September 3, 2000
Los Altos, CA 94024
Mr. Mike Dombeck, Chief
USDA Forest Service
P.O. Box 96090
Washington, DC 20090-6090
Subject: Misuse of Lower Hopkins Lake in Sierra National Forest by Horse Packers
Dear Mr Dombeck:
I camped at Lower Hopkins Lake in the Sierra National Forest in California during a recent backpacking trip. This lake is a beautiful gem nestled among the peaks. Unfortunately, if you look closer at the edges of the lake you find massive overuse. The horse packers and their clients have severely trashed this lake. The campsites are over used, and the horses have destructively grazed the west side of the lake. The steep trail from Hopkins Creek up to the lake is also overused and littered with horse dung. It is clear that campers at this lake violate the rule of no camp fires above 10,000 feet (Lower Hopkins Lake is at elevation 10,354 feet).
I believe that you have a double standard when dealing with foot hikers and horse packers. You require humans to camp and defecate at least 100 feet from the trails and sources of water. I agree with this rule and believe that this is wise forest policy. On the other hand, you have no such rule that requires horse packers to control their animals to the same requirements. The consequence is that these animals do excessive harm to the forest environment, often concentrated in places like Lower Hopkins Lake.
I request that you take two actions. First, Lower Hopkins Lake needs special attention now. It will be necessary to restrict camping at this lake until it is restored to a more natural state. Second, you need to rethink the USDA Forest Service policy on horse packers. Consistent rules that protect the Sierra National Forest need to be put in place that insure packhorses cause a minimum of damage, to prevent overuse such as currently present at Lower Hopkins Lake.
I also have written my congresswoman to protest the situation with horse packers, particularly at Lower Hopkins Lake. I feel strongly that something needs to be done at once.
Sincerely,
John W. Reed
c: The Honorable Anna G. Eschoo
U.S. Forest Service, Pineridge Ranger District