MAMMOTH TRAILS COMMITTEE Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 3:00Pm Town of Mammoth Lakes Offices, Suite Z 437 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

P.O. Box 8562 • 126 Old Mammoth Road Ste. (760) 660-4948 107 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 mammothlakesrecreation.org

MAMMOTH TRAILS COMMITTEE Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 3:00pm Town of Mammoth Lakes Offices, Suite Z 437 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

www.mammothlakesrecreation.org | www.mammothtrails.org

NOTE: In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call contact the Mammoth Lakes Recreation at (760) 660-4948 ext. 102. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable MLR to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II)

NOTE: All comments will be limited by the President to a speaking time of five minutes. ROLL CALL Committee Members: Finlay Torrance, Dan Holler, John Mueller, Bill Sauser, Elise Howell and Chair David Page

PUBLIC COMMENTS (On Items not on the Agenda)

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Approval of the Special Meeting minutes for October 31, 2019 (Attachment 1)

2. Winter Grooming Needs (Attachment 2)

3. Trail Host Program (Attachment 3 and 4)

4. Adopt A Trail Program (Attachment 5 and 6)

5. Winter Recreation Handout (Attachment 7)

6. Grant Application Updates a. OHV b. Prop 68 Application Map (Attachment 8)

7. Mammoth Rock Trail Reroute Map (Attachment 9)

8. Mammothtrails.org a. Road Show Update b. Partner Meeting Update c. Server Migration

9. End of Season Trail Counter Report – 2019 (Attachment 10)

10. MLTS Photo Gallery Overview – Trevor Van Winkle, MLTPA (Attachment 11) 11. Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Coordinator Update – Matt Paruolo, MLR

12. Winter Recreation and Inyo National Forest Subpart C Planning Update a. Update b. MLR Ad Hoc Working Group – ACTION ITEM c. Recommend MLTS prioritize data collection on winter recreation – ACTION ITEM

COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

ADJOURNMENT To the next Special meeting of the Mammoth Trails Committee on January 9 , 2019 at 3:00PM, held in the Town of Mammoth Lakes Offices, Suite Z. Attachment 1

MAMMOTH TRAILS COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

OCTOBER 31, 2019

ROLL CALL

Chair David Page called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.

Chair David Page and Committee Members Finlay Torrance, John Mueller, Bill Sauser and Elise Howell were present. Committee Member Dan Holler arrived at 8:37 a.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Committee Member Bill Sauser announced that Item number 10 would be removed from the agenda.

Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access (MLTPA) Foundation Project Management Specialist Kristy Williams announced that the Foundation Board had designated her to act as the representative for the contract between MLTPA and the Town of Mammoth Lakes (TOML), as well as for the Sustainable Recreation & Tourism Initiative project. Ms. Williams reported that the Sierra Nevada Conservancy had awarded a $618,750 grant to TOML for Sustainable Recreation & Tourism which the Town accepted on behalf of the region. She said the funds would be used to plan eight to twelve projects and said that it was a planning grant, therefore, additional funding would need to be secured to enable the work to be done. She reported that there had been two Sustainable Recreation & Tourism Initiative public workshops in Bishop and said that they would take the workshops on the road in 2020 from as far south as Lone Pine to as far north as Walker, with the first of six to be held in Lone Pine on January 16 and the second in Mammoth Lakes on March 25. She handed out fliers with additional details. Ms. Williams encouraged members of the Committee to sign up for the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership email list.

There was discussion between Ms. Williams and members of the Board.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

1. Approval of the meeting minutes for July 11, 2019

a. Attachment 1

ACTION: It was moved by Chair David Page, seconded by Committee Member Dan Holler, and carried by a 6-0 voice vote to approve the minutes from the July 11, 2019 Committee meeting. Mammoth Trails Committee Minutes October 31, 2019 Page 2 of 4 2. FY 18/19 Final Expenditures

a. Attachment 2

Trails Manager Joel Rathje presented the Mammoth Lakes Trails System Final Budget for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Board.

3. MLTS Budget Reallocation - Approve

a. Attachment 3

Trails Manager Joel Rathje presented the MLTS Budget Reallocation report and spoke about upcoming projects.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Board.

ACTION: It was moved by Committee Member Bill Sauser, seconded by Committee Member Elise Howell, and carried by a 6-0 voice vote to approve the MLTS Budget Reallocation.

4. Blue Diamond Routes – Approve inclusion on all MLTS maps, website and consider maintenance program.

a. Attachment 4

Trails Manager Joel Rathje spoke about use of the Blue Diamond Routes and recommended that the routes be included as part of the MLTS.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Board.

It was moved by Committee Member Dan Holler, seconded by Committee Member Bill Sauser and carried by a 6-0 voice vote to approve inclusion of the Blue Diamond Route on all MLTS maps, website and consider maintenance program.

5. MLTPA Nordic Grooming Equipment Lease – Approve and consider future purchase

a. Attachment 5

Trails Manager Joel Rathje outlined the information in the MLTPA Nordic Grooming Lease and said he would like the Committee to consider a future purchase of equipment by the Town.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Board.

