Thanks for the report Sycamore. I was wondering....did anyone get a chance to speak with Ranger Brad regarding the recent "chain saw massacre?"by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Making access to Deep Creek easier will only increase the impact of human visitation. The Hotsprings are within a designated roadless area. This status is like a wilderness area without the restrictions that go along with the official designation. I feel its wise to find ways to reduce the impact and protect the wild, natural nature of the Deep Creek canyon. The USFS had good reasons to bulldozby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The BLM designated open routes to provide access to the deep creek area to the public. Improvement of these roads would damage to recovering ecosystem and possibly disturb cultural sites as well. The appeal of the area is its primitive nature. As far as Katrina's issue with the lack of sanitary facilities at the Bowen Ranch, its not a bad idea to have a portajohn for the toll paying public toby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The illegal offroaders wouldnt be so defiant of the law if their quads and motorcycles were subject to siezure. That would help pay for the tax dollars spent chasing these environmental vandals. There are lots of designated off road areas available for this popular activity. People like Danny,Kevin and Jason would think about it before risking losing their custom motocross bikes.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks Wizard......it seems natural for people to follow the path of least resistance. There seems to be ample space to park at the top of the hill although vandalism has been a problem in the past. I do use the USFS lot by the sign and its true if you dont have 4wd...forgetaboutit. What puzzles me is why the USFS would blaze a freeway down that little ravine? Whoever made that decision must ofby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I am very interested in what Ranger Burns has to say about the recent cutting of live junipers and other native shrubs along the path. I have talked to several friends who were in the area at the time of the bushwacking and all have indicated a USFS fire crew on a training exercise was responsible for the damage. As far as the roads go...difficult access isnt a bad thing. I remember the days wby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wise words Mr Wizard.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I predict the USFS will close the forest again this year due to extreme fire danger. That will help with the problem of bottle bustin beer guzzlin loudmouthed littering fools trashing the springs. Uh oh Yogi......here comes the Ranger!by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks sister Sycamore Laughing. If you want to plant a sycamore feel free. I will make sure it dosent get thirsty.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
In response to all of this senseless bushwacking, I think I will plant some desert willows in the peace garden.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Seriously...I dont believe the USFS would bushwack in this mannor. They have expressed concerns about this paticular path and are sensitive to any alteration to the natural environment in the Deep Creek area.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I think your assessment of the situation is right on Wizard. A closer look in the area will reveal the footprints of the individual who is responsible for the destruction. An experienced tracker can tell alot of things about a person just from the tracks. This is indeed the work of an indivudial with a total lack of respect for the earth.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Whats up with the chainsaw massacre? I was wondering.....did you find any tracks Brother Wizard?by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I am not aware of any property owners in the area objecting to public use of BLM lands in the area. What I object to is increased OHV activity. The OHV crowd has a long history of non complience with the designitated route only policy in the Juniper Flats area. This fact, along with inadequite enforcement of these existing laws, demonstrate why the Juniper Flats area should remain closed to offby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Well Katrina....any answers for Sam? My theory is it's lost somewhere in the Deep Creek triangle.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The eclipse was totally lunar. The show dosn't get any better than what it was Thursday night! It probably wasn't visable at the Hotsprings due to the position of the moon and the steep canyon walls. Mrs Bear and I are off to southern Baja to replenish our supply of shashimi and mahi mahi. Hasta la later amigos!by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The drought busting rains of last winter produced an amazing display of wildflowers that are still going strong. Unfortunatly,the fire danger will be extreme as soon as the hot weather dries everything out. The weeds are thick this year and my weedwacker is getting a workout. I would not be suprised if the USFS closes high risk areas again this year due to the abundance of dead trees in the foreby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
So..... the dogs were chewing some beaver! Now is the time to enjoy the desert as the wildflowers are everywhere! Too many people driving crazy on Bowen Ranch road this weekend for me so Mrs Bear and I headed out into Juniper Flats. There was a buzz in the air from all of the insects working the flowers and there were carpets of color at every turn of the trail. We went to a quiet place called Cby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Burning the south slope of the Deep Creek drainage is a bad idea. Richard Minnich's idea of controlled burning 1000 acre sections at a time there is lunacy. I really dont think it will happen. 20-100 acre patches are much more managable with less risk of escape.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I have some experience at this whole topic. I worked for several years on USFS hotshot crews and flew helitac with the BLM fighting fires and working controlled burns all over the west. Controlled burning is not an exact science. There are many variables and fire creates its own weather. For all of the mountain residents up the hill in Lake Arrowhead and Crestline,all I can suggest is that youby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Forest in Crisis is a series of front page articles in the Press Enterprise. Todays article is about a proposal to do a controlled burn in the Deep Creek area based upon the premise the prevailing winds will push the fire into the area already burned by the Willow Fire. That means that the Hotsprings would be expendable to burn again.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wow....check out Ben Goad's latest article in the Press Enterprise. A fire ecologist by the name of Richard Minnich, who is a professor at UC Riverside, is proposing to burn the Deep Creek area! This puts my place in the direct path of the flames should this proposed prescribed burn get away from the USFS. Anyone remember what happened in Los Alamos?by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
There is an eclipse of the moon on Thursday,May 15. The moon will rise in partial eclipse at 7:32pm. Total eclipse is from 8:14 to 9:04 pm. Perfect timing!by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I think the wet dog that skakes off next to all of those people should be included as well.by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Ahhh yes.... This could be one of Cote's crash pads. This one was built after the rangers took all of his expensive camping gear and left him a note that he could retrieve it at the ranger station along with a ticket for illegal camping. Notice how clean the surrounding camp is. Cote was a caring soul who loved the hotsprings. The local who complained about the people there now is upset aboutby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Family canyon is located behind the hotsprings a couple of hundred yards downstream on the south side of the main canyon. In the distant past, it was a hideout for the infamous Manson family....thats how it got its name. My neighbor was bummed out by the trash being left around by the people who have been staying there and asked if DCV could do something about the situation. I told him that weby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
A homeless encampment is rumored to be up in family canyon with some messy individuals hanging around. Keep an eye on your stuff Deepcreekers!by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hello everyone, I just wanted to give an update on the proposed OHV/WEMO plan for the Juniper area. I submitted my letter in person today at the BLM office. This gave me an oppertunity to engage in conversation with people who are working directly with this plan. The BLM is looking closely at the Juniper Flats area and there are many concerns that are being considered. The time for input is nowby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The weather plays a big factor in visitation of the hotsprings. Early morning is the best time for peace and solitude if that is what you seek. The easiest way is through the Bowen Ranch and the trail is clearly marked. Enjoy! Also....Bowen ranch road has many blind curves and caution while driving is encouraged. Have a safe trip!by LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
eat lots of garlic.... the bugs dont like itby LaughingBear - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California