Outside Insider
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Get the inside perspective on what's happening on the outdoor scene. Weekly column by Ray Ford explores a variety of issues and topics.
Coming Like a Freight Train
The Time to Prepare for Post-Gap Fire Impacts Is Now
New County emergency post-fie plan deals with the impacts of the Gap Fire which could be heading our way once the rainy season begins. Read story.
First Look at the Gap Fire's Aftermath
With Wet Weather Coming Soon, What Will Happen to the Canyons Above Goleta?
With wet weather coming soon, what will happen to the canyons above Goleta? Read story.
Learning from the Gap Fire
Probably no one had the anniversary of the Zaca Fire on their mind two weeks ago when smoke was first spotted near the top of the mountains. Read story.
Hot Days, No Water, and Dead Dogs
Erin and Brian Caramadre are from Thousand Oaks, but they visit Santa Barbara often because they love our trails. One of their favorites is Romero Canyon because of the variety of scenery and the views from the top of the crest. Read story.
Trail Picture Becoming Brighter
City, County and Forest Service Reach Historic Agreement
Though it may not seem like it, a lot is happening on our local trails, including a new agreement among the agency partners. Read story.
The Lure of Going Lite
Shed the Pounds and Have Way More Fun
It no longer takes 40 pounds of gear to get out in the wilderness. With new technology, it's possible to shave your gear down to less than 10 pounds, not counting food and water. Read story.
Why Mountain Bikes Need Regulating
A Closer Look at the Front Country Trails
Ray takes a look at the reasons why we should be wary of mechanization of the front country trails. Read story.
Zaca Fire Impacts Drinking Water Treatment
City Confident Water Will Meet Strict Health Standards
Ray takes a look at how the Zaca Fire has impacted local water resources. Read story.
Go Online, Get Outdoors
Check out our new online outdoor guide. Read story.
A Spring Season Without Wilderness Trails?
Leadership Team Will Evaluate Burned Area Trails Soon.
Within the next several weeks Forest officials will make decisions about which parts of the wildernesses burned by the Zaca Fire will reopen for use. Read story.
Trails Council Honors Kalon Kelley
Kelley honored for his long time trail efforts.
As is often the case, many of those who have the most impact in our community are those who you hear little about. Kalon is one of those: dedicated to caring for our local trails and opening new ones for the public, he does it in a quiet and effective way. This Monday the Trails Council will present its Environmental Award to Kalon for these efforts. Read story.
Trail Organization Slammed For Supporting Multi-Use
Montecito Trails Foundation criticized for its support of multi-use on the trails.
Ray takes on Montecito Journal writer Lynn Kirst who slams local trail organization for supporting multi-use on the trails. Trail cooperation and tolerance take another leap backwards, worthy organization's image is tarnished, all because of one person's antipathy towards mountain bikes. Read story.
The Ideal Trail Partner
It is Time for the City, County and Forest Service to Partner Up
Chairman Steve Forsell pondered what might have been the most important question asked yet. “Is there a group out there the three agencies can partner with?” he asked. Read story.
Forest Closure to be Reduced
Some parts of the forest will be re-opened for recreation but much of it will stay closed
Though it will be good news to those who want to get back out into Los Padres Forest, many will be disappointed at how little access will be allowed. What has been a summer-long closure of most of the Santa Barbara backcountry may extend thoughout the winter. Read story.
Task Force Blues
Is the Front Country Task Force Doing its Job?
One might have thought from the agenda that the Task Force was closing in on some sort of proposal the commissioners could take back to their respective agencies. This is definitely not the case: there will most likely be lots more of what are becoming mind-numbing meetings before any recommendations will be on the table. Read story.
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