It was moved by Committee Member Dan Holler, seconded by Committee Member Elise Howell, and carried by a 6-0 voice vote to approve the MLTPA Nordic Grooming Equipment Lease between the Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access. Mammoth Trails Committee Minutes October 31, 2019 Page 3 of 4 6. Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Coordinator Update

Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Program (ESSRP) Coordinator Matt Paruolo gave an update regarding ESSRP activities and projects including the Shady Rest Disc Golf course, Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) and multi-use staging signage and said that Cal-Trans was working with Inyo National Forest to provide paved winter staging areas on Obsidian Dome at 395 and Mammoth Scenic Loop at 395. He reported that he had worked with Mono County Public Works Director Tony Dublino on the Proposition 68 application which would be used to improve the June Lake Loop Trails System. He said that the first two Tangle Free Waters containers had been installed at Lake Mamie and Lake Mary. He announced that Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR) had applied for a grant with the National Parks Service (NPS) for non- monetary technical assistance to be used for the West Walker River Parkway, and said that Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access (MLTPA) also submitted an application through the NPS for the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership. He discussed Mono County recreation stewardship programs at the Long Valley and Travertine Hot Springs. Mr. Paruolo thanked Kristy Williams and MLTPA for their work on the Proposition 68 Sustainable Recreation & Tourism Initiative. He announced that the revised Inyo National Forest Land Management Plan had been signed by the Forest Supervisor on October 23.

There was discussion between Mr. Paruolo, Mr. Rathje, Mammoth Lakes Recreation Executive Director Matt McClain and members of the Board.

7. Recommendation for Town Council to Approve of and Accept California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant in the amount of $155,485.00 with 28% match.

a. Attachment 6

Trails Manager Joel Rathje outlined the information in the committee report and asked for consensus from the Board to recommend that the Town Council approve and accept the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Board.

ACTION: It was moved by Committee Member Bill Sauser, seconded by Committee Member Finlay Torrance, and carried by a 6-0 voice vote to recommend to the Town Council that they approve and accept the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant..

8. Application for Trails and Greenways Grant - Proposition 68

a. The Next MLTS Trail Project

b. Attachment 7

Trails Manager Joel Rathje outlined the information in the committee report regarding the application for the Trails and Greenways Grant funded by Proposition 68.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Board.

There was consensus from the Committee to bring the application for the Trails and Greenways Grant forward to the Town Council. Mammoth Trails Committee Minutes October 31, 2019 Page 4 of 4 Committee Member Dan Holler left the meeting at 10:01 a.m.

9. Trails Manager Report

Trails Manager Joel Rathje outlined the information in the Trails Manager report.

There was discussion between Mr. Rathje and members of the Committee.

10. Mammothtrails.org Photo Gallery Overview - Trevor Van Winkle MLTPA

COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS

Chair David Page discussed the new forest plan which was partially committed to begin scoping on Subpart C Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) planning within the next year starting in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Mr. Page said that Mammoth Lakes was in a good position to do some community work beforehand which would enable the Town at a later date to present an alternative to the Forest Service that had community support.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There were no future agenda items requested.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m. to the next regular meeting on December 12, 2019 in Suite Z.

Respectfully submitted,

Angela Plaisted Asst. Clerk Attachment 2 Attachment 3

From: Martin, Gordon P -FS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:42 AM To: Joel Rathje Cc: Rutledge, Alecia - FS ; Pietrasanta, Diana J -FS Subject: Mammoth Lakes Trail System

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Joel,

Thank you for your presentation last Thursday on the Town’s ideas on the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. The Forest Service and myself support both the Adopt a Trail and Trail Host programs for implementation as presented. We look forward to working closely with you in implementing these programs on National Forest System lands.

Gordon P. Martin District Ranger Forest Service Inyo National Forest Mammoth and Mono Lake Ranger Districts p: 760-924-5553 c: 760-920-7399 f: 760- 924-5537 [email protected] 2500 Main Street. P.O. Box 148 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 www.fs.fed.us

Caring for the land and serving people Attachment 4

Trail Host Program Proposal for USFS

Updated: November 14, 2019 INTRODUCTION

The Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers boundless recreation opportunities on more than 300 miles of trails. From granite crags to trout-stocked lakes, pine forests to alpine meadows, there’s something for all seasons, interests and abilities, motorized and non-motorized alike. Managed jointly by the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest, the system includes connections to three wilderness areas, Devils Postpile National Monument, the Pacific Crest Trail and more. Many of these attractions are accessible right from the center of town!

1. MLTS Community Engagement Programs The MLTS identified a need to create a community awareness and interest in the programs and offerings it has. The following live under the “MLTS Community Engagement Program”.

1.1 Trail Host The MLTS Trail Hosts are TOML staff helping trail users have fun and enjoy the MLTS. Please see below for further details of this program.

1.2 Adopt A Trail The MLTS has a program for groups, organizations or individuals wishing to adopt a trail or a segment of a trail. They will perform light maintenance duties and litter pick up. Information on this program can be found at www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.

1.3 Trail Days Dating back to 2009, the MLTS along with partners have spearheaded the efforts to maintain the soft surface trails of Mammoth Lakes and the nearby areas. Hosting several events annually, volunteers are treated to breakfast before receiving work assignments and a safety talk and rewarded with a delicious lunch for their efforts. Please contact the MLTS Trails Manager for more information on this program.

1.4 Interpretive Program The best first resource for books, brochures, maps, permits and personalized information is the interagency Welcome Center. In the field and on the trail, look for Mammoth Lakes Trail System signs with maps, photographs, and interpretive information specific to each location. Interpretive trails and sites include the Mammoth Consolidated Mine, the Sotcher Lake Nature Trail, Devils Postpile, Minaret Vista, and the Agnew Meadows Wildflower Trail. The interpretive center at the top of the Mammoth Mountain gondola features exhibits on geology, topography and weather.

1.5 Mammoth Trails Charter Conceptualized in 2006 and adopted in 2008, Mammoth Trails is a confederation of user groups that "...effectively and inclusively create and enhance recreation for our community." If your club or organization is interested in signing the Mammoth Trails Charter, please contact TOML Trails Manager for details.

