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Huntington Lake Association |
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April 2006 There’s been plenty of rain the last month so the snow pack is good. It could be a late spring. CUFFA (Fair Appraisal Act) will be discussed at the NFH (National Forest Homeowners) convention; it will be reviewed by the NFG Coalition who brought the legislation to Senator Craig. NFH will produce a handout to be given to each cabin owner with a desired “end result appraisal” which is appropriate for forests cabins in the upcoming Cabin Appraisals. The appraisals will probably start in the next fiscal year. The annual Sierra Forest meeting with our Ranger, Ray Porter and permit administrators will be held on April 22, 2006 at the Prather Forest Service office at 9 a.m. All interested parties are invited to attend. Tract Presidents are especially encouraged to attend. A Huntington Lake Association meeting will immediately follow. Please plan on staying for that meeting. We will be discussing the recently sent out proposal by the Volunteer Fire Dept., the Historic Recreation District, Lake levels and County mandated garbage re-cycling. Enclosed is a clarification letter from Region 5 on forest cabins. It will be “added qualifications” on management of cabins in Region 5. Please read it carefully. A couple of concerns, if cabins are 50% destroyed (because of lack of forest management, ie., thinning, dead tree removal) WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO SECOND STRUCTURES???? DATES TO REMEMBER:
Sincerely,
January 2006 The weather changed dramatically over New Year’s weekend. A number of trees bit the “snow-dust”, with one cabin receiving damage in Lower Line Creek. If neighbors use their cabins in the winter, you may want them to have them check your roof load and etc. The Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee has approved a brush and fuels contract for areas around Lower Line and Upper Line Creek Tracts. We can see the difference in Huckleberry Tract. It looks like a real forest, not just a tangle of brush and debris. Hopefully the Home Creek and Idylwilde tract projects will get done this summer. Dave Taylor is working hard on getting out the “compliance letters” to tracts from Bear Creek working west. He spent two months out of the office with the FEMA group in New Orleans and Florida. Uncle Sam always chooses the Forest Service to get into disaster areas, to help in clean up and organization. They do a good job, but it leaves other Forest Service work undone. Dave hopes to get the letters in the mail by June 1-15. He asks all to be patient. Because of this important work that needs to be completed for permit renewals, he will not be able to get to any new requests for renovation on existing cabins this summer. Again he asks for your patience. He will need to review the 100 cabins that received letters last season, plus the 300++ letters going out this season. National Forest Homeowners held its’ winter Forum in Fresno on Jan. 21. The hot topic is CUFFA--that law we’ve been talking about concerning cabin appraisals for the last six years. The law was passed in 2000. It needs to go to Senator Craig one more time for review. Hopefully at the NFH Convention in Reno, March 31, April 1, 2, 2006 the rules and regs will be finalized. We’ll keep you posted. We do expect new appraisals to start in the next year. Part of the law is that appraisals will be done every 10 years, so the “Sticker Shock” will be less. The FS is done evaluating the historic component of the Rec Residence Tracts. They will send to the Region 5 office the application of a multiple property submittal for a Historic Recreation District, to the Federal Register. We’ve been discussing this for a few years, a lot of work has gone into it. We are working on completing a resource list for cabin renovations; the list would include supply houses for plumbing, doors and windows, roofing and other building materials. If anyone knows of a resource that should be included, please give Maureen Barile a call. We would like to have this available for the summer season for small repairs that need to be done. Also included in this mailing is a two part article that will be in the upcoming NFH newsletter. It’s a good overview of understanding the historical context of the Recreation Cabin program and what we can work on together with the Forest Service to keep the program solid. As always, any questions, just call Maureen Barile at 559-291-7970 or Chris Oberti at 559-299-7030. Sincerely,
