Saguaro Coves Trash

[macinyart]

Monday, today, I went out to the First Cove on Saguaro Lake. At the bottom of the spectacular hill to the north of the cove there is a new collection of trash, no camera today so no photos. A fellow there said that he had seen the group that left the trash there over the weekend. Along the south side of the cove there is also a new collection of trash, but there wasn't as much trash as I thought there might be after a cleanup in the rain about a month ago. It was a bit disheartening considering the work put in by the cleanup group about a month ago. I spoke at some length with officers at the Lower Sycamore site cleanup recently and we discussed the activist actions of photo taking and the like. The advice given me was that it was not a really good idea, considering the possibility of an angry response. They do, on the other hand, respond to that type of report. If the telephoto lens were long enough it might be a viable course of action. I would be ready to scoot up a hill if I were going to do something like that though.

[SHNIPE]

Hey maybe we can put up Huge signs saying something about keep in the area clean... wait no the dumbfrucks will just shoot THOSE too :| These are two of my favorite places to go cause its easy enough that my friends can follow without effort. I hate seein how nasty they get. I usually come home with a bag full of trash in my jeep each time i go out (with the exception of a few times). SIckening really.

[1tuffxj]

I was thinking of heading up there this weekend, maybe next... maybe we can get another clean up going on....

[macinyart]

Saturday is out for me, I am participating in another public event, the wild life car show. I could see Sunday. Good luck on setting it up with this amount of notice. I tried the same thing with about twice the notice a few weeks ago and got a lot of grief for the "short notice". But those same guys were able to coordinate a trail ride in about two days. Interesting. Priorities is the issue. If you want, count me in for Sunday. It is easy for me to get there, I live in Fountain Hills. There is not even close to the amount of trash there that was present a month ago, but still could use a cleaning. There is at least a couple of pickuk loads there, maybe more. I have garbage bags and 4 "trash claws" to loan.

[Wind_Danzer]

I tried the same thing with about twice the notice a few weeks ago and got a lot of grief for the "short notice". But those same guys were able to coordinate a trail ride in about two days.

I don't remember giving you any grief but I remember getting a lot from those that did the clean up.

I really don't think you want to go there again do you?

As for the clean up, good luck. I'm stuck working or I'd be willing to throw down some.

[macinyart]

Wind Danzer,
I apologize specifically to you if you got any grief, I thought I had tried to be very careful not to mention any names but kept things on a general basis. In fact I'm pretty sure that no one was mentioned by name. As you may recall there were only four of us at that rainy day cleanup. At the time I was trying to elicit participation from our club for this badly needed cleanup, I was seeing posts from various members that the notice was too short. During those same days, other members, not necessarily the same as those saying the notice was too short, were making plans for a trail ride to be set up on a day or two notice. I thought it ironic to note the difference in responses to the different out door experiences. I was trying to address the issues of cleanup and the club's general response to this and influence members to attend something I thought important. I realize that the number of active members in the club doesn't approach the number of signed up members. This is true in almost every organization of a volunteer nature that I have ever seen. Various members have different approaches to the club and what it means to them and this bears on the numbers in the club.. I was trying to stimulate interest and participation in cleanups. I recently posted photos of Lower Sycamore taken a few days ago only about two weeks since a major cleanup where I saw members of other organizations in large numbers out there working their fingers off. I met a couple of members of our group there also. The issue of how to deal with trash in the areas where we like to go is a huge one. When I posted the photos of Lower Sycamore, one of our members said that he would be able to go in a few days, my response to him was based on my previous experience with trying to stimulate participation in a cleanup. I have about 15 photos taken this past Monday of different dump sites, most in the area that was cleaned two weeks ago. I would be happy to share them with you. Really, no grief meant here, just information. I am very concerned that action may be taken in the future that will close these areas based on trash. We are at the mercy of the slobs who do this since if we complain to the authorities too much, the "green" people use these complaints to advocate for closure. As I have stated in other posts I don't have a good final solution, but am willing to do my small part when I can. Thanks for reading this long rant, which endeth here.

[1tuffxj]

I didnt mean a clean up this weekend.... I was thinking about heading out there to play, and evaluate the situation, maybe plan a big cleanup a few weeks later... of course I will haul whatever I can out. But everyone knows that this area is the worse place to try to keep clean... What can we we do about this?

[macinyart]

I was thinking of heading up there this weekend, maybe next... maybe we can get another clean up going on....

