Trail Maintenance

Background: As part of a continuing maintenance project at Jasper Ridge, the Trail Center schedules maintenance on various trails. Brushing and repair of winter storm damage are the primary activities, with occasional reroutes and walkway or bridge construction.

      Project Description: The maintenance for Fall 1998-Spring 1998 is scheduled for the following trails (see map for locations):

• Trail 2 (extension). [11/14/98, 4/10/99] Approx. 1500 ft. of trail paralleling San Fransciquito Creek which has been closed for many years due to deadfalls and overgrown brush. Numerous deadfalls (multiple large trunks or branches) will require a chainsaw, but remainder can be cleared by hand without special tools. Heavy poison oak in a number of spots. Improve rutted area near end (tread is otherwise in very good shape for almost all of length). Fix badly eroded culvert crossing at end.
• Trail 6 (between Trail 7 and Road F). [10/3/98] Shift trail out of small gully. Shunt water if possible. Light brushing (no poison oak).
• Trail 7 (between Trail 8 and Road D). [10/3/98] Add drainage (2-3 small drains) on steep portion above junction with Trail 8. Add a broad drain above abandoned and blocked old trail (roughly 30 ft. above) if soil permits. Possibly knock down berm between old trail and Trail 8. No poison oak.
• Trail 7 (between Road D and Trail 6). [10/3/98] Very light brushing. Minimal amount of poison oak.
• Trail 9 [4/10/99] Light brushing on lower half
• Trail 10 [4/10/99] Light brushing. Drainage work near half-way point: a combination of structures including a plank bridge or short reroute (to be determined)
• Trail 14. [10/3/98] Medium brushing. Some poison oak.
• Trail a. [10/3/98] Light brushing. One poison oak bush. Reroute trail across gully approx. 75 ft. below top of trail at slide and continue tread on east side of gully to top. Small plank bridge will be installed at crossing.
• Trail b. [9/12/98, 10/3/98] Light to moderate brushing for most of distance. No poison oak for most of trail, though moderate to heavy near end. Trail needs to be widened and moved toward middle of old cut. Very little treadwork needed except for one small slide on tread which will need to be cleared. 1st drainage crossing needs to be improved, but can be done with existing rock. 2nd drainage will not be improved.Note:completed 9/12 except for treadwork and brushing at end (largely poison oak)
• Trail c. [9/12/98] Heavy brushing; minimal tread work for most of length other than duffing under trees. Some tread work can be done to define trail at either end. Remaining tread definition should be done by mowing rather than scraping (leave as-is). Most of length does not have poison oak, which is concentrated around drainage at western end of trail. Crew should have a saw available. Ambiguous routing has been flagged.Note:completed 9/12 except for minor brushing.
• Unnamed trail veering south from Road F between Road E and Trail 6. [4/10/99] Light brushing

      Technical Specifications:

• Trail Width: 3-5 ft.
• Maximum Grade: 12%
• Outslope: 2-3% (standard)
• Flagging: At grade level (consult crew leader)
• Hazards and Other Considerations: poison oak, wasps (possible), ticks, woodrat nests, rattlesnakes
• Expected Number of Workdays: 2-3
• Access to Worksite and Parking: Gate locked at all times; entry possible only at designated time or by special arrangment. Gate will permit exit at any time. Access to preserve at other times available only by arrangment and in the company of docents. Parking for all workdays will be at Docent Center.
• Water, Restrooms, Picnic Area: Docent Center
  

      Emergency: 911 from phones at Docent Center and at Main Gate

      Nearest Hospital: Stanford Hospital. Leave Main Gate, turn right and travel approx. 3.5 mi. east on Sand Hill Rd. to Pasteur Drive. Follow signs to Emergency.

      Driving Directions: From Hwy 280, take the Sand Hill West exit and travel approx. 2 mi. to the Jasper Ridge main gate (on the left), 100 yds. before Portola Rd. intersection (at bottom of hill on right). A volunteer or ranger will open the gate.

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