Ok, my turn to make a slight correction: AZ Mike painted the box, Paul and Mike installed it and Paul offered to do the lettering, which we hope he can get done soon. Yes, I agree, that pizza party was a highlight, and our group has progressed to becoming a rather cohesive unit working together. All of you are a pleasure to work with.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It has been raining off and on at the bottom of the Cajon Pass this morning. I hope that the high desert shares in this blessing. A note to those concerned about OHV activity: Activity tends to increase just after a rain, so keep your eyes open and be ready to report illegal OHV use in the Juniper Flats area.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I am very proud of our DCV group for working with the USFS in such positive ways. It seems that our efforts are paying off, and that our letter had some impact. Hope to see you all at the hot springs soon!!!!by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wow, I'm glad that people think the minutes are great in spite of all the errors I made in the notes. Yes, Paul P., you are correct. I meant Gina Thompson. Next time I'll slow down and proofread before I hit "post."by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Oops! My apologies...my only excuse for my errors was trying to take notes in the wind. Thank you AZ Mike and Laughing Bear for the corrections. Oh, and welcome back to the forum AZ Mike! Hey Ty, how about some compliance with BLM rules and the wishes of local residents?by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
After the meeting, Ron and Wizard drove down to the lower parking lot to check on the brochure box. Ron noticed that rain can get in at the top, and proposed putting a rubber strip there to protect it. The strip can be painted green to match the box. Paul drove up to Bowen Ranch to see the sign posted there. Mike Castro gave him a copy, but had revised the sign and gave Paul a rough draft. Tby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Item #4) Signage by the USFS, presented by AZ Mike: AZ Mike has gotten feedback from visitors that the rules should be posted at the springs. At the present time, all signage at the lower parking lot has been destroyed by vandalism. The only listing of the rules available to the visiting public are those provided by Mike Castro and the DCV. It is suggested that DCV offer to post signage at thby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The meeting began at 1:27. Members in attendence were Wizard, Ron, Paul, AZ Mike, Laughing Bear and Sycamore Laughing. Visiting our meeting were Mrs. Bear, Prema Subadra, Carol, Jenny, and Tom. Group membership: 23 members at present. Item #1) BLM/WEMO plan, presented by Laughing Bear: The BLM is currently under court order to come up with a vehicle route designation plan for the entire Mojaby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
My apologies to all...I will post the meeting minutes tomorrow.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It seems that this thread has gotten way off track from the initial post, but that is o.k. As many of you know, I do not respond to Joe's baited comments, but I would like to clarify some comments he made about our recent encounter. I said nothing to him except in response to his comments to me, which included, once again, comments about my body and appearance. This is harrassment. I did notby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Wizard, I am sorry that the processs of deciding where to meet has left you feeling left out. I am sure that this was not anyone's intention (and certainly not mine), but since we had so little time to decide the matter and a few people, including yourself, indicated agreement to the Juniper Flats ACEC as a location, I didn't think it needed a formal vote...it seemed to be a consensual agreementby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hello Sam D. Let me see if I can help you with this one. You know the way to Bowen Ranch, so it should be pretty easy to give some landmarks to help you out. When you are driving up Bowen Ranch Road, you will pass Coxey Truck Trail on your left. There is a street sign there, a sign for Oak Springs Ranch, and a BLM sign. Then you will come over a little hill and the road will curve sharply toby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
We have had a few members speak in favor of meeting in the Juniper Flats ACEC (Cottonwood Spring). I think we should finalize this decision and post directions. Members who would like to consider other locations should post soon, or indicate that this site is o.k. I can post directions if needed.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I would like to suggest that forum posters be sensitive about using people's names on the forum. Many people would not want to be named here, and also might not like to be talked about on the web. As a courtesy, people should be asked whether or not they want their names or details about them to be posted here. Following this suggestion might give more respectability and professionalism to thiby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Great job on that letter, Ron. Lets hope it helps with lifting the closure. Like many others, I am overdue for a soak! I like Laughing Bear's suggestion for an alternative meeting place the best so far. It has the advantages of an easy walk in, rock shelters to help if it is windy, and a chance for all to see the ACEC through which a motorcycle trail is now officially closed. On the down sidby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Oh...that scofflaw camper!! In light of this, I must correct your previous statement that I reported this camper to Mike Castro. I did not, although I have had conversations both with and about this person to various people. This camper spent the summer in the DCHS area, telling everyone that he would soon be returning to Alaska. At first he said at the end of June, then July, and finally Augby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
