Written by Allee Gustafson in October 2024

Last month, I had the opportunity to join KS Wild's Public Lands And You (PLAY) Stewardship volunteers and the US Forest Service (USFS) for a day of restoration and conservation effort at the Meridian Overlook, nestled just beyond the Mt. Ashland Campground on the Siskiyou Crest off of US Forest Service Road 20. The project is aimed to enhance the recreational benefits of this stunning area known for its high wetland meadows, old-growth forest ecosystems, and rugged terrain which all serves as a vital climate refugia and an endless playground for the nature enthusiast.

The day was filled with the spirit of collaboration and dedication as seven volunteers and nine agency personnel worked tirelessly on various tasks. Tasks included repairing a vandalized fence, installing Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) signs to educate the public about authorized vehicle areas, and removing a barbed wire fence that posed hazards to wildlife and marred the landscape.

US Forest Service Road 20, which was originally designed as a recreational route along the Siskiyou Crest, traverses the Oregon/California border. The restoration work holds particular significance in addressing the damage caused by OHVs which have compacted the soil leading to destroyed plant life, eroded sensitive meadows, and left lasting scars on the landscape.

The collaboration with the USFS is a crucial step towards enhancing the US Forest Service Road 20 corridor for recreational activities and implementing the Travel Management Plan. This plan, highlighted in the Motor Vehicle Use Map, illustrates where vehicles are authorized to be. With the increasing popularity of outdoor recreation, the goal is to establish an environment of responsible recreation practices by all user groups on the Siskiyou Crest.

Monitoring efforts are ongoing. If you're interested in learning more about the project or getting involved in conservation efforts on public lands, you're encouraged to participate in the monitoring program. The treasured Pacific Crest Trail winds through the Crest, and hikers are urged to report any concerning activities using the provided monitoring forms. These reports are submitted to federal agencies to keep a record of unlawful activity and alert the agency where attention is needed.

As I reflect on this day, I'm filled with gratitude for the dedicated volunteers and agency personnel who are working tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty of the Siskiyou Crest. It's a reminder of the power of community and collaboration with the USFS in creating positive change for our public lands.

This is an ongoing project that will continue into next year. Our vision is to continue monitoring, designing, fabricating, and installing two new botanical interpretive signs at Mt. Ashland Campground and Meridian Overlook. Throughout this winter, we will be fundraising and writing grants for these stewardship efforts. The Siskiyou Crest spans west, and we plan to target areas of concern along the way to prevent unauthorized grazing and vehicles from entering sensitive meadows. 

If you have the chance to visit the Siskiyou Crest, I encourage you to do so to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes this place has to offer and join in the efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the conservation of our natural treasures and keep it wild!

Siskiyou Crest Species Spotlight

The Siskiyou Crest boasts a rich diversity of flora and conifers! Some of our favorite living creatures are stands of magnificent western white pine (Pinus monticola), a treasured beauty standing tall atop Red Mountain. It can be recognized by its distinctive five-needle structure. 

On rocky granitic or serpentine outcrops, you’ll find the beautiful Lewisia leeana and the Split Hair Paintbrush (Castilleja schizotricha) grow in open rocky meadows. The Henderson's horkelia (Horkelia hendersonii) is another species that has been an important native plant used for plant restoration projects on the Siskiyou Crest, and one that I find particularly enjoyable to pronounce too!