Hi Everyone,
Even through Summer is just under 4 weeks away Idyllwild and the surrounding forest areas are very busy with tourist, hikers and backpackers. PCT hikers are still in town although not in the numbers of a month and 1/2 ago.
The FSVA/FS refresher training was the best one in years. Chip and Vicki Hurn opened up their property in Garner Valley for 3 days to host the event. The training was excellent and the interpretative was engaging. A round of applause for Rick (Wilderness) Wilkerson, Patti Hudson, Jana Desrocher, Ron Krull, Joe Bressi, and Chip along with all the other trainers for a great weekend. Patty Andersen, we missed you but congrats on the new house.
I would like to welcome all the new volunteers in training (at last count I think 8 people) We now have a wait-list of people wanting to start training (not a bad position to be in). I want to think all the patrol trainers, who without them, our new volunteers could not be trained.
The Willow Creek Trail is now open from Skunk Cabbage Jct to the State Park. Without the help of the FSVA crews working under Steve Schwitters (crosscut saw coordinator) and Andy Smith including volunteer Adam Roberts the opening may have been delayed another year.
Just a reminder, the FSVA board meetings, held at the Idyllwild Ranger Station at 630 pm about six times a year, are open to active volunteers. This is a great opportunity to hear from Andy Smith and other staff members on what is going on around the forest. It will also give you an inside look into the management and activities of the FSVA behind the scenes. Think of it as a back stage pass! Just ask any board member or coordinator when the meeting will be held. Visitors will be given an opportunity to ask questions during the comment period at the end of the meeting.
Patti Hudson and Robin Roberts are now in full swing with the interpretative programs. Check out the volunteer calendar for a list of events. Take a look at the FSVA bookstore and gift shop pages on Facebook for updates on the bookstore and Smokey Bear. Jana Desrocher runs the bookstore and gift shop at the ranger station in additional to being secretary of the Board.
Vice Pres and Parade Coordinator, Karleen Esparza, is still looking for Parade volunteers if you know anyone interested.
Social night at Idyllwild Brew Pub has started again and the next one is June 09, 2018 from 600 pm to 800 pm. They are the 2nd Saturday of the month. This is just a relaxing time of get together with other volunteers, talk about whatever and have some great beverages and food. The best time to arrive is between 600 pm and 630 pm if you don't want to miss anyone.
In closing I just want to say again, without all of you the FSVA would not exist and the San Jacinto Wilderness would be a sadder place. Thank you for what you do.
I hope to get an opportunity to see all of you this summer, hopefully out on the trail! Have a great summer and stay safe!
Bob Romano, President FSVA, garnervalleyhiker@yahoo.com