Sorry, I misinterpreted this post. OTOH, it did help me make the point about the membership being eager to trail ride and not so eager to do cleanups. There are other off road groups that are very interested in cleanups and they were there a couple of weeks ago. I can send a zip file of the photos if you want. They were from Lower Sycamore.:)

[ROCKFAN]

There is an event out at the Coves this weekend - the XTerra Triathalon (an annual event) is being held on Sunday. This triathalon consists of a swim in Saguaro Lake, a mountain bike leg through part of the Rolls area (start from the BJ gate, head towards Beeline roughly parallel to Bush, then cut back roughly along FR13 and loop back to Pobrecito waiting area), then transition to a street run leg. We (the Dust Devils) will be providing trail support along with a local XTerra club.

Just so you know there will be others out there on Sunday. The last rider is usually off the course before noon, but there could be a straggler.

[1tuffxj]

what does everyone think of the first weekend in may????

[Jeeppeepin]

I think that sounds great. Let's get this thing going!
Sign me up. Keep this post updated

[YJunk]

Sorry, I misinterpreted this post. OTOH, it did help me make the point about the membership being eager to trail ride and not so eager to do cleanups. There are other off road groups that are very interested in cleanups and they were there a couple of weeks ago. I can send a zip file of the photos if you want. They were from Lower Sycamore.:)

I'll tell you what irratates me about this; its not the jeepers who are crapping this area up... its the campers and the party people who show up in their boats or roll out in their vehichles and stay all night. I get out to all the coves on a regular basis now, and try to pack out what I can, but I'm honestly tired of it.

When you get out to three and four, where the jeepers can make it but most others don't go... it's not nearly as bad. It's not us. Anyway's, sorry for the rant I'm just sick of the way it looks, but no matter what I haul out, it always looks the same when I come back.

On a different note I wish there was some way we could get that Chevy carcass out of that wash...

...

[SHNIPE]

Agreed that its frustrating that it isnt us causing the problem but that doesnt solve it. Someones gotta be the custodians around here. people dont care and wont care (in mass) until the areas are shut down. Then youll see the bithcin from the other goups. Th OHV crowd have to be the choir while the others dont have to listen or deal with the bullisht. But hell yeah it pisses me off that the other groups are left to clean up the mess. Makes you wish you could put signs out so they could see... oh yeah theyd just shoot them up anyway...

Im down for the first weekend in may. Ill put int he time off request now. Saturday AND sunday so i can play too :D


EDIT: Ok the first weekend is bad. the other manager is off for that week the 5th till the friday. So i wont have the WHOLE day off. If we wanna do a wheeling trip with it Im down for the second weekend if we can push it to that day. IF NOT I can still do the cleanup up until about 1:30pm as i will have to leave to go to work. I have NO problem either way. Id rather have a cleanup on a day that everyone can make it than try and push it back and have peopel drop out.

[1tuffxj]

Second weekend sounds good to me....

[YJunk]

Agreed that its frustrating that it isnt us causing the problem but that doesnt solve it. Someones gotta be the custodians around here. people dont care and wont care (in mass) until the areas are shut down. Then youll see the bithcin from the other goups. Th OHV crowd have to be the choir while the others dont have to listen or deal with the bullisht. But hell yeah it pisses me off that the other groups are left to clean up the mess. Makes you wish you could put signs out so they could see... oh yeah theyd just shoot them up anyway...

Im down for the first weekend in may. Ill put int he time off request now. Saturday AND sunday so i can play too :D


EDIT: Ok the first weekend is bad. the other manager is off for that week the 5th till the friday. So i wont have the WHOLE day off. If we wanna do a wheeling trip with it Im down for the second weekend if we can push it to that day. IF NOT I can still do the cleanup up until about 1:30pm as i will have to leave to go to work. I have NO problem either way. Id rather have a cleanup on a day that everyone can make it than try and push it back and have peopel drop out.

I might roll out really early one of those mornings to beat the heat... That way I wake the campers up when I run the hill between one and two :) "Hey as long as you're up why don't you help me clean up your ****" Actually I'll probably start farther back and get some of the boater trash out of three and four. It wasn't too bad the last time I was there but there were a lot of people up to the shore so it could probably use some touch up. This is all dependent on the fact that I actually find the time and energy to replace my tie rods, which for somereason are still sitting in the box :p

[defibvt]

Are you guys planning the 2nd weekend in May for the clean up. I might be able to get some of the Xterra guys and gals to show up. We were just there this last weekend and I personally was apalled (sp) the amt of trash in cove #1.

Let me know asap and I will post up on the Xterra site.

