BELLEMONT LINE; WING MOUNTAIN AREA. NEW FINDINGS, AND ADVICE ON FOREST ETEQUETTE
Whenever possible, I take a trip to the Bellemont area and explore Wing Mountain. On one of my recent trips, I found what to me looks like a Saginaw spur. A note of caution; the Saginaw reached in and harvested this area several times, including 1924-1929. This timeframe is significant, in that most of the forest operations were mechanized, using Caterpillars and trucks. However, a central core rail line weaved throughout the area, Trucks would haul the logs to the rails, which was then shipped by rail from the forest to the mill in Williams.
It is possible that this highlighted area was a truck road. I think of it this way; some people believe in dragons, other's unicorns. This is my unicorn; I found it and now I will call it a rail spur. A fragile belief, but nevertheless it helps me get up in the morning.
This particular spur connects with FR222A, near the location identified on the map. It is not marked, so some searching will take place. This forest road/spur heads up the grade, parting at the crest in two directions. This was probably the direct link to this area when it was harvested in the late 20s.
Map courtesy Google Maps
LEFT ROAD
The left road has the same general appearance as the first.
This part ends on Little Wing Mountain
Looking back at the road. It has some of the tell-tale signs of a Saginaw grade.
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ADVICE AND PERSONAL CONSTERNATION REGARDING FOREST ETEQUETTE
I have been spending my time researching the Wing Mountain area. This was the last section, including Fort Valley, where the Saginaw logged the Bellemont Line. There are a number of historical areas that need to be left for future generations.
The National Forests are held in trust to be used wisely so that sustainable yields can be harvested from the trees. In addition, historical areas of significance need to be protected. Added to this are the requirements to allow recreational opportunities for all citizens. In order to meet these goals, there must be a level of trust and appreciation between the Forest Service and the public.
During these visits, I was struck by the profound changes that are occurring in the forests. One such change has been the closing of the area in Bellemont directly North of the service station. The land is now double fenced, clearly marked, and access roads have been closed with large boulders.
From what I have witnessed, the homeless encampments have become a serious issue. I will define it as illegal camping. This includes extended stays beyond 14 days, damage to the surrounding area, and the lack of clean-up and disposal of trash. The Forest Service has been very active in removing these campers and restricting access. Along with fines and constant patrols, these are the only tools available to deter the problem.
Therein is one of my major concerns: restricted access. In order to control the problem access becomes more constrained. From personal experience, having lived some forty years in the Pacific Northwest, I watched the forest and private lands become fenced, gated, and severely controlled due to careless use by the public.
This should not be the outcome here in Arizona. However, in just two trips I found trash piles, old tents, trees that were scarred, and campers deep within the forest appearing to continue the same careless patterns. I also found a campfire that was not properly extinguished, and it could easily have spread to the surrounding area. I used four water bottles and a half hour of my own time putting out the embers. This is not the conduct of hunters and their camps. This is the general public, and more specifically illegal campers.
What can we do? Support your Forest Rangers, call when you see an issue. Talk to and educate your friends. Make it a priority to respect the forest. It is beginning to start here; roads closed, areas off-limits. Contact the Forest Service to see where you can volunteer.
Large area closed
Forest road closed
Forest road closed
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