Over 150 volunteers from a variety of organizations spent the morning cleaning up decades of dumped trash on US Forest Service Pebble Plain land West of Sugarloaf on August 28, 2010. It’s amazing what a motivated group of people can do on a Saturday morning. Forty tons of trash, including 6 cars, 2 boats, 1 motorhome, and countless couches were removed from the San Bernardino National Forest land, sometimes referred to as “Moonloaf.” For decades this area had been used as an illegal dumping ground.

The Forest Clean Up was an impressive community effort that included volunteers and staff from: The Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, San Bernardino National Forest Association, US Forest Service, Americorps, SBNFA’s OHV Program, Big Bear Mountain Resorts, So Cal Broncos, Big Bear High School, Lindley Log Homes, and Big Bear Disposal. Thanks to everyone who helped!

Pebble Plain habitat is very unique and very rare, containing several Federally threatened species. The only place it occurs on Earth is in the San Bernardino Mountains, and the Pebble Plains in the Moonloaf area are among the biggest and best specimens.

The Forest Clean Up was an impressive community effort that included volunteers and staff from a variety of local organizations.

One of the large loaders that helped, compliments of Big Bear Mountain Resorts.

Six cars, 2 boats, and a motorhome were among the trash pulled out of the Forest.

When you started looking, you found trash everywhere. For years this area had been used as an illegal dumping ground.

Americorps Crews assisting with the Clean Up.

Lots of trucks and heavy equipment allowed the volunteers to remove a great volume of trash quickly.

Special thanks to Big Bear Disposal for their help with the dumpsters.

Thanks to Brad Lindley (of Lindley Log Homes) for his large boom lift that was used to remove some of the cars.

Five 50-yard roll-off dumpsters, totaling about 40 tons, were filled with trash and debris.

How it should look - nearby pristine Pebble Plain.

http://www.sbsun.com/ci_15762285

Time: Check in 8:30am – 9:00am at Chatauqua High School parking lot on the corner of Baldwin and Maple. Work from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

What: Help us clean up a portion of our very unique Pebble Plain habitat located on US Forest Service land West of Sugarloaf. A BBQ lunch for volunteers will be served from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. Bring good shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirts, sun tan lotion, and lots or water. Also bring gloves if you have them, and a good attitude. To RSVP or for questions call 909-585-3467.

What

When: Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Time: 6:00pm

Where: Copper Q in the Big Bear Lake Village

Details: We will have light hor-devours and drinks. Please RSVP by Monday August 23 so we are sure we have enough food. We might even have some fun, so please join us. We are only as strong as our membership. To RSVP and for questions, call Phil at 909-585-3467.

Find your outdoor activity among these Regular Events in the Big Bear Valley:

WEEKLY BIKE RIDES

Tuesdays, 5:00pm – Race Training Ride – Race-pace advanced road ride meets at Interlaken Starbucks. Derek Hermon: 909-866-8000.

Tuesdays, 6:00pm – Easier Tuesday Ride – Easier paced road ride, 25-30 miles, meets at East Boat Ramp.

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, 6:30am – Dawn’s Early Light – Intermediate mountain bike ride & pace, 10-20 miles, meets at Bear Valley Bikes. Clay Bennett: 909-866-8000

Wednesdays, 6:00pm – Recovery Ride – No racing, sprinting, or ego. 10-20 mile road ride with little climbing. Meets at Walgreens. Ray Discius: 909-866-6003

Wednesdays, 5:00pm – Teens & Kids Ride – 10 mile mountain bike ride meets at North Shore School. Roger or Kim Williams: (760) 662-1990 or (760) 662-1906.

Thursdays, 5:00pm – Bear Valley Bikes Mountain Ride – Advanced 10-20 mile mountain bike ride meets at Interlaken Starbucks. Derek Hermon: 909-866-8000.

Saturdays, 9:00am – Community Rides – Road & Mountain bike rides for all ages & abilities, 2-3 hours, meets at Copper Q. Big Bear Cycling: www.bigbearcycling.com.

WEEKLY RUNS

Saturdays, 6:30am – Running Amuck – Road run for all ages and abilities, meets at Mountain Fitness Center, www.mfcbigbear.com. Running Amuck: www.RunningAmuck.Shutterfly.com.

WEEKLY HIKES

Mondays, 8:00am – Monday Meanders – Moderate 2 hour trail hike, bring water and snacks, Adventure Pass required, meets at Convention Center. Janet: 909-585-8511, Dick: 909-866-9232, Mountian Top Hiking Club: www.mountaintophiking.com.

The purpose of the survey was to assess the best ways the Trails Foundation could begin the effort to rehabilitate this multi-use trail that enjoys spectacular views of San Gorgonio Peak, the highest point in Southern California. Once repaired, the Seven Oaks trail can provide a unique pathway for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers to travel between the Big Bear and Santa Ana River Valleys.

(View the latest Seven Oaks Trail Rehabilitation information here.)

Two more rides are scheduled for the following Saturdays on May 8th and May 15. Riders of ALL levels are encouraged to participate. Rides begin at 10am at the Snow Summit remote parking lot on Brownie Lane (behind Goldsmith’s). Registration, which is free and includes a free tee shirt, begins at 9am. A bicycle mechanic will also be on hand to help out with basic repairs. Discount bike rentals are available at most local rental locations. Helmets are required. The Community Bike Rides are sponsored by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, Big Bear Cycling, and Open Air Big Bear. Call 909-866-4607 or email philsueham@gmail.com for more information.