[Jeeppeepin]

Which ever weekend, I'll make time.
Just keep this thread updated:D
Rachel

[aszaunmi]

I will head out there this sat 5/13 if anyone wishes to go. I am new to this forum but would like to help out. I am in East Mesa and willing to meet early if people what to head out.

[tjjeepboy]

Anything firm yet on this, I used to help teach scuba class out there at the lake and id like to help on this, Ill drive up from tucson but i need to know whats going on for sure.

[SHNIPE]

tj,
check the scheduled runs section. Theres a cleanup going at 8am on the 20th. (http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=13159) figured id toss in the link just to make sure its there.

[aszaunmi]

I am going to try and make it out in my jeep. I ordered some parts to fix some minor damage that occured in Payette draw last weekend. If I get her together I will make it out. If not I may drive up in my car to help the clean up if I can jump in someones extra seat. If ya have an open spot and are willing to let me ride let me know...

Thanks, Andrew

[macinyart]

It might be a good idea to check into the "trash claws" available at the Dollar Stores for about a buck. It makes it easier to reach into the brush and will at least keep your hands a bit farther from the snakes. I found the trash claw more useful than a rake. Don't let the heat get to you. I came back to Wisconsin and Minnesota to a snow storm. Thanks for doing this cleanup.

[YJunk]

Hey, it was nice meeting all of you today...

[FrenchChili]

Yup,,,nice to see and meet more people.

[SHNIPE]

John it was fun watching you beat that lil YJ around and show us all what it could do! This was my first cleanup and it was awesome. I know there are some pics that were being taken. Im sure they will end up on here sooner or later.

[YJunk]

Yeah on the way out I managed to get YJunk "flexed" on the 4" tall curb in the parking lot. I'm pretty sure thats when Jeeppeepin called me "hard core". :)

[Jeeppeepin]

Yeah on the way out I managed to get YJunk "flexed" on the 4" tall curb in the parking lot. I'm pretty sure thats when Jeeppeepin called me "hard core". :)

:D Love ya man!

[FrenchChili]

She only loves the people she knows she can drive over:D

[YJunk]

:D Love ya man!

Sure, you say that now; wait until someone new shows up with Rice Krispy Treats. Nothing but tail lights man... :)

[Jeeppeepin]

Sure, you say that now; wait until someone new shows up with Rice Krispy Treats. Nothing but tail lights man... :)

Now that's funny! Bee line for those, baby! I'm a sucker for those:D .
Thanks Shnipe for your yummy sweetness. :eek:

Hey, they're good, what can I say????;)

[FrenchChili]

what can I say????;)

Nothing! Get your own; or poor Snipe's not gonna fit in his red shirts anymore. Then Sandee will think less people showed up at the meeting:D

[YJunk]

I'm so dissapointed: I wheeled a friend out to the first cove last night to show him the area we cleaned up (he's pretty green) and it was covered in trash again. I can only imagine what its going to look like after this weekend.

I'm probably going to make a quick run out some night next week and pack out a few bags. If anybody wants to join me let me know.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[aszaunmi]

I may head out there tomorrow afternoon with my dogs and let them swim in the coves... If so I will pick up a few bags of trash while I am there.

[YJunk]

I might see you out there!!

[aszaunmi]

I had to do stuff around the house. However I have all next week off. Let me know if anyone wants to go out. I am up for a nice morning or late afternoon run. Have trash bags, rake and some gloves if you need them.

[FrenchChili]

Let's post signs: !Live Video Surveillance In Use!

:D

[SHNIPE]

^^ Theyd just get shot up!

[aszaunmi]

^^ Theyd just get shot up!


I can make some quick signs up. However I am afraid people will just destroy them and then it will just be more trash to add to the pile.

[rustuck]

Next Saturday morn. is good for me. I was out there last weekend on a boat,and could not believe how bad the entire north shoreline was!! How much notice does the FS need to get a full blown clean-up scheduled?
-DJ

[FrenchChili]

I can make some quick signs up. However I am afraid people will just destroy them and then it will just be more trash to add to the pile.

Not if they are 1/2"thick steel:D

[aszaunmi]

Good Idea Frenchie. I dont have the equipment or materials to mak half inch thick steel signs. However if you can make those up it would be sweet. We picked up a couple bags of trash last weekend while doing the coves and then squeeze rock.

[FrenchChili]

We can't just post signs there. Who do we need to contact for approval? Also, the right words can make a bigger difference...not the usual crap: no dumping...

[PapaChili]

I thought about going this Saturday but being the 4th of July weekend we probably wouldn't make a dent. I'd prefer to schedule a well-organized cleanup that will allow more time for members to join in on the fun.

