More News

CSPA asks for stream work, clean up and ordinances on the Rubicon Trail

February 9, 2009 -- CSPA has filed as a, "designated party" in the Draft Cleanup and Abatement Order, El Dorado County Department of Transportation Rubicon Trail, El Dorado County. The order enumerates a number of steps to clean up and improve the facilities along the trail. However, CSPA believes some additional ordinances and clean up activities should be included to prevent a repeat of the previous problems.

It has been found that a buildup of sediment generated by Off Road Vehicles (ORV) fording Ellis Creek, a perennial fish-bearing stream has caused a fining of bed material downstream of the crossing. This increased sediment load fills spawning gravels and reduces aquatic habitat. The Regional Board has in the past acted with the California Department of Fish and Game to require the removal of sediments from creek beds where discharges have impacted the aquatic life beneficial uses. The Weber Creek cleanup in El Dorado County comes immediately to mind. Not only does the sediment load impact aquatic life spawning areas but detrimentally impacts foraging as well. CSPA recommends an assessment of the sediment load and a determination of whether cleanup is necessary and should be required of the Discharger (El Dorado County) with a time schedule which would accomplish any cleanup prior to start of the next rainy season.

In July 2004, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors issued a “state of local emergency” due to the significant amount (Continued)... of human fecal waste littered around the Spider Lake area. As a result, the Spider Lake area was closed to camping. The amount of fecal waste was determined to pose a health and safety threat to users of the trail and to streams and lakes that are tributary to the Rubicon River and the Middle Fork American River. While CSPA realizes that human wastes will degrade over time, an assessment should be required of whether a cleanup of any specific sites, such as camping areas, should be undertaken to reduce the pathogen and nutrient loads to local waterways.

While education of the ORV public is desirable, CSPA believes El Dorado County should establish a local ordinance, of requiring the use of portable human waste collection devices and “wag” bags. The ordinance should require that all vehicles using the trail must carry such devices. The county should also establish in the ordinance a means of enforcement and penalties. The use and maintenance of permanent toilet facilities should be assessed at highly used recreation areas, such as campgrounds.

This whole issue is a matter of, "Abuse it and you'll loose it". To keep the Rubicon trail accessible for everyone, both users and El Dorado County are going to have to step-up and "clean up" their acts!

February 2, 2009 CSPA Comments regarding Rubicon Trail

January 23, 2009 Draft Cleanup and Abatement Order, El Dorado County Department of Transportation Rubicon Trail, El Dorado County

January 23, 2009 Draft Cleanup and Abatement Order, Attachment