Tevis Bulletin Board

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	Tevis cancellation doesn't stop annual party from the Auburn Journal. Click here to read the story ...
	REFUND NOTICE: At the Executive Committee Meeting on Monday July 14th, 2008 it was decided unanimously to offer full refunds to the riders entered in this year's ride. A refund letter will be going out to all riders in this week's mail.
	Status of the American River Fire Complex as of 7/14/08 afternoon: Gov. Springs/Westville Estimated Acres: 18,192 acres Containment: 20 percent 925 personnel assigned On the SE side the fire is near Sailor Flat. The fire remains 1 mile from Robinson Flat and is not actively burning that direction. The fire is burning in a NE direction with “Hot Shot” crews attacking the NE and SE perimeters. It is hoped to keep the fire from going beyond the Soda Springs road. To read Tues. July 15, 2008 Tahoe National Forest Report, click here. American River Complex is on the second page.
	AUBURN JOURNAL July 10, 2008 - Tevis Cup falls victim to the fires Forest fires in the American River Canyons forced organizers to cancel another of the Endurance Capital of the World’s signature events Wednesday. Read More ...
	2008 Tevis Cup Ride has been CANCELLED After much deliberation and careful assessment, the Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2008 Tevis Cup Ride. "It was a difficult decision," reports WSTF President Tom Christofk. "But after in-depth discussion today with the U.S. Forest Service, we have decided that any level of risk was not appropriate. The Forest Service has graciously offered us some options for re-routing around the now-closed Foresthill Road, but with that factor, coupled with current air quality issues and the on-going fire situation, we opted to make the conservative decision of cancelling the ride. Protecting the safety and health of the horses and people involved with this historic event takes precedence over everything else." Further updates regarding this decision will be posted on the Tevis website later.
	July 10th, 2008 - Ride Management and the Executive Committee are working on a demobilization plan. A definitive Refund Policy will be announced early next week.
	From the 2008 Tevis Crown Jewel Sponsor: Sheikh Sultan bin Suhaim Al Thani, Crown Jewel Sponsor, said, “My prayers are with the many families facing these devastating fires in California. Cancelling the Tevis Cup for this year was a difficult but necessary decision to ensure the welfare of all the people and horses involved. I look forward to joining the riding community as the Tevis Cup sponsor in 2009.”
	Placer County Air Quality Advisory - Click here.
	2008 Western States Endurance Run cancelled due to fire and air quality risks. To read the statement from the WSER trustees, click here.
	FILM PREMIERE - They Crossed the Mountains, a documentary produced by the Western States Trail Foundation which describes the history of the trail from Auburn through the Sierra, generally following the Middle Fork of the American River and the Foresthill Divide, is now available for sale in the Tevis Store. This 52 minute DVD can be purchased for $20.00, and proceeds will go towards Tevis trail maintenance and foundation programs. Click here to go to the Tevis Store.
	The Tevis Host Program, new for 2008, is for the benefit of out-of-state and foreign riders and their crews. The program is designed to offer services and information, and to welcome these people to Auburn and the Western States Trail. To learn more, click click here.
	Protect yourself against ticks. For more information click here.
	Western States Trail National and Historic Designation. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has introduced legislation to authorize a study for the designation of the Western States Trail as a National Scenic and Historic Trail. To learn more click here. For Bill language click here.
	March 30, 2008 Trail Work Update. To read more click here.
	Western States Trail – Fun in the Sun Awesome volunteer turnout for WS 08 Trail Event #3. Thank you! We had over 25 volunteers and we're able to clear trail end to end on the Cal Loop. The Peachstone Access, Elevator Shaft, Julie Suhr Water Trough, Cal 1, Sandy Bottom, and Ford Bar sections where cleared, brushed and general safety grooming was performed. To view pictures click here.
	View pictures from the WSTG BOG Chrismas Party here.
	December 10, 2007 –Horses for Healing Needs Your Help. Click here for the Auburn Journal article.
	June 19, 2007 – New Tevis Support Group launched at http://groups.google.com/group/teviscup. A support group for the organizers, participants and spectators of the Western States Trail Foundation 100 mile ride from Squaw Valley to Auburn California. You are invited to post questions, offer help and give advise for events and activities surrounding the Tevis Cup Ride. All you need is a Google account. Don't have a Google account? Click HERE to set one up. The board is monitored so your post might not show up right away.
	The Old Mill site in Foresthill is private property and a gate has been installed to curtail access by vehicles entering from Foresthill Road. WSTF obtains permission from the property owner for use of this site for the Fun Ride, Education Ride, and the Tevis but does not have use nor can provide access for individual training rides or other functions.
	Tevis Weekend MedEvac insurance is available for you and your family at a Discount.
	Tevis Training Notes: Guidance on doing the Tevis Cup Ride and on Endurance Riding in general.
	Join S.O.S.- the "unique volunteer riding group"
	2007-2008 Tevis Board of Governors

Tevis Home Page

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MedEvac at a Discount

Leaving the canyon on a medevac helicopter is not a prospect any of us wish to ponder. wup-wup

The odds are very small that you or a family member will need to be life-flighted out of the canyons on Ride Weekend, but if it were necessary (and depending on your health insurance coverage) the helicopter ride to the hospital could cost you $3,000 or more.

If the call goes out to evacuate someone from the American River canyons during the event, the folks who take to the air will be CALSTAR, the California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue service. Their helipad is visible from I-80, next to the Bowman exit just east of Auburn.

