Trail Information
BACKGROUND
Forest thinning and prescribed burning will eventually impact many popular trails and closures will be necessary. Trail closures will be publicized and posted at trailheads and on this website well ahead of the closure periods. Please sign up on the AFR e-mail list for notifications on trail closures by going to the ashlandwatershed.org homepage and clicking on the “Notify Me” button. Detailed information and maps will be available at www.ashland.or.us/trailinfo (a shortcut to this page) when work will impact trail use.
Please read the information below regarding trail closures.
USING CLOSED TRAILS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY!
Trail closures indicate trees in the area will be falling on or across trails. Never remove signs or material crossing a closed trail. Please be assured we'll reopen trails as quickly as possible; as soon as work is complete.
AFR project work will result in more open conditions in a significant portion of the lower watershed, potentially allowing “pirate” trails to develop. The Forest Service is partnering with the City, the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association, and user groups to create a master trail plan for the watershed. In the meantime, not only are hikers and bikers asked to use caution during the project period, but it is critical that no new trails be created. Without proper planning, trails can impact fragile habitats for plants and animals as well as degrade watershed soils. A map of all existing, authorized trails is available at the Parks and Recreation Department at 340 S Pioneer Street in Lithia Park and costs $3.
INTERPRETIVE SIGNS
Volunteers and AFR partners have continued working hard to develop interpretive signs that will be located at integral sites in the watershed. Signs will include:
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maps of existing trails
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guidelines to follow when recreating in the watershed
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information for visitors about wildlife, the forest's natural resources, and the project plan.
Site-specific signs will include additional messages about fire ecology, ecological monitoring, natural processes, and restoration jobs. Removal of current signs has already begun, and installation of new signs is scheduled for Spring 2012.
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