The front road to Kagel remains a valuable alternative route to launch when Little Tujunga Canyon is closed or access from Antelope Valley is undesirable. Rain, fire, earthquake and other issues may soon see us needing it again.
The entrance to the road crosses the private property of Ron and Audra, under an easement from the forest service. SHGA vehicles recently using this easement found the owners quite upset with us, with charges of trespassing and threats to block our passage.
Student pilot Carol Gildersleeve made a fact-finding visit to Ron and Audra last week, and came away with a fuller picture of their concerns. The easement is abused by motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles that speed, raise clouds of dust, and call out obscenities late into the night. Audra reports being physically pushed out of the way by one fellow she confronted.
Carol explained that the SHGA is a self-regulating club that contributes money for the maintenance of the fire roads, packs out illegal dumping, provides fire watch service and stands for responsible preservation of the land. We do not wish to be grouped with wackos and drunks--and we are never anonymous with 20-foot-long hang gliders on our roof racks.
Ron and Audra now better understand who we are, and in fact said they now have no problem with our use of the easement. The club is considering a gift to them as a token of good will.
Members are asked to use the front route only when necessary, to drive slowly and keep the dust down, and to thank Ron and Audra for their hospitality if you see them.
Christian
Communications Committee
Use Advisory: Front Road to Kagel
Moderator: Chip
