Well, this one is simple for me. As the owner of two fairly small dogs, I’m dog-matic (yeah, yeah) about leashing them no matter where we’re walking. A recent case, Wolf v. Weber, put this debate into starker relief for local park culture, where the plaintiff (Wolf) suffered minor injuries as a result of being unexpectedly “bumped” by an off-leash dog while hiking on a trail in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Though Weber tried to argue that hiking in off-leash areas entails certain risks, the court ruled in favor of Wolf. You can read the official court opinion in full here. Consequently, dog-owners from now on can be held liable for incidents involving unleashed or “uncontrolled” dogs.
Leashing your dog might not only save you from a lawsuit; it will keep your beloved canine safer, especially on trails known for rattlesnakes, coyotes and the occasional mountain lion.
Over a decade in the making, the somewhat garish, land-gobbling “Savannah Oaks” project off Mulholland in Woodland Hills has been stalled, or perhaps stopped altogether. The development of 19 three- and four-bedroom homes was submitted in 2005 and has been met with several fierce obstacles and appeals from the surrounding community as well as the MRCA and the SMMC. Among the environmental casualties — besides the potential fire risks — would be fifteen protected coast live oaks.
We’re sad to announce the recent passing of Jerome Daniel, originally a Chicago native who moved to Los Angeles and, like so many of us, fell under the enchantment of our local Santa Monica Mountains and its many treasures large and small.
Daniel was a key figure in planning the Mulholland Scenic Parkway (where an overlook above the Hollywood Bowl is named in his honor), and went on to chair the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, where he oversaw the preservation of some 50,000 acres of parkland.
Suddenly, COVID masks became handy for another reason: the smoke-tinged air, through which ashes spun like grisly snowfall. While no significant fires have broken out yet this season in the Santa Monicas, those like the Bobcat and El Dorado fires, as well as all the others peppering the state, are but one facet of a general reminder of the dangers of excessive dry heat, and of climate change overall.
Mary Ann Webster’s article in the Summer 2020 newsletter addressed the considerations one should undergo when hiking, or deciding to hike, in such weather. Unfortunately, the recent death of a hiker in Calabasas made her words all the timelier. Trails closed through 5 pm after this incident, and during the heatwave.
The Wildland Urban Wildfire Committee was formed by Sierra Club California in July 2020, in order to address the flammable pitfalls and risks associated with “urban-interface development” — the fancy, bureaucratic name for places such as Malibu: outer crusts of suburbia. Ideally, these efforts will help substantially with our response time, and capacity, to combat any future fires, a problem that today is far less an “if” than a “when”.
The adult male mountain lion known as P-63, who’s found a way to cross the 101 freeway, has brought hopeful genetic diversity from the Simi Hills region into the Santa Monica Mountains.
The local mountain lion population is under increasing pressure from urbanization and development, but with plans such as the wildlife corridor in Agoura Hills, and the ongoing California Fish and Game’s review of whether to offer official state protection to the state’s six genetically distinct cougar sub-populations, we could soon see less inbreeding and vehicular deaths, and a slow but stable rebound for our lions.
Know the weather. During summer, temperatures in the Santa Monica Mountains can easily exceed 80°F during peak sun hours. Check the weather forecast before you go, and try to hike during the early morning or early evening when it’s cooler.
Dress appropriately. Dress in light, moisture-wicking clothing, and avoid cotton and denim. (This article explains nicely why it’s best to avoid cotton when out on the trail). Sunglasses and a hat or bandana are highly recommended, and be sure to slather any exposed areas with a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. A spare pair of dry socks to change into at your mid-point can help keep your feet happy and blister-free.
Hydration and nutrition. Potable water is available at spigots in various locations around the parks, but we caution against relying on these sources exclusively. Fill up your own thermos, bottle or hydration pack ahead of time, and it’s never a bad idea to bring more water than you think you will need. Pre-hydrate in preparation for your hike by drinking at least 16 fl oz before you leave home. It’s also smart to pack snacks, for energy boost and electrolytes; a mix of salty, fatty and sweet should do the trick.
Pack the right stuff. In case nature calls (more than it already has, mind you), bring your own toilet paper along with a baggie to pack out your used TP. Remember to bring bandages or wraps in case of minor scrapes and scratches or blistered feet. And, especially in these times of COVID-19, don’t forget the hand sanitizer and some kind of mouth and nose covering. Depending on the terrain and time of day, it may also be prudent to bring hiking poles, a tarp or umbrella for shade, and a headlamp (make sure the headlamp is charged). The Ten Essentials is an adaptable gear checklist that is worthy of consideration ahead of any hike, regardless of the difficultly or duration.
During your hike
Know where you’re going. Stick to established trails, and know your alternate exit routes ahead of time in case an emergency arises. Here is a reliable resource for local hiking maps.
Whether you’re bagging a peak or looking for a “bathroom”, exercise extreme caution when travelling off-trail. Turn around frequently to look at the route you came by, to ensure you can retrace your route from memory — it may look completely different from the other side. Going off-trail increases the risk of stumbles, injuries, snake encounters and more. Avoid putting a strain on search and rescue.