1.6 MLTS Website Up to date information at Mammothtrails.org

Trail Host 2 WHAT IS THE MLTS TRAIL HOST?

2.1 Philosophy The philosophy/motto of the MLTS Trail Host is to “help users have fun”. Members actively seek to engage with other users to be a resource of information and assistance. The concept for the MLTS Trail Host grew out of the continued and rapid growth in use of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) by multiple user groups as seen in year-over-year data collection. A physical presence on the trails of representatives from the Eastern Sierra outdoor recreation community was determined as the best method to achieve the philosophy.

2.2 Goals and Objectives As a physical presence on the trails, MLTS Trail Host members’ main goal is to help users have fun. Equally as important, members are tasked with providing standardized, accurate and current information to trail users, sharing their knowledge of local the geography, reporting maintenance issues to land managers, and offering basic first aid supplies.

STAFF

3.1 Qualities and Characteristics MLTS Trail Host staff will be passionate about outdoor recreation in the Eastern Sierra and sharing knowledge to the public.

3.2 Expectations Much of the MLTS is on USFS land, with parts operating on TOML and MMSA owned property. Staff are expected to be well versed on the policies of each land managing agency or entity. The MLTS operates several projects, including those belonging to the broad Community Engagement Program. Trail Host members will be familiar with all MLTS programs and current projects. Knowledge of past and future project efforts is a plus. The Trail Host needs to be well versed in current trail conditions and beta specific to the activity being engaged in. Program coordination will take place on a weekly basis. Awareness of local and regional events and activities is also expected to be known. Geographic knowledge, to include the local flora, fauna, history, culture, fire will be shared by Trail Host members to the public.

3.3 Requirements Attendance and participation at all training events and activities must be met before a member may engage with the public. Training will consist of classroom sessions and practical scenarios. Trail Hosts are expected to have a personal cellular phone for use during shift and the ability to use GIS technology on MLTS iPad or personal smart phone.

3.4 Duties Being part of the MLTS Trail Host is a great opportunity for staff to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities and the beautiful Eastern Sierra landscape while helping others do the same. There are certain duties that will be required of staff during a shift. One of the best opportunities to interact with users is going to be by simply “hanging out” at a designated fixed station. These areas are popular trailheads and staging areas. We are hoping to catch users before they hit the trail and answer any questions or assist in clarifying any misinformation they may have. It is also a great opportunity to share local knowledge about the area or specific trails that can be accessed from where you are.

Trail Host 3 Staff will carry pertinent maps and handouts to distribute to users. When stopping to engage with users, hosts will ask if they have a map or are interested in any of the materials they have to offer; it won’t be assumed they are prepared! Another great alternative to paper maps and handouts is to direct users to the MLTS website - www.mammothtrails.org for further information and to the QR codes that are on all of the soft-surface trail signs and many pieces of literature. The QR codes will directly link users to a page on mammothtrails.org with a map and information about where they are and what is nearby. If a user does not know they are doing something wrong, we can’t blame them. Trail Hosts will educate users on proper trail etiquette in a positive and non-threatening way. A large part of this program is the data that will be collected by the Trail Host staff out on the ground each day. MLTS uses a GIS application called “Collector” to create robust databases and track many aspects of the system. Trail Hosts will use Collector on either your smartphone or an iPad Mini (provided by MLTS) to enter the appropriate data. Data will be collected on user interactions, maintenance issues, general trail conditions and assistance administered. The specifics of data collection will be covered in the mandatory training sessions each staff will attend. The procedures are also available for reference in the MLTS Trail Host Handbook. Larger maintenance issues will be logged into Collector and reported to the Trails Manager, but Trail Host staff will “Stop and Fix” smaller issues that can be taken care of immediately. For example, if a small rock or branch is blocking the trail, staff should “Stop and Fix” the situation by moving the object off the trail. The same goes for litter pick up when appropriate. If feasible, Trail Hosts will pick up and remove litter and other nuisances as seen fit. All Host staff will have successfully completed a Basic First Aid and CPR training course and be equipped with a first aid kit when out on the trail. When encountering a user who has a minor injury and needs first aid, the Trail Host will offer first aid supplies and offer to call for more definitive help. The user will administer their own first aid. Trail Hosts with current certification or license may provide care within their training as good Samaritans. If the injury is serious, the Trail Host will call for definitive care immediately and coordinate efforts of any agencies involved.

3.5 Code of Conduct Interactions with users is not only encouraged, but mandatory. Staff will always be friendly and approachable. The overarching goal of this program is to help users have fun by providing a physical presence on the MLTS. If at a designated fixed station, the Trail Host will initiate contact and conversation with users. When travelling on trail, Trail Hosts will stop and engage with the user, always demonstrating proper trail use etiquette. A cool-headed and diplomatic approach is necessary when interactions occur. Staff are “Gracious Host”, not police officers or “Enforcers”. When encountering prohibited activities, Trial Hosts will ensure their safety first then, if applicable, inform the user of their mistake and offer an alternative. Staff will not engage in political discussions. Conversation will be redirected to a positive attribute of the MLTS or the activity engaged in. When an unhappy or frustrated user is encountered, Trail Hosts will listen with empathy to their concerns and offer direction to sources of further information or alternatives. Trail Host staff are not tour guides and will not offer guided tours to guests. Point to point guidance may be given if necessary. This assistance will be documented in the daily log by the Trail Host. Staff are also prohibited from speaking with the media. Refer all media inquiries to Trails Manager.

