did my friend in the start of this
article). If the opening of trails can’t be completed with traditional
primitive tools, or if we have to sacrifice maintenance on other important Twin Oaks Veterinary Services
trails, we fear that the lack of maintenance will eventually lead to closure 15701 Muse Rd
of many trails. If wilderness trails are to be dropped from the trail Caliente, CA, 93518
system due to lack of maintenance because of lack of funding and 661-867-2554 office
manpower, we suggest that 661-809-0597 mobile
the Agency reevaluate the 661-867-2355 fax
use of traditional methods
and minimum tools with their Minimum Requirements Assessment.
As a result of changed environmental conditions, the huge
maintenance backlog, and limited budget, those traditional tools may
no longer be adequate or appropriate to provide the necessary trail
maintenance to accomplish the purposes of the Wilderness Act. A
reevaluation of current methods may allow the agency to initially open
unserviceable trails with power tools and then return to the traditional
practice of routine maintenance using primitive tools. In cases such
as these, the Agency may decide that managed and limited use of
motorized trail maintenance equipment is not only appropriate, but
necessary to provide the access so important to preserve our
wilderness trail systems - and our wilderness preservation system
itself.
Once again the Christmas Party was a huge success. Food was outstanding, thanks to Thor Thorlaksson and
family. We also want to thank the comedy team of Tickner & Lyons in assisting with the Raffle.
7
Backcountry Horsemen of California, Top of the State Unit
Meeting Highlights of November 5, 2015
•
Education: Penny Wells-Thomas will no longer be on the Education committee. Gail Lyons will need an
assistant.
• Work Parties: John Lyons has talked to Sam Commarto (USFS) and he will check into getting the member's
saws sharpened.
• Programs and Events: The Unit Christmas party will be Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Fort Jones
Community Center.
• Parades: The Etna Veterans Day Parade will be this coming Saturday, November 7 and the Fort Jones
Christmas Parade will be December 12, 2015.
• Trail Rides: The October trail ride was to Horseshoe Ranch. There were seventeen riders.
Old Business
• BCHC State Meeting - Barbara Schuyler reported there will be new forms for volunteer hours, the new saw
policy will likely be going into effect, daily sign in sheets for work parties, motorized bicycle bill signed by
Governor it was discussed if it will affect our trails, the Rendezvous 2016 will be in Bishop, CA, and Units
will sell 2017 "Lucky Calendars". The next state meeting will be in Santa Nella, January 29-30, 2016.
• Lucky Calendar sales - The are still 2016 Lucky Calendars to sell.
New Business
• Board member Elections. Board members, elected for a two year term (2016-2017) are: Caralee Scala,
Kathryn Matthews, Duane Eastlick, Shari Kaufner, Virgil Hardy, Tom Berry, Dale Payne, and alternates Ken
Smith, Gail Lyons.
Meeting Highlights of December 3, 2015
•
•
•
Education: Gail Lyons would like ideas for guest speakers and if members are interested in a “spring tune-up?
Public Lands: Duane Eastlick reported that the contract to replace the Grider Creek bridges was awarded to
a private contractor in August 2015. One bridge has been replaced. The other two will be replaced in the fall
of 2017. John Lyons and Dale Payne had a meeting with USFS employee Sam Commarto regarding the
disappearance of the horseback riding sign at the Kangaroo Lake turnoff. Sam had the sign removed and said
it was put up by mistake. There was a discussion regarding minor improvements for parking 2-3 trailers at the
trailhead. No corrals needed.
Work Parties: John Lyons reported that Work Party Leaders will need to have 1st aide/CPR, cross cut, and
chainsaw certificates renewed this year. More information to follow.
New Business
• New 2016 officers: President: Duane Eastlick, Vice President: Doug Kaufner, Treasurer: Caralee Scala,
Secretary: Barbara Schuyler
• Events for 2016: Gail Lyons will set up the January 2016 meeting for the Fort Jones Community Center. Other
dates to determine are the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner (March 12th or 19th) and the Christmas Party (December
3rd). Dale Payne will make arrangements for meetings at the Cal Fire Training Room, which are the even
months.
• Misc: Virgil Hardy asked if the unit would be interested in doing another gun raffle for a fund-raiser, with the
ending date of the drawing possibly being the St. Patrick’s Day dinner. More discussion to follow.
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FIELD(FName) FIELD(LName) FIELD(
Partner)
FIELD(Address)
FIELD(City) FIELD(St) FIELD(Zip)
POSTNET(FIELD(Zip))
BCHC / TOP OF THE STATE UNIT
PO Box 461
Etna CA 96027-0461
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
st
Monthly Meetings are the 1 Thursday of the month
January, March, May, July, September, and November are held in Fort Jones at the Fort Jones Community
Center
February, April, June, August, October, and December are held in Yreka at the CalFire Office.
January Events:
• Thursday, January 7th - Board meeting in Fort Jones Community Center at 7 pm.
• Saturday, January 23-Sunday, January 24 - Redwood Unit Pack Clinic
February Events:
• Thursday, February 4th - Board meeting at CalFire Training Room, Yreka CA at 7 pm
•