Hoodenpyl property as viewed from Gasquet Flat Road.

In 2002, SRA launched an initiative to protect public land within the Smith River National Recreation Area boundary by conserving high priority properties. Results include protection of the Goose Creek Tract along the Smith’s largest tributary (9,500 acres) and the Agnew Timber Tract within Hurdygurdy, Little Jones, and Siskiyou Fork drainages (5,400 acres). We are thrilled to report an addition to the list.

Although it may seem small by comparison, the 18-acre Hoodenpyl property provides significant conservation benefits by protecting 1,500 feet of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Smith River. Connectivity with adjacent public land ensures that the north bank of the Smith will remain undeveloped for several miles below the North Fork confluence. One of the most beautiful and accessible regions in the watershed, the Middle Fork Smith is a beloved year-round destination for fishing, kayaking, rafting, swimming, floating, snorkeling, and other recreational pursuits.

Hoodenpyl property location.

The land contains two former river terraces dominated by Jeffrey Pine woodland and upland Douglas-fir forest. Among the namesake trees are fine stands of white oak, bunchgrass, manzanita, and serpentine-adapted rarities like Bolander’s lily and Siskiyou Mountains willowherb. The property was recently littered with hundreds of yards of abandoned cable and plastic water pipe.

Del Norte Fire Safe Council Coordinator and volunteer Aaron Babcock with plastic water pipe he recovered from around the property.

Earlier this year, a capable team of Gasquet volunteers took on the difficult task of collecting and removing all the plastic water pipe. Then, anticipating autumn rains that could render the access road impassable, we reached out to Six Rivers National Forest for assistance. Gasquet Ranger District Fire Management Officer Duane Franklin swiftly assembled fire crew members who met SRA staff at the project site to recover, coil, and load approximately 1,000 pounds of cable. SRA staff then hauled the cable to the Transfer Station for recycling.

Gasquet Ranger District fire crew with one of many heavy coils of recovered cable.

We are exceedingly grateful to donors like you who enable SRA to plan and implement these priority purchases; to Six Rivers National Forest for their cooperation and partnership; and to the outstanding volunteer team who helped with cleanup.