Trail Host 4 3.6 Uniforms MLTS Trail Host staff will be required to wear a uniform while on shift. Staff will wear a vest that has the MLTS logo, “In partnership with Inyo National Forest”, the USFS shield and a name tag to identify themselves. Staff are responsible for maintaining the uniform in satisfactory condition and will be required to return the uniform when no longer a Trail Host. Staff will wear the vest with personalized name tag over other appropriate outerwear for the particular activity being engaged in. Staff personal garments should be limited to subdued colors with minimal prints or other branding/logos. A branded patch is available for members to attach to a pack, medical bag or other such appropriate item that is used while on shift. MLTS Trail Host members are also required to wear all of the appropriate safety gear for intended activity (sunglasses, helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, etc.)

Trail Host 5 Attachment 5

From: Martin, Gordon P -FS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:42 AM To: Joel Rathje Cc: Rutledge, Alecia - FS ; Pietrasanta, Diana J -FS Subject: Mammoth Lakes Trail System

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Joel,

Caring for the land and serving people Attachment 6

Adopt A Trail Program Proposal for USFS

Updated: November 14, 2019

Adopted by A LOCAL DONOR

“Beautiful places cast reflections of beautiful people” Program Background

Goals: 1) Establish and maintain volunteer programs that deliver a level of service distinguishing Mammoth Lakes as a world-class recreation destination. 2) Foster community and camaraderie among user groups, visitors, locals, businesses, local non-profits, and clubs. 3) Ensure that future generations enjoy a clean and well-maintained Mammoth Lakes Trail System for years to come. 4) Promote stewardship and instill a sense of pride and connection to the landscape for all program volunteers and participants.

Objectives: 1) Trails within the Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) will be adopted by local organizations, groups, and families who will perform litter pick-up and light trail maintenance tasks as assigned by the Adopt A Trail program. 2) Create a program that functions to instill a sense of community pride while also ensuring a self-sustaining Adopt A Trail program.

Citation and Rationale:

Trail System Master Plan:

• Rationale for the Adopt A Trail program is drawn from the Town of Mammoth Lakes Trail System Master Plan (TSMP) “Recommendation E6.”

INYO National Forest Land Management Plan 2019

Objectives (REC-FW-OBJ)

• 04 Within 10 years of plan approval, establish community-based partnership programs to address up to 25 percent of the deferred maintenance for core infrastructure needs such as water, sewer, roads, and trails.

Goals (REC-FW-GOAL)

• 04 Promote effective communication with gateway communities to help foster partnerships, inspire volunteers, educate the public, and support stewardship that contributes to funding, implementation of projects, and long-term maintenance of facilities. • 05 Improve facilities through the establishment of “adopt a facility” programs. Encourage individual and community stewardship to enhance experiences and connect people to the landscape.

Adopt A Trail Program 2 • 06 Collaborate with a variety of partners to provide stewardship and interpretive services that enhance responsible recreation and increase knowledge of related socioeconomic and environmental issues. • 07 Enhance stewardship and monitoring through increased volunteer program activities and partner contributions. • 09 Consider local organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and partners who interact with the public to provide interpretive services in addition to maintenance and administrative duties. • 10 Work with local organizations to develop a robust trail ambassador corps, a sustainable adopt-a-trail program, and other on-the-ground stewardship and interpretive programs.

Appendix B Proposed and Possible Actions (pp. 147-8):

• Explore partnership opportunities with user groups and seek reliable information sources outside of the agency to improve data collection and data management on recreation use and demand. • Strategically engage volunteers and partners to prioritize and complete deferred maintenance and to engage in resource stewardship and restoration.

Adopt A Trail Program 3 PHASE I Program Structure

1) What is the “Adopt A Trail” program? The Adopt A Trail program is a monetary or time donation-based program. Adoptees who donate time will perform tasks that include litter and pet waste removal, and light trail maintenance. Adoptees will report any maintenance issues, problems, or needs. Adoptees will NOT act as a “Trail Cop” or perform heavy trail maintenance. The monetary donations of adoptees will support trail maintenance performed by the MLTS Trail Crew.

2) Who can adopt a trail facility? The Adopt A Trail program is open to everyone, including: businesses, organizations, clubs, groups, families, and individuals. The “adoption” is renewed annually and multi-year commitments are encouraged.

3) What is “adopted”? The MLTS maintains a list of current trails and facilities available for adoption. Opportunities range from specific trails and lakes to trailheads. This list can be viewed at www.mammothlakesrecreation.org on the Adopt A Trail page.

4) How do I adopt a trail facility? A potential adoptee will submit an inquiry through www.mammothlakesrecreation.org on the Adopt A Trail page. The Town of Mammoth Lakes Trails Manager will contact the adoptee to review options and determine if the trail or facility requested is appropriate for the adoptee and their desired investment (volunteer hours and/or monetary donation). Once approved, all necessary paperwork shall be submitted by the Adoptee.

