“Each year thousands of people enjoy a world-class off-road experience on the Rubicon,” said Vickie Sanders, Rubicon Project Coordinator for El Dorado County. “The problem is that the waste generated can cause significant water quality issues.”
Last year the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order to El Dorado County and the U.S. Forest Service to address water quality issues stemming from the use of the Rubicon Trail. Since then El Dorado County has identified the trail location, installed various BMP’s (Best Management Practices) such as waterbars, and rock filters, and completed a user count.
“The Yellow Bandana Campaign is a fun educational concept that user groups have embraced because they realize that long-term health and availability of the trail depends on good stewardship today,” said Sanders. “Eventually we expect to see a lot of four-wheel rigs with yellow stickers and bandanas on the trail.”
Off road coalition Friends of the Rubicon with support from Rubicon Trail Foundation has organized a Volunteer Day on Saturday, June 26 from 8:30AM to 4PM. Over 100 volunteers are expected to work with county staff on trail improvements from the Loon Lake Kiosk to Gatekeeper, a famous trail obstacle. The day also marks the official kick-off to the Yellow Bandana Campaign.
The California State Parks Off Highway Vehicle Division is also supporting El Dorado County’s efforts through a $1.2 million grant. The county plans to hire dozens of seasonal workers this summer with the grant funds to advance trail improvements before next winter.
“Our goal is to improve sanitation and prevent sedimentation, all while putting people to work,” said Supervisor Jack Sweeney, a long time trail enthusiast.
More information about the Rubicon Trail and the Yellow Bandana Campaign is available at: www.YellowBandanaCampaign.com.
###
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
Advocating access to public lands carries a responsibility to be part of the solution for managing the public lands. As a strong proponent for participation to make a difference, I am a full time advocate for recreation and the Managing Editor of the OutdoorWire family websites.
4x4Wire.com is dedicated to four wheel drive recreation featuring technical articles and information to promote, protect, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. 4x4Voice.com focuses on California issues. MUIRNet.net is focused on environmental, administrative and legislative news and information. OutdoorWire.com is Access and Landuse Central with an overall index to the contents of the family of websites.
OutdoorWire, 4x4Wire, JeepWire, TrailTalk, MUIRNet-News, and 4x4Voice are all trademarks and publications of OutdoorWire, Inc. and MUIRNet Consulting. Copyright (c) 1999-2020 OutdoorWire, Inc and MUIRNet Consulting - All Rights Reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission. You may link freely to this site, but no further use is allowed without the express written permission of the owner of this material. All corporate trademarks are the property of their respective owners.