Guest Bloggers: Back Country Horsemen Representatives
Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative Participation: 3 + years.
Envisioning a Healthy Rigdon Landscape
The Rigdon landscape encompasses four Middle Fork Willamette sub-watersheds south of Oakridge, Oregon. Click the map to enlarge.
A healthy Rigdon landscape would include: natural meadows, a mature varied-species forest, clean air and water, a safe balance among all trail users, a well-maintained Middle Fork Willamette (MFW) trail, adequate designated parking for horse trailers at trail entry points, and more regulated, designated opportunities for camping, including camping for horses.
A major opportunity we are happy to contribute to, is increased bull trout populations and family fishing potential. Our Back Country Horsemen (BCHO) commitment to this area goes beyond just equine trail use. We have donated money and time on bridges over sensitive wetlands and bogs along the trail, helping to mitigate sediment flows.
Visiting the Rigdon Landscape
We have worked and recreated on the Middle Fork Willamette (MFW) trail for 25 years. We’ve ridden horses and maintained trails throughout the years, to include being responsible for Keele Crossing cedar puncheon (built in 2005.) Through Back Country Horsemen (BCHO), we have helped maintain the MFW Trail for 20 years and contributed funding for rebuild of several bridges on MFW trail.
Changes Throughout the Years
We’ve seen changes due to significant mountain bicycle pressure on the MFW trail. Some of our group have experienced dangerous bicycle encounters. We avoid taking horses on the MFW trail on several high use weekends in the summer when bicycle rallies and concessionnaire trips occur. As a rule, we avoid taking horses in the entire MFW area during summer weekends.
Favorite Memories
Taking green horses along the Middle Fork Willamette Trail 20 some years ago and naming the “Weeping Wall”, which abuts the trail along the lower section. Also, the discovery of many lady slippers (Calypso) wildflowers hidden along the trail brings delight in spring. We love the lighting that enhances the trees as light filters through heavy moss in summer and as the trees change colors in the fall.
Another favorite memory is the group celebration of the members of our BCHO chapter upon completion of “Keeles’ Crossing.” We split the cedar planks on site, dug out the mud, laid cedar stringers and the hand-hewn planks for the 15 foot bog crossing. To cap it off, we took a group photo of the crew and favorite dog on the completed crossing. Smiles of satisfaction with a job well done.
Other Favorites
Areas: the Middle Fork Willamette Trail and the Youngs Rock Trail for purposes of horseback riding, and hiking, and the river for photography, and potentially for fishing.
Meadow: Rigdon Meadows.
Tree Species: Ancient big leaf maples, large Pacific Yews and the old growth cedars and Ponderosa Pine. It would be wonderful if some aspen could be introduced to the higher meadows.
Creek or River: Indigo Creek and the pristine Middle Fork Willamette reach above the dam. The Staley Creek rehab is to be commended.
Final Thoughts
We would like to mention, we are appreciative of the entire staff and membership of the Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative for their efforts on behalf of Middle Fork restoration.