5) What trail facilities are open for “adoption”? a) The pilot program will begin by offering a limited number of prioritized choices for Adoptees to choose from. As the program develops more choices will become available based on this list. Adoptable Multi-Use Pathway: 1. Lake Front Path 7. Meridian Connector 2. Lakes Basin Path 8. North Waterford Connector 3. Lake George Path 9. Shady Rest Path 4. Library College Connector 10. Sierra Park Connector 5. Lodestar Connector 11. Town Loop 6. Main Street Connector

Adopt A Trail Program 4 Adoptable Soft Surface Trails: 12. Coldwater-George Trail 23. Mammoth Pass/Crater Meadow Trail 13. Crystal Lake Trail 24. Mammoth Rock Trail 14. Dragon’s Back Trail (part) 25. McCleod Lake Spur 15. Duck Pass Trail (part) 26. Minaret Vista Loop 16. Earthquake Fault Trail 27. Minaret Vista Trail 17. Heart Lake Trail 28. Mountain View Trail 18. Horseshoe Lake Loop 29. Panorama Dome Trail 19. Mammoth Consolidated Mine Spur 30. Panorama Dome MTB Loop 20. Mammoth Crest Trail 31. Seven Lakes Point Loop 21. Mammoth Mountain/Mammoth Pass 32. TJ Lake Loop Trail 33. Uptown MTB Trail 22. Mammoth Pass Trail

Adoptable Winter Trails: 1. A-Trail 12. Obsidian Dome Blue Diamond 2. B-Trail Route Loop B 3. C-Trail 13. New Shady Loop 4. D-Trail 14. Old Shady Loop 5. F-Trail 15. Pine Cone Cutoff 6. G-Trail 16. Connector Blue Diamond Route 7. H-Trail 17. Earthquake Fault Blue Diamond 8. I-Trail Route 9. K-Trail 18. Inyo Craters Blue Diamond Route 10. L-Trail 19. Knolls Blue Diamond Route 11. Obsidian Dome Blue Diamond 20. Lakes Basin Public Access Corridor Route Loop A

Adoptable Trailheads: 1. Lake George Trailhead 2. Duck Pass Trailhead 3. Heart Lake Trailhead 4. Emerald Lake Trailhead 5. Horseshoe Lake Trailhead 6. Mammoth Rock Trailhead (upper) 7. Minaret Vista 8. Earthquake Fault

Adopt A Trail Program 5 Adoptable Winter Trailheads: 1. Sherwins Trailhead (Borrow Pit/Propane Tanks) 2. Mill City 3. Lake Mary Road Winter Closure 4. Mammoth Scenic Loop 5. Shady Rest Park 6. Mammoth Creek Park, West 7. Mammoth Creek Park, East Adoptable Lakes: 1. Lower Twin Lake 2. Lake Mary 3. Lake George 4. Lake Mamie 5. Horseshoe Lake 6. McLeod Lake 7. Crystal Lake 8. Hidden Lake 9. Laurel Lakes

6) What is the monetary amount or volunteer hours needed to adopt a trail or facility? Each trail or facility will have its own unique value based on size, location and need. The adoptee will see the monetary donation or volunteer hours required for each available trail or facility available for adoption on the Adopt A Trail webpage.

7) Both monetary and time donations will be acknowledged with: • A sign with the group’s name located at the trail or facility • Recognition on mammothtrails.org • Recognition on mammothlakesrecreation.org • Recognition on MLTS and MLR social media channels

Adopt A Trail Program 6 8) What if adoptees cannot complete the required number of volunteer hours? We all know “life happens”. If the adoptee is unable to fulfill their commitment, they can work with Mammoth Lakes Trail System Trails Manager and Mammoth Lakes Recreation Programs Manager to derive a solution. Potential options are the adoptee can donate the monetary amount required or postpone their adoption period for one year. In the event an adoptee cannot fulfill their requirement, but will postpone their commitment, all recognition will be removed until adoption resumes. In the event an adoptee cannot fulfill their requirement and chooses to discontinue participation in the program, the adoptee will not be eligible to participate in the program for three years.

9) What duties will the adoptee perform? Adoptees will focus on the following:

• Litter patrol • Complete trail condition • Sweep multi-use pathways reports • Pet waste removal • Supervised Light Maintenance • Report any maintenance issues

Each of these duties is further defined in the Adopt A Trail Volunteer Handbook. Volunteer training will be provided for each adoptee.

10) What duties are adoptees NOT expected to perform? Adoptees will not perform any tasks other than those listed above or directed by the Trails Manager under supervision. Adoptees are NOT to engage in any acts of regulatory enforcement. The adoptee will notify Mammoth Lakes Trail System Trails Manager of any incidents and maintenance issues.

11) How does my donation to the Adopt A Trail program get used? Donated funds are used to perform trail and facility maintenance throughout the MLTS and to cover administrative costs of the program.

12) How is the Adopt A Trail program staffed? The TOML Trails Manager will identify available trails and facilities, and the needs for each. Mammoth Lakes Recreation will support a dedicated web page for the Adopt A Trail program allowing potential adoptees to view available trails and facilitates and requirements for each. MLR will also act as the initial point of contact for a potential adoptee, connecting the adoptee with the TOML Trails Manager to determine the appropriate course of action for the adopted trail or facility. The TOML Trails Manager will assign maintenance tasks for each trail or facility to be completed by volunteers and/or the MLTS Trail Crew.

Adopt A Trail Program 7 13) What are the Adopt A Trail Work Party logistics?

Supervision and Tracking Mammoth Lakes Trail System Trails Manager will work with the adoptees to schedule and ensure all liability waivers and volunteer forms have been completed as well as coordinate tool and supply delivery on the Work Party date. Prior to the Work Party, the adoptee will fill out the Activity Intent Form specifying the structure and expectations of the Work Party.

On the day of the Work Party the MLTS Trail Crew will deliver tools and supplies (vests, personal protective equipment) to the worksite. At the end of the Work Party, the adoptee will fill out the Litter Monitoring Form that tracks the amount of trash and waste removed that day, and the Maintenance Issue Report Form for any major maintenance issues observed, pertinent observations or issues encountered that the Mammoth Lakes Trail System should be made aware of, and the Volunteer Reporting Form specifying the number of volunteers and hours completed during the day.

