June 10, 2024
MUDCREEK UPDATE: YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
Pilgrim Creek Rd closed! Esperanza Rd. is the alternate!
A new mudflow has started and the Forest Service has closed Pilgrim Creek Rd for vehicles. Richie spoke to the new district forest ranger about the problem, and he was not forthcoming with the information that would make any of us feel secure about what is planned for the future. It appears our advocacy efforts need to pick up where we left off when Pilgrim Creek was reopened. Everyone needs to use their voice to send emails and phone calls, because this situation is not going to get better quickly. Please inform everyone you know and post this news everywhere!
The ranger told Richie on Saturday 6/8/24 that he needs to 1) assess Pilgrim Creek Rd and, 2) start work when it was “safe.” If you contact any government people to advocate for solving this problem, make sure to stress the safety issues!!! He mentioned he wanted to see Pilgrim Creek closed permanently. The email addresses are numerous for advocacy and are at the bottom of this posting.
What does it cost to drive on Esperanza?
Meanwhile, everyone has to use Esperanza as the alternative, but it is not recommended as safe for your vehicles, especially your tires. Esperanza was left in unsatisfactory condition when Pilgrim Creek was reopened. The problem with the rocks cutting tires continues. Anyone driving on it should be aware that there is a good chance your tires will be damaged beyond repair in one trip. More than 150 cars have had their tires replaced, that we know of. All wheel drive vehicle owners: If one tire is damaged, all your tires require replacing. If you have AAA for car towing, they will not tow anyone on Esperanza: the tow must be on a paved road. The only tow company we know of is Black Butte Towing: (530) 938-1110. Add this phone number to your contact list. Are you wondering the cost of the tow? It is $300.00 for the truck to arrive, and at the discretion of the driver, it can cost up to $600. per tow. It can take hours for a truck to arrive. With the summer heat, drivers should carry several gallons of water and snacks in case they are stranded. Bring hiking boots in case you have to walk. We know of no method to get anyone reimbursed for their costs, so MSFPOA recommends everyone use Cattlecamp Rd.
What If there is a fire?
The evacuation routes on the lesser known Forest Service Roads and in the POA are not marked as clearly as they should be. Volunteers have tried to work on this issue, but there hasn’t been enough assistance and energy from the membership to complete the tasks needing to be done. Now would be a good time for some new volunteers to energize this effort!!! Please contact the office if you are willing to help.
What is the alternative to driving on Esperanza? How do I get to my property?
Richie is recommending members use Cattlecamp Road. It will take longer, but safer on your vehicle, and for you. Drive slowly! If anyone can draw a good map for the office, please send it to us so we can post it. At this time, the office does not have directions to give you. Please look for an additional post as soon as we acquire this information.
Contact Information-Government
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/about-forest/offices
Joseph.Rodarme@usda.gov ← This is our new District Ranger.
rachel.birkey@usda.gov ← Forest Supervisor
Kari.Otto@usda.gov ← Deputy Forest Supervisor Jennifer
everlien@usda.gov ← Regional Forester for the Pacific Southwest Region
Kelly.nolan@usda.gov ← Civil Engineer USFS Vallejo, CA
Brandoncriss22@yahoo.com
bcriss@co.siskiyou.ca.us ← Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors
530-859-5548
Bryan Schenone
bschenone@co.siskiyou.ca.us
530-841-2155
Office of Emergency Services
1312 Fairlane Rd,
Yreka, CA 96097
The Honorable Doug LaMalfa
408 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC, 20515-0501
Phone: (202) 225-3076
Website: https://lamalfa.house.gov
Website not working use Snail Mail address:
408 Cannon House Building
Washington, DC 20515
LaMalfa Staff:
ErinMarie.Ryan@mail.house.gov / 530.515.7135
Brenda.Haynes@mail.house.gov /