This old cabin…..Part I Cabin numbers have declined in recent years due to catastrophic fires in the Western states. Many of those cabins are older, being built in the infancy of the recreation residence program. Because of cabin permit renewals, the Forest Service has contracted with the National Park Service to evaluate each tract for historical significance. So how did this historical use begin? The founding piece of legislation concerning the private use of public forest reserve lands was the Organic Administration Act of 1897. This Act established permits as the means by which forest resources were to be allocated and used by private parties. The Mineral Springs Leasing Act of 1899 authorized the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations for renting forest reserve land adjacent to mineral, medicinal, and other springs for the purpose of erecting sanitariums or hotels and permits for tents or dwellings for receptionists visiting such springs. In return for an annual fee the Forest Reserve officers would issue such permits. The Act did not make specific mention of the construction and use of summer homes, but were eventually included. In 1905, Chief Forester Pinchot issued “The Use of National Forest Reserves: Regulations and Instructions”. The “Use Book” addressed the issues of summer homes on forest lands. Regulation 42 permitted “hotels, stores, mills, summer residence and similar establishments…” Regulation 44 stipulated that “occupancy permits were conditional, issued at the discretion of the foresters, and contingent upon agreement to pay a rental fee.” Regulation 45 asserted that occupancy under permit secured no right or claim against the U.S. government, “either to the land or to any compensation for improvements made upon it by the permittee.” In 1914, the Regional Forester issued additional regulations. One regulation was to establish reasonable rental rates, with “reasonable” meaning rates that were not too low. Congress added a greater degree of protection with the passage of the Occupancy Permits Act of 1915. It allowed the Forest Service to issue permits of a period of up to 30 years. In 1916, District Forester Coert DuBois at San Francisco publicized the rec residence program in a brochure. Cultural and societal changes of the period saw public interest in wilderness preservation and outdoor recreation. In 1917, the Forest Service commissioned landscape architect Frank A. Waugh to study the recreational potential of forest land. Throughout the 1920’s the Forest Service aggressively promoted the recreation residence program. Tracts were laid out according to certain criteria. They were generally laid out by stream banks or lake shores, with care to avoid conflicts with other forest users. The “layouts were sensitive to their environments.” The Back-to-Nature movement began in California as early as the 1890’s. This movement allowed everyone, from the “every-day person” to the rich, to experience the joys of outdoor recreation. With this there was pressure for the Forest Service to expand the recreation residence program. This old cabin….Part II Evaluating recreation residence cabins is a daunting task. It’s the devil in the details that make it time consuming and expensive. The reissue of special-use permits is an undertaking as identified in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and as defined in the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) implementing regulations, Protection of Historic Properties (36CFR Part 800). Depending on the region and forest, surveys and evaluations are being done at the tract level or by individual cabin. In Region 5, evaluations are being done by Tract. It has become necessary (because of cost and criterion) to recognize collections of historic recreational residences by thematic or contextual evaluation. Hopefully this will provide a greater flexibility in the process for the management of residence tracts as historic properties. It may also shift the emphasis within the program on the operations and management of the program. Among the goals would be to provide better tools and training for the Forest Service staffing in the management of the program. Design guidelines would enable reviewers and property owners to understand the program’s requirements and provide written and visual guides to assist property owners and contractors in preservation, restoration and reconstructing historic buildings. In the management process it is important for cabin owners to understand their rights and responsibilities and the unique circumstances of privately-owned recreational residences. Some issues would cover the development of a design guidance, forest and recreational residence history, and NHPA (National Historic Preservation Act) and environmental regulations. The Forest Service will need to revise handbooks to incorporate the needed changes to the rec residence program. The FS will retain the final authority for special use permits and requests for renovation/modification of recreational residences. Homeowner tract/associations would benefit in being part of the review process so that their input might improve the review process and reduce delays that occur under the current system. NOW is the time to become engaged in this process. For those cabin owners who feel that their “old cabin” has a “richness of history” because of location. a contextual theme of recreation, an event or happening (such as an association of a built hydro system that encompasses cabin use, as a result of the system’s contribution to recreation” or an important person, the consideration of being a historic property is important. That “special place” requires comment to SHPO (State Historic Preservation Officer) the Forest Service, continued responsibility and stewardship of a valued cultural and historic resource, “this old cabin.”