MLTS Trail Crew will collect all tools, supplies, report forms, trash and recyclables gathered that day. MLTS Trails Manager and MLR will coordinate to log all pertinent trail data for the day (litter, maintenance and volunteer forms).

Tools Tools and supplies will be provided to adoptees during organized Adopt A Trail Work Parties. The Adopt A Trail program is a Town of Mammoth Lakes program and, as such, Adopt A Trail tools and supplies will be stored in the Mammoth Lakes Trail System storage area. Measure R funds will be used as recommended by the Mammoth Trails Committee to purchase tools and supplies. The MLTS Trail Crew will deliver tools and supplies to the Trail Party worksite and return all tools and unused supplies back to the Mammoth Lakes Trail System storage area.

Trash The MLTS Trail Crew will collect the trash and recyclables from the worksite and deliver them to the Mammoth Lakes Transfer Station. There are two options for tracking and paying for the disposal of this waste:

a) MLTS Trail Crew will drop waste at a designated USFS dumpster.

14) Roles and Responsibilities a) TOML and MLR a. TOML and MLR will work together to develop the Adopt a Trail Program and to develop and maintain a database of trails and facilities and their respective value within the program. Providing both vision and overall program direction, they will determine appropriate roles for each throughout the program processes and work cooperatively with open lines of communication to ensure

Adopt A Trail Program 8 ongoing operations of the program. TOML and MLR will work together to coordinate and track adoptee benefits.

b) TOML Trails Manager a. The Trails Manager will oversee the implementation of the program, determine appropriate solutions for trail maintenance needs, ensure that volunteer forms are complete prior to work parties, and coordinate logistics for work parties.

c) Adopting Party Group Leader a. Each adopting organization, group, family, or individual will designate a Group Leader that will be responsible for organizing the group’s Adopt A Trail Work Parties, ensuring all paperwork and trail reports are completed and turned in to the TOML Trails Manager. Additionally, the Group Leader will communicate with TOML Trails Manager about any needs, issues, or concerns related to their adopted trail or facility.

d) Volunteer Group Members a. Volunteers complete Adopt A Trail Work Party tasks outlined in the Adopt A Trail Volunteer Handbook and communicate all needs, issues, and concerns to the Group Leader.

e) MLR a. Provide initial point of contact for potential adoptees; host webpage on mammothlakesrecreation.org dedicated to the Adopt A Trail program where potential adoptees can find information on the program, trails and facilities available for adoption; connect adoptees with Trails Manager; send requests for further information and process payments.

15) Financial Structure

The Adopt A Trail program is a Town of Mammoth Lakes program to support the current trail maintenance efforts by the TOML and USFS. All donations received by this program will be restricted to trail maintenance and the Adopt A Trail program. Donated funds will pay for administrative costs, program related tools and supplies, adoptee benefits and waste disposal.

Adopt A Trail Program 9 Attachment 7 WINTER RECREATION HANDOUT 2019/2020

TRAIL ETIQUETTE & SAFETY WINTER BICYCLING GUIDELINES PLEASE ENJOY THIS FREE MULTI-USE TRAIL SYSTEM RESPONSIBLY:

• Respect other trail users. Be courteous and yield right of way. • FAT BIKES ARE ALLOWED: On groomed motorized OSV trails All users yield to grooming machines. identified on the Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map as, “Snowmobile Routes,” Obsidian Dome, and Shady Rest Nordic • All multi-use trails are two-way traffic. Recreation Areas identified as, “Nordic Routes,” on the • Always stay on the right-hand side of the trail. Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map. Pass on the left. • Beware of blind turns! Slow down for oncoming traffic. • Purpose-built fat bikes only: 3.8” wide tires or wider Speed limit in congested areas is 15 mph. with a recommended tire pressure = 6-10 PSI • Please avoid all roads or areas posted with closures or restrictions, or as shown as closed on map. • Fat bikes yield to all other users. • Keep your dog leashed at all times. Pick up and dispose of any dog waste on and off trails. • If you leave a rut deeper than 2 inches or can’t ride in a straight line... it’s too soft to ride! • Winter travel in the backcountry requires proper gear and appropriate clothing. Be self-sufficient! • FIRM SNOW is the BEST SNOW. Conditions may deteriorate over • Use extreme caution when recreating at night. the course of the day. Beware of icy patches. Be visible and use the brightest lights you can find. • LEAVE NO TRACE! • EBIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED: On any non-motorized trails or • Be friendly! Be safe! Have fun! Share the trail! Nordic Recreation Areas (Shady Rest, Obsidian Dome, Tamarack).

NON- MOTORIZED MOTORIZED LAKES BASIN WINTER RESTRICTIONS TRAIL COURTESY TRAIL COURTESY Closed to Bicycles Until April 17

YIELD YIELD The Mammoth Lakes Basin (including all snow- TO TO covered areas above the road closures on Lake Mary Road and Twin Lakes Road) is closed to over snow bike use during the period of operation of the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center. Bikes are prohibited on groomed Nordic trails, on the Public Access Corridor, and everywhere else in the TRAIL GROOMING REPORT - Mammoth Lakes Basin. Bikes will be permitted in Mammoth Ranger Station the Mammoth Lakes Basin after April 17, 2020, http://mammothweb.com/scripts/usfs/trailsreport.cfm subject to posted rules and regulations. Mammoth (760) 924-5500 Mountain Ski Area will, however, partner with LODGING & VISITOR INFORMATION - SEMBA, the Inyo National Forest, and other groups to carry out organized fat bike special events. Mammoth Lakes Tourism www.VisitMammoth.com 1-888-GO-MAMMOTH (760) 934-2712

