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SMMTC News
Santa Monica Mountains Trail Conditions 2007
October 5, 2007
Story by Ed Stauss
(a condensed version appears in our Fall 2007 Newsletter)
Since 1 February 2007, Trails Council has provided 2374 hours of volunteer service to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Channel Islands National Park, and Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, grooming over 20 trail miles.
Most trails are safe and serviceable for all users although much improvement is still possible. Because the low rainfall this past year reduced trail erosion and growth of vegetation, Trails Council has been able accomplish some deferred maintenance which had accumulated over the years. Some ongoing projects worth mentioning are:
- Old Boney Trail (westernmost 1.5 miles), Point Mugu State Park: Three years ago the State Park was actually considering closing this trail due to its badly deteriorated condition. SMMTC held several maintenance projects, filling ruts, some two to three feet deep, and installing improved drainage. The trail is now serviceable and in greatly improved condition.
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Chamberlain Trail, Point Mugu State Park: This is one of the most beautiful trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, partly because of its remoteness. The strenuous, nearly four-mile, hike from the nearest trailhead to middle sections of the trail subtracts from the amount of useful work that can be accomplished. However, with several long work days, all but about two hundred feet have been cleared. It is expected to be complete this fall.
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Nicholas Flat Trail(s), Leo Carrillo State Park: This trail system had been badly neglected for the last few years and was in very poor condition. Undertaking this as a Wednesday project last fall, a small but dedicated group of volunteers has greatly improved the trail system.
The top five volunteers during the 2007 season are:
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Jerry Mitchan: 201.5 hours
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Burt Elliott: 153 hours
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Virginia Grue: 118 hours
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Norm Simmonds: 118 hours
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Sharon Simmonds: 113 hours
In recent years we have been increasing the number of volunteer hours and expect this trend to continue. As a result, the outlook is for even more improvement in Santa Monica Mountains trails.