May 2005Dear Friends: The Huntington Lake Road will be plowed as weather permits. As of May 7, 2005, it was plowed up to Cedar Crest, but we’ve had a few more storms, so it would be safe to say it is uncertain at this time when the road will be fully opened. It is a late spring. The Rec Tract Historical evaluations are still coming in; at this time it is assumed that Lower Line, Upper Line, Deer Creek and Bear Creek will not be significant. The Park Service combined tracts such as all of Bear and all of Deer Creek, so the percentage is diluted as to significance. We are expecting to be visited by a preservation official from Washington DS this summer. HLA and the Historical Conservancy are requesting a Historical District submittal to the National Historic Register in the mitigation process of the FERC licensing of the SCE Big Creek Project. As you read the enclosed, you will see the reasoning. Enclosed is interesting information which I encourage all HLA members to read concerning the importance of a Historic Recreation District. As I have said before, “never say never” when it comes to outside influences in regards to cabins and the continued use. Important Dates: Billy Creek Museum Opening: July 2, 2005, 11:00 a.m. See you at the Lake. Questions: Maureen Barile, 291-7970, Chris Oberti, 299-7030. Sincerely, Chris Oberti
March 2005Houston--WE HAVE SNOW!! When we have a heavy winter as this, we suggest checking on your cabins for a heavy snow load. Check with a neighbor who may have gone into their cabin or plan a quick trip for an inspection. Big Creek Road--Fresno County is completing an environmental assessment (EA) on re-designing a 1.4 mile part of the Big Creek-Huntington road. As indicated in the last newsletter we need letters of support for the repair of the road. It is Federally funded and if the funds are not used, they go away. The Forest Service DOES NOT HAVE THE FUNDS to repair the road. The issue is of access in case of fire or any emergency. The road work will take approximately up to a year. It will not increase traffic to any measurable amount and frankly the area, (immediately outside of the town, coming down from Huntington) is in need of "shoring up and repair". If it is not repaired, it could be closed down completely in the future because of disrepair. Again, this is an issue of ACCESS and SAFETY. Remember the 1994 FIRE!!! Please send your letter c/o HLA's mailing address, but address your letter to Fresno County District 5, Supervisor Bob Waterston, Fresno, Ca. HLA will hand deliver them to Mr. Waterston. Historical Evaluation of Tracts: Six evaluations have been completed. Tracts of historical significance: Lakeview Tract, Idylwilde Tract. Non-significance: Dowville, Home Creek and Rancheria. On the bubble: Huckleberry. Reports to be received: Upper Line Creek, Lower Line Creek, Bear Creek and Dear Creek. Huckleberry Tract: We have found one cabin has not been included in the evaluation. It was overlooked; we will bring this to the Forest Service's attention. Three cabins are on the bubble to be included as a contributing historic element. The other very important aspect of the evaluation that had been overlooked is the establishment of Camp Blue Jay. I had the opportunity to interview the grandson of the founder a short time ago, Jack Johnson, and will submit that "contextual aspect" to the Forest Service along with some wonderful historic photos to support historical significance for the tract. The evaluations are a part of our submittal as a Historic Recreation District. That designation would avail us the opportunity for Grants for everything to historic building restoration, education opportunities and more. Cabin Permit Compliance: Dave Taylor has indicated aproximately 50% of the Huntington cabins have been inspected. He will finish the remaining cabins this summer. Letters will be sent out to cabin permittees who are not in compliance. A copy of the Recreation Residence Uses Handbook is included with this newsletter. Please keep this document. It will help you better understand your permit. IF you need to change names (because of a death in the family, a trust or ownership) contact Kathy Landis at the Prather FS office 559-855-5360 ext 3311. Annual Forest Service Meeting: May 7, 2005. 9:00 A.M. We have had the opportunity to meet with Ranger Ray Porter before the summer season for the last 10 years. This is an important meeting for Tract Presidents, HLA Board Members and the Historical Conservancy Board to attend. The public is also welcomed. Some topics: Fuels and fire; Historical Evaluation and Permit renewal, Sheriff's Dept., rules of boating. Annual Tract Meetings: Check in with Maureen Barile if you would like either she or myself to attend your meetings. We need a little lead time to accommodate all the different meetings. If you would like a special presentation on fuels and fire and thinning, we will try to get Ramiro Rojas, the Registered Forester for the Sierra Forest to attend your meeting. He gives an exceptional presentation. He spoke the previous summer at the Museum. Please call Maureen (in advance) to reserve him. He is excellent. Also any change of address needs to be given to Maureen for our annual billing. Change of address for HLA Board Member: Jeff Wilkins, 8700 San Gregorio Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422, (805)462-8817. Summer Dates to Remember: July 1, 2005 Annual Historical Conservancy Meeting at Billy Creek Museum July 2, 2005 Summer Opening Billy Creek Museum, 100th Anniversary of the Forest Service July 3, 2005 Volunteer Fire Dept Pancake Breakfast, Lakeshore Resort Aug. 6, 2005 HLA Annual Meeting, Lakeshore resort Aug. 13, 2005 Historic Cabin Tour Aug. 20, 2005 National Public Lands Day, Billy Creek Museum Huntington Lake Big Creek Historical Conservancy Capital Campaign: Don't overlook being part of this. It is a positioning step for the Huntington Lake community in a strong and continued leadership role for the future. If you need more information or a brochure, call (559)347-0402. Remember it is a tax-deductible donation, as we are a 501c-3 non-profit educational benefits corporation. Sincerely, Chris Oberti