THE MAMMOTH LAKES TRAIL SYSTEM To report unsafe or illegal activities please call The Mammoth Lakes Trail System website (760) 873-2405 provides an online guide to winter and summer recreation. Visit EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 www.mammothtrails.org or scan this QR code... This map, along with additional area maps, can be downloaded and viewed on iOS and Android mobile devices. Download the app at INYO www.avenza.com/avenza-maps/ MULTI-USE WINTER TRAILS

The Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map produced by the TOML in cooperation with the USFS. ©2019 Town of Mammoth Lakes – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED “The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer” - ' ( * = ! ! ! ! ! 0 Hut Ice Skating Nordic Skiing Sledding Alpine Skiing Miles 2 1

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Tunnel Bridge Gates Town ³ Peaks activity, pleasevisitthewebsite: on snow conditions andavalanche on snowconditions Groomed byUSFS Groomed TrailsMulti-Use Unplowed Road Major Roads Streams For themostrecentinformation www.esavalanche.org XW XW Lakes No E-Bikes Ungroomed Non-Motorized Trails No E-Bikes Groomed byUSFSor MLTS Non-Motorized Trails Groomed UnderSpecialPermit Groomed TrailsMulti-Use

" !.# Main Street Main SURVIVAL KIT CREEKS ANDLAKES the winter. AVALANCHES may occurat any time during WEATHER conditions can change rapidly. result indeath. exhaustion, untreated hypothermia can aﬀravated by wetness, and wind, collapse. Caused by exposure to cold and and progressive mental andphysical temperature ofthebody resultingin rapid HYPOTHERMIA alowering is ofthe inner Station Fire • Mapandcompass • Waterproof matches orlighter (3blasts means “HELP!”) • Whistle for emergency signaling • Space blanket Ensolite pad • Water, sunglasses, sunscreen (wool or synthetics are best) • Warm for clothes layering • Cross snow-covered creeks withcare. • Stay frozen oﬀ lakes. unavoidable, cross oneperson at atime. • Ifcrossing potentially dangerous areas is entering narrow, steep-sided canyons. • Avoid crossing steep and hillsides snowfalls orlongperiodsofhighwind. • Avoid mountainous terrain after heavy are notcontrolled for avalanches. • Routes andareas open to winter use andwhiteout conditions. • Avoid traveling duringheavy storms your trip. • Obtain aweather report before • Know therisks andbe prepared. • Tell someone WHEREyou are going, • Check local weather conditions. !¸ Old Mammoth Rd. Know Before You Go! you are going with. WHEN you are returning, andWHO Shady Rest Park WINTER SAFETY

Sierra Park!d Rd. Sawmill Cutoff Road !.# Mammoth R Æ Meridian Blvd.Meridian RV Park No Motorized Vehicles No Snowmobiles !( !] !@

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Welcome Center & m No Moto

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Wilderness Closure Lakes Basin Snowmobiles Closed to Slow Zones e

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riz , Speed Limit ed 15 MPH Attachment 8

Disadvantaged Community

Mammoth Creek Park

Sherwins Trailhead (NEPA/CEQA Complete)

Sherwins Trailhead Constructed 2017 (2.5 Miles) Constructed 2019 (0.8 Miles) 2019/2020 Trail Project (15 Miles) Future Proposed Trails (20 Miles) Multi Use Paved Pathway USFS System Trails 0 0.5 1 2Miles Mammoth Rock Trail Reroute Attachment 9

MAMMOTHROCK

MAMMOTHROCKCONNECTOR

Reroute (in Pink)

0 0.13 0.25 0.5Miles Attachment 10 Mammoth Lakes Trail System Traffic Study End of Season Staff Report 2019

November 2019 Prepared by Andrew Mulford MLTPA, Mammoth Lakes [email protected]

Figure 1

The Summer season of 2019 marked the third consecutive season collecting trail counts at the same 38 locations. The above chart shows average daily traffic between July 1 and October 1 compared over the last 3 summer seasons. The data shows consistent high levels of traffic for each summer season. The data has been analyzed to identify spikes in traffic counts that may have been caused by faulty equipment or interference in the data collection. Any such spikes have been omitted from the above chart.

You may notice that the Average Daily traffic for the Mammoth Creek Park Counter in 2018 seems anomalous. This is explained by the installation of the new playground at the park that summer. Many volunteers assisted with the install and build of the new playground and triggered counts on the nearby infrared trail counter. Another noticeable jump in average daily counts is found at the Mamie Bridge counter location. This large increase in traffic is free of anomalous data, the data follows similar trends as the previous 2 seasons with consistently higher counts throughout the season. The Town Loop 203 South Counter, which is located on the MUP right next to the Mammoth Mountain RV Park, exhibits unexplained large fluctuations over the last 3 seasons. Review of the data did not show any obvious anomalies. I recommend that this counter be monitored closely over the next season to verify that the data it is collecting is accurate and not subject to some sort of error.