[YJunk]

Good Idea Frenchie. I dont have the equipment or materials to mak half inch thick steel signs. However if you can make those up it would be sweet. We picked up a couple bags of trash last weekend while doing the coves and then squeeze rock.

Make sure you forward your clean up time to hackle; I don't remeber the exact details of how this works but thoses hours spent cleaning up have a positive impact on funding for our trails...

Frenchy I don't think you can post on govt land no matter who you talk to... not to mention it won't make any difference. Who doesn't know they shouldn't leave their shnit laying around.

Any one have any ideas on how to get that big arse burned out wagon/suburban thing out the wash heading into cove 1... I heard it rolled and caught on fire. Don't know for sure but it looks like crap laying there.

[GLEN REAMS]

its an explorer and i was coming down that hill and watched the people they were comming back from the first cove and came around the corner right there and tryed to slide it and just went to far hit that little lip that is there that seperates the sand trail from the desert and they rolled it then i went back up to get a friend of mine and maybe a min later we started back down and it was in flames so we made sure they were not in it and kinda tryed to poor wated and beer on it and no use so we just watched it burn

[macinyart]

Isn't this just great. I wonder if the VIN is still readable. The owner should be responsible for getting it out of there? Thoughts? Anyone? Some years ago I came upon a crashed station wagon in the Camp Creek wash. I called the Forest Service and it was gone in about two days. On the other hand they could get a flatbed in to the wreck. Did anyone alert the FS?

[SHNIPE]

anyone want an 8.8 :D

[YJunk]

its an explorer and i was coming down that hill and watched the people they were comming back from the first cove and came around the corner right there and tryed to slide it and just went to far hit that little lip that is there that seperates the sand trail from the desert and they rolled it then i went back up to get a friend of mine and maybe a min later we started back down and it was in flames so we made sure they were not in it and kinda tryed to poor wated and beer on it and no use so we just watched it burn

That turned out to be a waste of good beer... Does anyone have the number of the FS handy... I'd be happy to call and find out if they are aware of it.

[macinyart]

Try this one
480) 610-3300

[YJunk]

Thanks Jack, I'll give them a call and see what they know...

[honaker]

Not quite the coves but easily filled two trash bags on the trail and cliffs at Saguaro Lake yesterday. The cliffs need to be vacuumed.

[paparonbo]

Not quite the coves but easily filled two trash bags on the trail and cliffs at Saguaro Lake yesterday. The cliffs need to be vacuumed.
Where are the cliffs at Saguaro Lake? I have been to the coves many times, but not familiar with the cliffs.

[honaker]

Where are the cliffs at Saguaro Lake? I have been to the coves many times, but not familiar with the cliffs.


Go to the marina entrance and then bear to the left. At the end of the parking lot, on the left shore line, just past the row of covered picnic tables there is a shoreline trail. Follow the trail for maybe a third of a mile to where it ends at the cliffs. Choose from 5, 10, 15 and 35 foot jumps. I have been going there since 1975 for refreshing fun in the sun. Wear an old pair of tennis shoes or water shoes as there is a fair amount of broken glass there. The water is deep and jumping is relatively safe.:D

When it cools down I would like to jeep back to the coves having never been there. Will a stock TJ make it?

[paparonbo]

Go to the marina entrance and then bear to the left. At the end of the parking lot, on the left shore line, just past the row of covered picnic tables there is a shoreline trail. Follow the trail for maybe a third of a mile to where it ends at the cliffs. Choose from 5, 10, 15 and 35 foot jumps. I have been going there since 1975 for refreshing fun in the sun. Wear an old pair of tennis shoes or water shoes as there is a fair amount of broken glass there. The water is deep and jumping is relatively safe.:D

When it cools down I would like to jeep back to the coves having never been there. Will a stock TJ make it? I was in my stock XJ. Stock TJs can make it to the first cove with no problems. There was a stock Yukon out there yesterday. I have only gone to the other coves once and that was in my lifted XJ, but I don't recall it being that difficult as long as you don't mind going up and down steep hills.

[GLEN REAMS]

just an update the burned up explorer is still out there on the way to the first cove and its ugly as can be and is making a nice home to about 4 rattle snakes

[OlneyJeeps]

Who wants to help pull it out Saturday?

[BEETROOT]

If someone tells me where to go, I could lend a hand.

[OlneyJeeps]

Obviousley new to club: never a shortage of people willing to tell you where to go:eek: :D :D :D (at least I've never had any problem):D

[BEETROOT]

:)

yep, new to the site and new to Jeeps in general, only had mine for about 2 weeks...

what time were you thinking?

