EISPIRATEN

The City of Sierra Madre has developed and coordinated a project to address the potential debris flows that may affect a number of residents on Skyland Dr. and other areas within the upper canyon. The Santa Anita Fire in April revealed the condition of numerous bulkheads that were placed on the hillside after a 1978 fire. These bulkheads, which consist of surplus military shelving and poles drilled into the mountain, proved to be in very poor shape after thirty years of retaining debris. Virtually all of these structures revealed that they had reached their capacity for holding sediment and many were in disrepair. In order to reduce the potential for damage from falling bulkheads and debris the accumulated debris behind the bulkheads is to be removed, then the bulkheads themselves will be taken off the slope. City staff was able to find funding for the project and an organization that was willing to take on the difficult tasks of this hillside maintenance work. The California Conservation Corps has agreed to handle the job with the use of two 12-person teams. Due to the inherent danger of the steep hillside and lack of footing, the Sierra Madre Search & Rescue team has graciously volunteered to provide assistance. The Search & Rescue team has made recommendations for ropes, harnesses, and equipment for each of the Conservation workers in order for them to safely conduct their work. The Search & Rescue team is also providing hands-on training to each of the workers on how to properly and safely use the equipment, and has provided valuable first-hand knowledge of our local hillside conditions to the Conservation Corps as the methodology is being finalized. This project will begin when the safety of the Conservation Corps workers can be assured and the final logistic details of removing so much debris from the very steep hillside has been completed. The project is expected to take a couple of months, and may require the closure of the Mt. Wilson Trail for certain periods of time. Residents may soon look towards our hillsides with fascination as these dedicated men and women work to complete this project. These 24 workers will literally be hanging off the side of the Skyland slope removing debris that may otherwise travel down the slope to our neighborhoods. If you have any questions regarding this project, please feel free to call the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department at 626-355-7135.

Hikin_Jim wrote:I actually think it's good that they're going to remove the bulkheads. I've always thought they were ugly, and in heavy rain, the bulkheads themselves might cause a lot of damage.

JMunaretto wrote:to summarize: the trail will be open...except when it's closed

HikeUp wrote:Thanks for posting this!

Do you or does anyone have contact info for Charlie Bell?

lakenyon wrote:Can someone enlighten me ...

HikeUp wrote:That's what Taco pays me for!

DrLWC wrote:With Mt Wilson being right on the fire line, it's a bit hard to figure out what areas/trails were either scorched or destroyed by rain/mud and which ones are still good for and open to hikers. Does anyone have recent information or experience on Mt Wilson? I'm esp. interested in trails like the Old Mt Wilson trail (Sierra Madre), Winter Creek, and Sturtevant (e.g. Hikes 44 and 45 in Robinson's book).

AlanK wrote:I have hiked up Mt. Wilson four times since the Station Fire. The Old Mt. Wilson Trail is fine, as are Sturtevant and Upper Winter Creek. Also, Mt. Zion, etc. The trail to Newcomb Pass is closed.

simonov wrote:

AlanK wrote:I have hiked up Mt. Wilson four times since the Station Fire. The Old Mt. Wilson Trail is fine, as are Sturtevant and Upper Winter Creek. Also, Mt. Zion, etc. The trail to Newcomb Pass is closed.

Want to take the kids to Sturtevant Falls this Saturday. No problem with that?