Visitation and trail use have likely been affected by some major environmental factors over the last 3 years. The winter of 2016/2017 brought record amounts of snowfall with Mammoth Mountain reporting a 608 inch season total. This above average snowpack persisted into the summer months with many higher elevation trails not melting out until July. The following winter of 2017/2018 was relatively mild, dropping 277 inches on Mammoth Mountain and snowpack melted out much sooner with higher elevation trails becoming accessible in late May or early June. The Summer of 2018 was extremely smoky, with the nearby Lions Fire igniting on June 11th and persisting through late August. The Lions fire, only 7 miles southwest of Mammoth Lakes, and other fires throughout the state contributed to very poor air quality throughout the summer hiking season on the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. The winter of 2018/2019 was another big one with Mammoth Mountain reporting a snowfall total of 495 inches, with much of this snow coming in late winter and early spring. This led to another late start to the hiking season with most higher elevation trails not becoming accessible until sometime in July. The 2019 summer season was notably smoke free and trail users could enjoy some of the best air quality exhibited in recent years.

Figure 2

The above map (Figure 2) shows all 40 summer trail counter locations for the 2019 season. In addition to the 38 established permanent locations, 2 more counters were employed for this season. The Town of Mammoth Lakes requested a counter on the Gap Closure to fulfill grant reporting requirements. This Counter was placed in Summer 2018 to capture a baseline of use before the gap closure paving operation. Average Daily Traffic for the month of August 2018 was 162. The paving project was completed and the counter reinstalled for the 2019 summer season. Average daily traffic for August 2019 was 417 representing a 158% increase in traffic following the completion of the Gap Closure Paving project. The other special location for the 2019 season was the Sherwin User Trail Counter. This counter was placed on a segment of unofficial trail in the Sherwin Meadow, close to the unofficial neighborhood access point on Tamarack St. See below for a graph of collected counts at this location. The average daily traffic for the Sherwins user trail was 96.

Figure 3

Below is a map showing the 5 soft surface trail counters with the highest counts over the 2019 summer season. The counter with the highest counts was the Mcleod/Mammoth Pass counter which is located a hundred yards uphill from the Horseshoe Lake Trailhead, before the trail splits. This Trail received an average of 474 counts per day between 07/01/2019 and 10/01/2019. The Duck Pass Trail was close behind with an average of 410 counts per day between 07/01/2019 and 10/01/2019. Coming in third was the Crystal Lake Trail with 361 counts per day followed by the Horseshoe Lake Loop at 312 counts per day. The Counter near Lake George on the Coldwater-George Trail came in 5th with an average of 293 counts per day. Figure 4

The above map illustrates how popular the 3 main trailheads in the lakes basin are during the summer hiking season. Below is a map showing Average Daily Traffic at each trailhead in the lakes basin, this data is from the 2019 season between the dates of 07/01 and 10/01.

Figure 5 Figure 6 shows average daily counts for all locations throughout the 2019 season. Two noticeable spikes in data bookend the busy season, the first is 4th of July weekend and the second Labor Day weekend.

Figure 6

Sunday, September 1st of Labor day weekend saw 1,181 counts at the Mcleod counter location. This was closely followed by the Sherwin Lakes Trail with 1,066 counts on the same day and Duck Pass trail was not far behind with 1,061 counts that day. The Multi-Use Pathway system was very popular this 4th of July weekend 2019 due to the persisting snow at higher elevations. The counter near Mammoth Creek Park registered 2,800 counts each day through the 4th of July weekend with other MUP counter locations like Mamie Bridge registering very high numbers also (2,794 at Mamie Bridge on July 5th).

Several trails exhibit relatively consistent levels of use day to day and year over year. I consider these trails as “local favorites”. These seem to be the true multi-use trails (open to bicycles) like the Meadow Trail Connector, Panorama Dome MTB Loop etc. If you look at Figure 7 (below) you will notice moderate levels of use compared with some other trails that are popular with visitors. Also these multi-use trails exhibit a consistent trend of moderately increasing use with each season.

Multi-Use Trails Compared Over 3 Seasons 100

0 Mammoth Rock Trail Connector Meadow Trail Connector(139) Mountain View Trail (125) Panorama Dome MTB Trail (108) (106) 2017 2018 2019

Figure 7

The Multi Use Path network has had trail counters established in 10 locations since 2014.

Figure 8 Here is a graph showing the average daily traffic at these 10 locations between the dates of 07/01 and 09/01. MUP Counters ADT 07/01-09/01 Compared between 2014 and 2019 1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0 Back of Horseshoe Library (128) Mamie Mammoth Schools/The Shady Rest Snowcreek Twin Lakes Waterford College (130) Lake (136) Bridge (135) Creek Park Trails (129) (101) (132) Bridge (134) Ave (133) (131)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure 9 Attachment 11

Photo Library

Trevor Van Winkle

MLTPA Photo Librarian

Web Galleries

Print Material

Communica Digital Converted to Digital Asset Photo tion, Photography consistent Management/Keywording Development, Etc. format Library Organization, Export Photo Library Computer

Drobo (Photo Drobo External HD Storage) (Backup) (offsite Backup)

Image Request Request # Format: YYYYMMDD_first/last initial Location: (i.e. Mammoth Rock Trail Connector)

Image use: (i.e. Print, Projection, Website, Video, Social Media)

Activity Promoted: (i.e. Hiking, Running, Bicycling, Dog-Walking)

Background Request: (i.e. Mammoth Mountain, Crystal Crag, The Sherwins)

Additional Requests:

Do the images need people in them? (Y/N) This will require a signed Model Release, which will take time to process

Deadline: (Please allow time for processing and/or field photography)

Requestor Full Name: (i.e. John Wentworth)

Requestor Organization: (i.e. MLT, TOML)

For Photo Librarian use:

Catalog(s):

Date(s) of Shoot:

Photographer(s):

Image file name(s):

MLTS Photo Request Form November 17, 2017 Page 1 of 1

Dropbox

External Hardrive/CD Thank You! [email protected]