Activity Report Explorer

Cascade Volcanoes • Entered by Laurie Kerr on August 1, 2022

Solitude Monitoring/Recreation Site Monitoring

July 29, 2022

Key Issue: Public Lands Health & Protection
Activity Type: Stewardship (monitoring, sampling, planting, etc.)
Key Partners: Mt. Hood Forest Service/ National Stewardship Wilderness Alliance
Landscape/area: Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness (62061 acres)

Measurable Outcomes

Outcome 1: Trail/land monitored (4 miles)
Outcome 2: Recreation sites monitored (3 recreation sites)

Short Description of Activity

Laurie and Kathleen obtained data for Solitude Monitoring and Rec site monitoring along Salmon River Trail #742 in Salmon Huckleberry wilderness.

Reflection/Evaluation

Because of the history of stolen catalytic converters as well as the number of break-ins at the trailhead, we opted to leave Kathleen’s car at the police station in Troutdale and park Laurie’s car at the day use of the Green Canyon CG and walk the extra half mile to the TH.
Solitude was very apparent along the trail and we noted 9 groups with 3 of them being overnight groups and 17 individual hikers. A total of 3 dogs were observed on leash. We removed 2oz. of trash.
Of the 3 rec sites monitored one had a score of 7 which revealed a high level of visitor impact. Bare mineral soil was widespread over most of the site with over 1000 square feet of disturbed area. High likelihood of future use and tree roots were exposed on more than 25% of the surrounding trees.
In another site we observed ground vegetation was worn away around the fireplace with no more than 3 severely damaged trees. A smaller area of over 400 sq. ft of ground cover loss was noted. This spot had a high likelihood of future use and it would not have recovered in two growing seasons. No evidence of invasive weeds or litter; however, only 50 feet above the river. A score of 4 was obtained for this area for overall site impact rating.
The last rec site we monitored showed ground vegetation lost on most of the site with tree roots exposed on more than 25% of the surrounding trees and total ground cover loss exceeded 400 sq. ft. Litter and human waste was also apparent which we removed and buried. Medium likelihood of future use for this site. This site scored a 3 for Overall site impact rating.
We dined at Attitude in Wemme on the way home. Great day with warm weather (+90 degrees).

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Photo Captions

2-Linda Folkestad
3- Laurie removing trash left from homeless shelter

4-Linda Folkestad burying human waste