Take respites. On a hot day, rest breaks (ideally in the shade) are indispensable to help regulate your body temperature, allow you to grab a snack, and evaluate how you are feeling physically. They are also a good opportunity to soak up the many incredible views the Santa Monica Mountains have to offer, observe the wildlife, and enjoy (and maybe try to identify) the vast array of wildflowers.
Hydrate. Experts recommend drinking between a half and full liter for every hour of hiking. It’s not an exact science, as the amount of water your body will lose during your hike depends on the individual in question, as well as the air temperature and exertion level. Note that you can also over-hydrate: drinking vast quantities of water without also replenishing electrolytes (salts) may lead to hyponatremia. Keep your water somewhere easily accessible so you can sip regularly as you go. Make sure you have enough water for the return trek, as well — if you are running out of water, it’s time to head home.
Be aware of your body and others. Look out for other people in your group who are showing signs of problems, as they may not recognize these signs for themselves. Check in frequently to ensure everyone is faring well. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, fainting, fever, behavioral changes and more.
While milder cases of dehydration and heat exhaustion can often be resolved on the trail, heatstroke is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. And the damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death. Heat illnesses usually develop over time, so learn how to recognize the early signs, and deal with them before they have a chance to develop into something much more serious.
In the case of heatstroke:Stop hiking immediately. Find some shade, or create your own with a tarp, umbrella or spare item of clothing. Focus on cooling the patient’s body. Soak a bandana with cold water and place it against their neck. Make a plan for getting the patient off the trail as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to call 911 and get medical attention, as the consequences of heatstroke can be dire.
COVID-19 special safety
Share the trail. Maintain a distance of 6 feet from other hikers. Look for turnouts where you can safely step off the trail to let others pass.
Pick trails less traveled. Have a couple of alternative trails in mind, in case your first choice is crowded when you arrive. Or, research beforehand the varying popularity of certain trails.
Avoid congregating. Take care to not linger in parking lots, or at popular peaks and vista points.
If the trail or park is closed, don’t go!
Featured image: Topanga State Park, June 2020 | Photo by John Nilsson
Recently, we lost political pioneer, civil rights activist and environmental advocate, Councilwoman Rita Walters, 89. Not only was she the first black woman elected to city council, she fought passionately for the integration of school-busing as well as employment equality for black workers.
On the environmental front, she helped preserve the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park from an extended freeway, a battle which raged for thirty years. The Rita Walters Trail is named after her.
In February 2020, Ron and Mary Ann were featured — on the front cover, no less! — in their local community magazine, Culver City Neighbors. The article details the history of their decades-long relationship with the Santa Monica Mountains, including their accomplishments in trail building and environmental advocacy with the Santa Monica Mountains Task Force.
You’re out on a trail. Being the well-prepared hiker you are, you’ve packed plenty of water, and a lunch. Midday sun glares down, and shade — and your stomach — beckon. You stop and get out your sandwich in a baggy, chips, banana, oranges, and a plastic bottle of water.
No trash can. So, being the conscientious, eco-friendly hiker you are, you’re gonna keep your bottle, chip bag and baggy. But the fruit peels? They’ll biodegrade, right? You can toss them beside the trail, right?
*AIRHORN* — not exactly!
Many people assume it’s okay to leave “natural” food waste on trails or in parks, but it’s still waste. Discarded banana and orange peels are unsightly, and take years to degrade, particularly in Southern California’s dry climate. They are also alien items in the ecosystem, unfamiliar and harmful to our local wildlife, because our food scraps alter their natural behaviors, habituating them to humans and exposing them to predators and other dangers.
So if you see someone engaged in organic littering, what can you do?
We’re all familiar with the authority of the law. But there is also what is known as the authority of the resource, meaning we observe the higher impulse of keeping Nature pristine, because it’s nature.
Dr. George N. Wallace’s Authority of the Resource (PDF) describes a simple and kindhearted approach to educating others — friends and strangers alike — on reducing their impact on the wilderness, that can empower you to take action if you notice someone leaving their fruit peels behind, or behaving in some other manner at odds with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Consider taking this approach to help spread awareness among other trail users about how we’re all affected by the condition of our environment, in ways perhaps less direct but more powerful than a simple ticket.
1. Give the person the benefit of the doubt. It could have been someone else that caused the impact. People will be more responsive to you if you show them consideration and tact.
2. Build rapport with the person that you are approaching. Get to know the person. They may be new to traveling and camping outdoors and do not have experience minimizing their impact.
3. Stand side by side. Never confront someone eye to eye. Stand off to the side so the problem is out in front of both of you.
4. Educate. Teach people the reason why their impacts affect the environment.
5. Give an alternative. Lastly, try and provide them with an alternative, like taking pictures of an antler shed versus taking it out of the environment.
Featured image: Pt Mugu State Park, January 2020 | Photo by Rachel Glegg
