A group of Pinnacles rock climbers have volunteered to assist organizing a three-day work party in late October 2013 to address resource impacts resulting from overuse and social trail creation in the Discovery Wall, Tourist Trap and Top-rope Wall areas. Because the number of volunteers who may show up can not be accurately predicted, the purpose of this compliance document is to describe all possible options. Only a few of the options described will actually be carried out this year. This proposal is intended serve as compliance for further action when funding and available labor allows, from now to 2020.
In all affected areas, efforts will be made to re-vegetate with native plants, and to place brush and vertical mulching to deter visitor incursions. Permanent fencing would be standard split rail. Temporary fencing could be either post and rope, buck and rail, or green cloth/t-post. To reduce visual impact, preference will be given to 3' high post and rope fencing, which uses 1/2" diameter matte finish metal posts pounded 1' into the ground. Any signage would conform to current Pinnacles back-country sign standards for size and design.
In the Tourist Trap area, the project involves construction of a 30 Lft. log staircase, construction of 48 Sq Ft. of log retaining wall. (Photos attached.) Similar work for this area was the subject of another recent PEPC review, number 31636. Directly below the climb "Thrill Hammer" are two social trails. One social trail would be closed with temporary fencing and a sign, the other formalized and reinforced with the 20 step log staircase. About 10 cubic feet (3' X 2" X 20 steps) would need to be excavated for stairway construction. Between the "Thrill Hammer" and "Rat Race" areas, the user trail is too narrow and soil is unstable. Excavation of approximately 2 cubic feet (12' X 2") would be required for construction of a 12' X 2' log retaining wall that could support the trail and extend service life. Nearby, temporary fencing would be installed to block another social trail crossing creek bed. Finally, the area directly below "Rat Race" is heavily impacted and completely devoid of vegetation. In the future, this area would be hardened with approximately 200 cubic feet of dry stone retaining walls and check steps. Excavation of 3.5 cubic feet of soil (3' X 2" X 7 steps) would be required to install the 7 steps. In attached photosThe project leader would consult with Resource staff regarding sourcing of building materials and crush fill.
In the Discovery Wall area, social trails would be consolidated by 100 Lft. of fencing, signage, and re-naturalization of impacted areas. (See attached photos) Permanent fencing would be installed in one particularly vulnerable area, and two, one and a half foot deep holes would be needed for posts. Two areas would have check step style retaining structures to reduce erosion. Approximately 10 cubic feet of excavation would be required for these structures. This area has already been surveyed by an NPS archaeologist, with no significant findings. (Page 3 of attached report.)
In the Top-rope Rock area another network of social trails would be consolidated into a single desirable and sustainable route using 100Lft. of temporary fencing, placement of brush, re-vegetation, and installation of one additional sign to formalize a seldom used access route. Where Top-rope Rock is located, the Rim trail skirts in and out of the legislated wilderness boundary, but the proposed project area is outside of wilderness. See attached documents for a through treatment of the topic.
Finally, monitoring would be an integral part of this project's success. Should resource conditions not improve over time, select areas of fencing could be transitioned to different types including permanent split rail.
James Bouknight
Trail and Fence Maintenance Supervisor
Pinnacles National Park
