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About Applegater. (Jacksonville, OR) 2008-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2017)
Applegater Spring 2017 WAHOO! The East ART is scheduled to begin! We got dirty with construction of the Jack-Ash Trail! BY DIANA COOGLE BY NEAL ANDERSON T h e on July 9, Bureau of Land Diana Coogle Management will lead a hike (BLM) has up Mount given the Elijah, when Applegate Trails the wildflowers Association should be in ( ATA ) t h e full bloom go-ahead for on one of the Hiking the East ART with ATA. building the best wildflower E a s t A R T, hikes in this the eastern-most leg of the proposed part of the Siskiyous. Applegate Ridge Trail between Cathedral ATA has also booked some Hills in Grants Pass and the Jacksonville showings of our film, Walking Woodlands. the Wild Applegate, directed by Tim After years of doing the preliminary Lewis, about the thru-hike ATA board work of meeting BLM criteria, jumping members Josh Weber and Luke Ruediger through their hoops, writing grants, and made along the route of the proposed raising money, we are so excited! We plan Applegate Ridge Trail. The film was to start trail construction by the end of shown at the Siskiyou Film Festival in March. We’re planning some work-party February. Upcoming showings are Friday, days for all enthusiastic trail builders who March 3, at Three Rivers Outdoor store want to help with this project, tentatively in Grants Pass and Wednesday, April set for April 1, April 30, and May 21. 12, at the Jackson County Horseman’s Watch our website (applegatetrails.org) Association meeting. Contact Alex or our Facebook page for more details. Weinbrecht at alex@applegatetrails.org Although our energy is now going for more information if you are interested towards the actual trail building, we are in attending one of these showings. still planning to hold some hikes this In addition to Applegate Trails summer. On May 13, Mike Kohn will lead Association t-shirts, ATA will have some a hike up Mule Mountain. On June 11, handsome caps for sale at any of our Alex Weinbrecht will lead an equestrian events. Look for them when you’re there! “hike” on a trail of her choosing, and Diana Coogle • dicoog@gmail.com The Jack- Ash Trail, which will connect Jacksonville and Ashland along the ridgelines between Anderson Butte and Wagner Butte, has begun with construction of Phase 1. This trail is designed for people who want to enjoy the outdoors by leg-powered (nonmotorized) means—hikers, runners, bicyclists, equestrians, bird-watchers, and people who just want to mosey along. The views are awesome, and the diverse ecosystems include mature woodlands, open grasslands, and summer shade. After years of planning by the Siskiyou Upland Trails Association (SUTA) and the Medford Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the community actually began constructing the Jack-Ash in late 2016 with help from the BLM staff, the Northwest Youth Corps crew, and several dozen SUTA volunteers. People were jazzed at just how much solid, passable trail they had constructed in one morning. Within a month, some gentle slopes with red flagging had been transformed into a flat dirt trail weaving along hillsides. Local crews will be hired to construct more of the trail in early 2017 with financial support from Title II grants and other fundraising. Portions will be open for foot traffic in mid-2017, with use by bicyclists and equestrians to follow after the trail has solidified a bit. We are constructing more than four miles out of a total of 15 miles of new trails for Phase 1 of the Jack-Ash. The trail will allow users to make many loops with the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail and the existing networks of BLM roads and trails. SUTA organizes work parties on the Jack-Ash Trail and the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail, designated by Oregon Parks Trail horse trials at Pacifica If you are looking to spice up your trail rides or show your partnership between you and your horse, you will enjoy the Grayback Brushriders Trail Horse Trials on May 7, 2017, at Pacifica, 14615 Water Gap Road, Williams. The trials involve a three-hour ride, about seven miles long, with judged obstacles and situations one might encounter along a trail anywhere. The first rider will go out at 9 am. Riders are judged on how well the horse and rider negotiate the obstacles, with emphasis on safety and calmness. The entry fee is $20 preregistration and $25 the day of the ride. For rules and entry forms, email trottingalongmelody@ gmail.com or call Kay Johnson at 541-846-6077. Over the past years, Pacifica has played host to many horse events, such as Saddle-up for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Poker Rides, fundraisers, Trail Horse Trials, seminars and clinics. Pacifica is a scenic 400-acre facility with beautiful views and a very diverse environment, perfect for horses and riders. 23 SUTA’s first trail work party in November 2016. Creating a pathway on the Jack-Ash Trail. and Recreation as southern Oregon’s first Scenic Trail. The first trail-work party was held on February 18; future work parties will take place on Saturday, March 18, and Saturday, April 22, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. SUTA serves mid- morning snacks and lunch. For details, see sutaoregon.org. Come enjoy the trails, and join us at the light-hearted yet constructive work parties. If you would like to donate, please log onto sutaoregon.org. Especially consider joining us for the work party on April 22, when you will be able to see a large chunk of the newly constructed Jack-Ash Trail. Neal Anderson ngeoanders83@wildblue.net Applegate Store & Cafe Open 7days a week! Deli & Picnic Supplies Breakfast • Lunch •To-Go Orders Gas • ATM • Espresso Beer & Wine 15095 Hwy 238, Applegate, OR 541-846-6659 Horsefeather Farms Ranchette Guesthouse Stayovers B & B 13291 Hwy 238, Applegate, OR Stay at a real country farm on the Applegate River! Call for information and reservations: 541-941-0000 www.horsefeather-farms-ranchette.com Bring the kids ! Pet friendly !