[BRNZY]

I should make it. I was out boating last weekend and stopped at a couple of the coves. They are, to say the least .... disgusting with all of the trash. Maybe we can get a few guys together to get that burned up POS out of there. I am volunteering if I get some help. Maybe we can get it to the parking lot and the BLM can get it towed out.

[macinyart]

The Coves are managed by the Mesa Ranger District of the Forest service. Call them at this number: (480) 610-3300 and see what they have to say about the chassis. I bet they will take it over if you can get it to the parking lot. When Mr.and Mrs. JP, and Steve O and daughter and I did a coves cleanup this past spring, the Ranger people said, "You get it to the dumpster and we will tend to it". That's what we did. Please post on here what happens? I predict that the Coves will be an ongoing problem for trash. They are too accessible. The Forest Service doesn't have enough personnel to police it on a "realtime" basis. We will just need to step up and try to clean it periodically......or alternatively just let it go until noone can use it and then see what the public does. I don't like that one at all. Good luck. We are coming back early this year to get involved in this. Oh and by the way, welcome Beetroot. Glad to see you here.

[BRNZY]

As I mentioned earlier, I am game for helping to get it pulled out of there. Do we have a meet time yet?

[UGROWUP]

IF any one is still planning on going count me in. First I need something to do for the weekend and 2 I have never been out there. I know how to get to the marina but not the coves. I would need directions and of course a good date and time.
JCG

[BEETROOT]

Oh and by the way, welcome Beetroot. Glad to see you here.


Thank you sir.


Well if we are going to really try to get this thing out of there, how about 9am on Saturday? I have zero in terms of towing equipment, but I'll go to help out with whatever else I can do, and maybe defend against those rattlesnakes :eek:

Roll call...

me
jeeperCG
BRNZY

[UGROWUP]

Towing equipment? What's this? I have a jeep and a rope. What more do you need?

[BEETROOT]

My Jeep didn't even come with tow hooks, and I don't have any rope... so you are a step ahead of me...

[UGROWUP]

defend against those rattlesnakes :eek:

I think I can cover this area too. Now the only question is what Caliber?:rolleyes:

[BEETROOT]

cci .22 shotshells

[UGROWUP]

I was thinking more like 5.56mm Ball or .45 Golden Sabers. I don't play when it comes to snakes. I hate snakes. As long as they leave me alone I'll be fine.

[BRNZY]

I have a good tow strap. Maybe you guys can pick up one , or even a heavy-duty chain with some hooks. I was thinking maybe Sunday? I am in for sure on Sunday. Dont know about Saturday.

[OlneyJeeps]

I'm gonna try for 9am Sat at the overflow parking lot.
weather will determine what Jeep I take
I have straps, and a chain (additional chain would help though)
will post on old site

[BRNZY]

I guess Saturday it is. We will meet at the green gate ?????? 9am ???????

[BEETROOT]

I'll be there.

Are these directions right?

From the junction of State Route 87 ( Beeline Highway) and McDowell in Mesa, drive north 21 miles. Exit at the Bush Highway junction (which is the exit to access Saguaro Lake and the Lower Salt Recreation Area). Go 2.8 miles to the Butcher Jones turn-off and turn left. The picnic ground is two miles down this road, and trailhead is at the southeast point of the loop drive.

[lamanite480]

Are you guys meeting at Butcher Jones or Pobrecito?

[OlneyJeeps]

I put Probrocito, as I think Butcher Jones was closed. you would think they would have it open for the weekend, but just in case probrocito will be open. If Bjones is open we will proceed from probrocito to Bjones. Trip is listed on old site http://www.sosnws.com/ as "cleanup" 9-2.

[OlneyJeeps]

Posted run: http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?p=112905#post112905

does anyone have a trailer? I have M415 with open back (don't ask what happened to tailgate:mad: ) but was planning on using jeep to tow explorer (am locked front and rear with V8 / AT +35" MT's) up out of the valley. Other alternative: does anyone (that is attending) have receiver hitch?
Please post what your Jeep has and what you are bringing (strap / hitch / artillary:eek: ).
thanks

[macinyart]

You guys rock, I wish I was going along. It sounds like fun. I have a shotgun, works great on snakes, it doesn't even matter what you load it with. Even bird shot works from a nice safe distance like about 8 feet.:rolleyes:

[BRNZY]

I have a hitch. I can meet at your place to pick up the trailer. PM me with a # to call you, or call me. My # is listed by my signature.

[UGROWUP]

I'll have an extra Tow Rope and a come along just in case. And of course the Artillery. 80mm sound good or would 120mm be better?:eek: