Thinning Operations

We recently met with Sparrow Hill's land managers, Parks Conservation and Lands (PCL) to receive an update on thinning operations and the planned highway realignment. Peter Beutel (PCL's Forestry Coordinator) advised that thinning operations will commence next Tuesday 16 February 2010. We will be in regular contact with PCL for progress updates and any changes to the works program.

These thinning operations should have no effect on the Mont course and thinning operations will cease for the period of the Mont.

CAUTION WHILE THINNING IS UNDERWAY
NOTE: Contractors will potentially work 7 days a week and could even work into the night depending on their progress in meeting a quota of logs the mills require. It is ESSENTIAL therefore that you abide by all signage erected and when exiting any compartments (and particularly approaching the main haul road marked RED and compartments being thinned).

EXERCISE CAUTION. Public access to the compartments where the machines are working is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

The maps below outline where the work is being performed. Make sure you are aware of these works and make sure you tell your teammates and ride buddies. Follow these advices to minimize the risk to yourself and those you ride with. Abiding by these advices will ensure access to this fantastic riding amenity.

MAP 1: PARK WELL CLEAR OF THE ENTRANCE TO SPARROW HILL!
DO NOT risk damage to your car for the sake of a few extra footsteps between you and the forest. Mini B-Double trucks are BIG, they have only just enough room outside the front gate to angle park before turning onto the highway, so it is essential that vehicles are parked well clear of the gate area. Trucks will be coming through this entrance and through the forest (potentially at all hours day and night) and will be turning both east and west onto the Kings Highway. Give them room.



MAP 2: THINNING OPERATIONS (MARKED YELLOW)
Thinning will occur in and around compartments 714, 715 and 717 which are out the back of Sparrow Hill (Heavy Cow Loop area). The forestry contractors will start work by falling the first row of trees either side of the ridge track between forest compartments at the far end part of Sparrow (these roads marked GOLD). Thinning will commence in compartments 717, 715 and 714 respectively.



MAP 3: MAIN HAUL ROAD (MARKED RED)
The main haul road for logging trucks cuts through Sparrow Hill, and has a number of singletrack intersects. It is ESSENTIAL you abide by all signage erected and EXERCISE CAUTION when exiting any compartments (and particularly approaching the main haul road marked RED and compartments being thinned)