ANNUAL BLM SURVEY IN THE NCA ON THE ALTERNATE APPLEGATE TRAIL BETWEEN MUD MEADOWS AND HIGH ROCK CANYON

JUNE 9 - 12, 2011

Kathy Ataman, BLM archaeologist for NCA & Don Buck, Trails West volunteer coordinator

With the completion of the cultural survey at Double Hot Springs last June, we looked ahead for a new kind of survey project for June of 2011.  The forthcoming June project will involve locating and digitally mapping the little known alternate trail that bypassed the treacherous route through upper Fly Canyon.  This alternate route between Mud Meadows (aka Soldier Meadows) and High Rock Canyon, about 3½ miles in length, was opened for Emigrant travel during the flood of gold rushers in late August of 1849. 

Because of the scope of this trail mapping project, we'll need an extra day in the field.  The tentative plans are to RENDEZVOUS THURSDAY AFTERNOON (JUNE 9) AT 2:00 P.M. AT THE NEW BLM ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER IN GERLACH (called "Black Rock Station") and then caravan along the west side of the Black Rock Desert playa to Mud Meadows (aka Soldier Meadows), thence to the north shore of High Rock Lake (just east of the entrance to High Rock Canyon) where we can dry camp for three nights. You'll need to provide your own water and food.  A portable latrine will be provided. 

FRIDAY (JUNE 10) we'll map (using BLM GPS equipment) the alternate trail from its beginning (where Trails West Marker A-16B is located) to where the trail remains are no longer visible (about 2 miles).  For those interested, Don Buck will provide on the ground training in locating the trail on this segment (handouts & instructions available). 

SATURDAY (JUNE 11) we'll continue mapping where we left off Friday on the ending 1½ mile segment of the alternate trail, where there are no longer any visible remains, leading to the entrance of High Rock Canyon.  Along this segment, largely in a wide wash, we'll use metal detectors, following BLM guidelines, to locate and map the trail.  It's not necessary that everyone participating in locating this segment of trail have a metal detector.  For every volunteer using a metal detector, we'll need at least two others to flag, record, and map what is located.  This will be a learning experience for all of us
involved. 

Saturday evening we'll have our traditional potluck dinner, with the main course of Dutch-oven meatloaf provided by our BLM hosts.  For the others, please bring enough of any of the following items for six people to supplement the meatloaf:  salads of all types, pastas, hot or cold veggies, munchies, deserts, drinks, etc. 

SUNDAY (JUNE 12), if necessary, we'll finish mapping the last trail segment in the morning.  Then search in this vicinity for the remains of what we think is an American Indian brush fence used to trap animals that was reported 25 years ago.  Let's see if it's still there. That will conclude the BLM survey in the NCA for June 2011.

Because we need to know for planning and organizing purposes, PLEASE LET COORDINATOR DON BUCK KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THREE THINGS:  (1) If you are coming, (2) for which days, and (3) if you will be bringing a
metal detector.  (Don Buck's e-mail:  trailbuck@gmail.com )

When we know who will attend and when, we'll send out another announcement confirming the rendezvous location/time and itinerary.  With favorable weather, this will be a great survey.