A great report, Laughing Bear, and a great suggestion from Ron. Yes, this has been an informative and productive process. When discussing the routes that lead into the forest, the BLM indicated that they have kept open a couple of routes but that they have coordinated the designation of these routes with the USFS. This was welcome news to me, as I know that these two orginizations do not alwayby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Right with you on that one, brother Bear. But, I gotta see this Jupiter Flats. Any resemblence to a place I know?by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Nope, I didn't inform Mike C. about the closure, just asked him if he knew of a closure since, unlike the suggestions posted here, he usually is the one to inform me (and other guests) of closures or restrictions. The USFS can't blame Mike or make him responsible for enforcing rules that they don't bother to inform him or the public about. Who would be to blame for people who access through othby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Nope, no signs. I spoke with Mike Castro and he indicated that he has recieved no word of closure, which he usually does. You're probably right, Laughing Bear, that the immediate springs area is low priority right now. Since the goal of closure is to prevent people from wandering upstream along the PCT into burned areas, the enforcement focus is most likely to be those areas.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Well....I've never wanted to be a "tattle-tale," but Paul P. is right; ignoring the scofflaw campers is detrimental and potentially very dangerous. Thanks for the acknowledgement, Katrina. The positive and beneficial aspects of this forum have been glowing all over the place lately, and I would also like again to say thank you to Webmaster Rick and to all posters here for creating thiby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Haven't heard of that one. Tell me more.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
That's o.k., I didn't want a cow for dinner anyway. No room in the freezer, and I might get sick off all that red meat. If you're thinking of making a call to Linda Hanson and not sure just what to say, the above questions from Laughing Bear are great. To add to them, how about noting that there has been a lot of damage to BLM fences in the area from illegal OHV activities, and ask who is respby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
That is strange all right. Don't want a grazing allotment, though. I like cows just fine, even worked with them before, but they don't need to be trampling our fragile environment or interfering with the hot springs. Since no one is responsible, if one wanders into your yard, can you call it dinner?by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Looks like we may get that rain today. Thanks for the report on the cattle and on trail J1299, both of which are a concern to residents and users of this area, including the hot springs. If the BLM decides to release the cattle, after having documented a number of fences needing repair because of illegal OHV activity, they will also have to bear the responsibility of cattle trespass. You do noby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks for that welcome news. I'll try to get down to the springs on Sunday. Hope to find it clean, healthy, and being visited by some really nice people!by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Yep, a neighbor advised me to tune in to AM 960 and I've been with it all the way. It is great to see the generosity of people and businesses in the high desert community. The voluntary evacuation for residents along Bowen Ranch Road is lifted now. As soon as they open the forest I'm heading for the springs.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hi Gary! Thanks for the thoughts. The weather is finally coming to the rescue with some moisture, but the winds are still fierce. Residents along Bowen Ranch Road are under voluntary evacuation, but we are hopeful that it will not go to mandatory. Some residents of the mountain lakes areas will not be able to return home for about a week, and many don't even know if their homes will be there oby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I said I would post the info about the BLM meetings when I did the DCV meeting minutes. Sorry I took so long...just a bit preoccupied with fire. Here's the info: Tuesday Nov. 4th at 7pm and Friday November 21 at 7pm at the Apple Valley City Hall Recreation Center at 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. (there is a Dale Evans exit off the 15, or you can get there off Highway 18) The topic here is route dby sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thank you, Larry! You and Danielle are really nice, too. Hopefully we will all enjoy another day at the springs again soon.by sycamorelaughing - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California