January 2005Dear Board Members and Friends of Huntington Lake: You all should have received the HL Association newsletter, the Capital Campaign mail out and the HLBC Historical Conservancy Winter newsletter by this time. We tried to get everything out sooner, but the mailing address program succumbed to old age; it was re-inputted and updated. Since the mailings, some important things have occurred. Both HLA and HLBC Historical Conservancy has “concurred” and signed off on the PA for the Vermillion Valley Hydroelectric Project, the SCE/FERC regimenting. We expect to have the Portal Powerhouse documents ready for signature in the next month. The mitigation and negotiations on the regimenting of Florence, Huntington and Shaver Lakes, the ALP (Alternative Licensing Procedure-Hydro Projects) begins in earnest in February, 2005. It’s been FOUR years since we began attending these monthly meetings. Now the fun begins. I have asked Maureen Barile to be the “signator” in those mitigation procedures for Huntington Lake Association and I will be the “signator” for the HLBC Historical Conservancy. I ask board members of both organizations to concur with these decisions. Please call Maureen at 291-7970 and give her your vote for our records. These are substantial dollars on the table in the ALP. If there are any thoughts /needs that should be raised by either board, again please call me (299-7030) or Maureen. I am enclosing a draft Eastwood Visitor Center MOU, pages 15 and 27, pertaining to the ALP. In these pages you will see the support that will be given by the Forest Service, SCE and the concessionaire in the partnership for the Visitor Center-it is a major component in the ALP negotiations of which we will support. Rental income will be received from the Forest Service and concessionaire for use of office space at the Visitor Center. As I mentioned, there are dollars on the table that could be available for other undertakings at Huntington. THINK ABOUT IT!! The other important item is the Historical Recreation District. It comes at an appropriate time. I have responded on four tract reports, (concurrence or non-concurrence) to SHPO (State Historic Preservation Officer) and the Forest Service. I am delighted with our grants writer. She has written two grants, but her grants investigation has surfaced numerous grant opportunities that are directed specifically to a historic district. She has found foundation monies for restoration, expanded artifact collection dollars, educational opportunities and much more, all available to a 501-c-3 Non -Profit organization. We have been given a section of the Ward Tunnel to be incorporated in an outdoor exhibit (perhaps a SCE mitigation project). We are negotiating on a steam engine and a Bulldog Mac truck (full sized), both major donations. I am excited about future potential exhibits, historical structure restorations and much more. The Historical district is becoming more of a reality, but continued community support needs to be behind it. Thanks for your help and support. Sincerely,
November 2004Dear Huntington Lake friends: Historic Cabin Evaluations: Annual Labor Day Pick-up: Some residents brought EVERYTHING, including a bathtub and TOXIC waste. It is not fair to other residents to pick-up after thoughtless individuals who felt they could “dump off anything at any time”!!! This is not the Angeles Forest that is treated as a dumping ground, please be respectful of your neighbors and your Forest. Garbage: Permit RENEWAL/Transfer: Lake Water Levels: Huntington Lake Big Creek Road: This historic route has been in place since 1923. Harry Allen built the original road to the north short of HL. As was seen just 10 short years ago, during the Big Creek fire, the road was a necessity for access. If there were a fire or disaster below Big Creek, this road would again be a necessity for access. In the winter of 1997, a tropical rain and snow melt, washed out culverts at Huntington and undermined roads below Big Creek. Access to both communities of Huntington Lake and Big Creek is by this road. With all due respect to the residents of Big Creek, it is a must that this road be repaired even though their “quiet enjoyment” will be impacted for just over a year during the reconstruction. Neither the Forest Service nor Fresno County has the monies to fix the road as needed. If it is not repaired at this time, it could very well be closed in the future. The source of monies is available now and the road should be repaired. The Board has requested that we ask members of Huntington Lake (all of you folks) to write letters in support of the project. Please direct your letters to District 5 Supervisor Bob Waterston. Please send these letters to Maureen Barile so that we may deliver them to the County Supervisor’s meeting. Please return them by December 15. Region 5, USFS 100 years Centennial Forum FACTS: Huntington Lake facts: FUTURE going FORWARD Doers: Organizations such as Huntington Lake Association and the HLBC Historical Conservancy, Sierra Club Users: The general public/city dwellers looking for relief Suers: Lawsuits by groups to prevent or delay necessary action to manage the land for people. It’s a different world coming up in the future, we need to keep that in mind. Capital Campaign Huntington Lake Big Creek Historical Conservancy Please look at the package when you receive it in the mail. A number of families have asked about contributions as a family’s memorial since we have lost some old time members of the community this past year. Please consider a generous contribution for your family as we near the end of the year. Nothing could be a better remembrance for a place we all cherish. The Conservancy is a 501-c-3 charitable corporation. The Board wishes you and your families a happy holiday season. Thanks for all your support this past year. We appreciate it. Any questions, just call Maureen Barile 559-347-0402, Chris Oberti 559-299-7030. Chris Oberti
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