For Release: Nov. 20, 2000                                        CA-N-01-8
Contact: Lynda Roush (707) 825-2300

GUIDED HIKING SEASON ENDS AT HEADWATERS FOREST RESERVE

Nearly 1,000 outdoor enthusiasts experienced the beauty of the Headwaters Forest Reserve, and learned about the history and ecology of the area, during a guided hiking  season that recently ended.

Bureau of Land Management interpreters led more than 600 visitors on hikes along Salmon Creek at the south end of the reserve since the hiking season opened May 18.  In addition to experiencing views into the old growth redwood groves at the heart of the reserve, hikers learned about the threatened and endangered species that depend on Headwaters habitat for survival.

At the north side of Headwaters, BLM Back-Country Ranger Julie Clark led more than 200 visitors on journeys back in time, conducting interpretive walks to the historic Falk town site.  Former residents and workers in the mill town were among the participants, and they helped Clark refine her descriptions of tough and colorful lives of the mill workers and their families.

Visits to the Elk River entrance to Headwaters also continued a brisk pace through the summer and fall, according to BLM Arcata Field Manager Lynda Roush.  BLM rangers contacted 200 to 300 visitors per month.  The Elk River route takes hikers on a steep, 11-mile round trip to old growth overlooks. The Elk River Trail is the only Headwaters hiking access currently open

"In partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game, we are continuing to manage the Headwaters Forest Reserve under interim management guidelines that limit  recreation to day use on the Elk River Trail and guided hikes on the Salmon Creek Trail," Roush said.  "Interim management will remain in place until a long-term management plan is finalized in early 2002."  The long-term plan will address all facets of Headwaters management.

Public participation in developing that management plan is well underway. Suggestions about management issues were received during meetings held in Eureka, San Francisco and Sacramento.  The agencies are now working with a consulting firm to develop a draft management plan and environmental analysis for release next April.

"We have an open-door policy for receiving comments throughout the planning process,"  Roush said.  Those interested can contact the BLM, (707) 825-2300;  or Jones and Stokes Associates,  (916) 737-3010, ext. 4326.  Comments can also be sent via email at: headwatersplan@att.net.

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Arcata Field Office   1695 Heindon Rd.   Arcata, CA 95521