If your health coverage is limited or carries a high deductible, CALSTAR offers memberships that can be purchased online for $40/individual or $45/entire family. The coverage includes not only the entire Western States Trail, but any CALSTAR medevac in Northern California, Oregon and most of Idaho and Wyoming. As a Member of CALSTAR, they will bill your insurance plan (if you have any) for their services. You will not be billed for any remaining balance.Posted 6/7/03

BOXER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BEGIN DESIGNATION OF CALIFORNIA NATIONAL HISTORIC AND SCENIC TRAIL

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today introduced the Western States National Trail Study Act, legislation to authorize a study for the designation of the Western States National Trail as a National Historic and Scenic Trail.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), authorizes the study for a route that runs approximately 100 miles from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California. The study is the first step in the process of determining whether the Trail fits the special historic, ecological, and scenic requirements of the designation.

Senator Boxer said, "The Western States Trail is a nationally significant resource that highlights California's natural heritage. I am proud to introduce this bill to begin the process of recognizing this historic and scenic trail and appreciating its recreational values. This legislation will help ensure that one of the most beautiful areas of California can be enjoyed by runners, hikers, and outdoor-enthusiasts for generations to come."

"The Western States Trail is an integral part of California's history," Senator Feinstein said. "The 100-mile trail runs from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, complete with tree-lined summits, creeks and rivers, and sweeping vistas of the majestic Sierras. Today, the trail attracts hikers, runners and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world, eager to tackle the challenge of the Trail's rugged course. I believe that the Western States Trail is a fitting candidate to be designed a National Historic and Scenic Trail."

Since 1955 and 1974 respectively, the Western States Trail Ride and the Western States Endurance Run have both been conducted along the Western States Trail route. The Western States Trail has retained its 19th-century historic integrity and remained unaffected by roads or railroads.

The Western States National Study Act enjoys broad, local support from the Placer and El Dorado County Boards of Supervisors as well as the Auburn City Council.

Tevis Host Program

Local Tevis riders and supporters who are familiar with the trail and local businesses have volunteered to provide the following services during the week (or more) prior to the ride:

Escort and guide riders on pre-rides on various sections of the Tevis trail.
Offer advice and help in obtaining feed and hay, farriers, veterinary care, local stores, garages, restaurants, etc.
Help move rigs for pre-ride adventure.
Use of a swimming pool.

There will be a fully hosted barbecue at a private home (bring your swimsuits!) at 6:00 PM for foreign riders and their crews. For more information and to respond for the barbecue, contact Leonard Davis at 530.889.1909 or ldavis530@sbcglobal.net.

Placer County Air Quality Advisory

Contact: Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Heather Kuklo at 530-745-2339

Placer County Health Department at 530-889-7141

Advisory for Monday July 7 through Thursday, July 10, 2008

Widespread smoky conditions continue to affect Placer County from the valley floor to the Lake Tahoe area from fires inside and outside of the county. Average concentrations of fine particulates (PM2.5) continue to fluctuate throughout the day, with conditions ranging from hazardous to moderate.

With the continued smoke episode, Tom Christofk, Placer County Air Pollution Control Officer and Dr. Richard Burton, MD, Placer County’s Health Officer, are issuing this updated air quality advisory for July 7th through July 10th. The weather forecast for this week with the strong high pressure, very warm temperatures and little wind, combined with smoke, make for very stagnant conditions.

With cooler temperatures in the early morning, smoke tends to move down the western slope becoming more concentrated in foothill locations. In the afternoon hours and early evening, conditions appear to improve in the foothills as smoke rises into higher elevations, including the Lake Tahoe area.

The public is reminded to take common-sense precautions as Placer County will continue to be affected by very unhealthy or even hazardous air quality at times. If visibility is poor in your area, then you should strongly consider postponing outdoor activities until later in the day or when conditions improve.

Particulate matter, found within smoke from fire, contains a multitude of particles, such as wood tar vapors and toxic gases. Other pollutants found in smoke are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Scientific studies have linked the fine particles associated with smoke with a variety of significant health problems. Symptoms include eye irritation, throat irritation, and coughing. People with existing heart and lung disease, including asthma, may experience heightened symptoms. They should monitor their health and consult with their health care provider should their symptoms worsen. Even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms in smoky conditions. Seek medical help if you experience symptoms that worsen or become severe.

Dr. Burton and Christofk urge residents to keep in mind the following recommendations when they are in smoky conditions:

Healthy people should delay outdoor strenuous exercise.

Children and elderly people should avoid outdoor activities, particularly prolonged outdoor exertion.
People with specific illnesses, particularly respiratory problems, should remain indoors.
Using paper mask filters, which are not capable of filtering extra-fine smoke particles, and which restrict airflow, is not recommended.
Stay inside with doors and windows shut. Use the recycle or recirculate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. Avoid cooking and vacuuming, which can increase pollutants indoors.
Asthmatics should follow their asthma-management plans.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important for not only people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptom of such diseases.
Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Room humidifiers might also provide some comfort.

Use the following index to assess the air quality based on the visibility in a given area:

Face away from the sun. Determine visibility range by looking for targets that are at known distances (miles).
The visible range is the point where even high-contrast objects disappear.
After determining visibility in miles use the following Wildfire Smoke Visibility Index to assess air quality.

Visibility Range	Health Category	Cautionary Statements
10+ miles	Good	None
5 – 10 miles	Moderate	Usually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
3 – 5 miles	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
1.5 – 2.5 miles	Unhealthy	Sensitive people should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
1 – 1.25 miles	Very Unhealthy	Very Unhealthy Sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
<0.75 miles	Hazardous	Sensitive people should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Everyone else should avoid all physical activity outdoors.

Information will be updated and posted to the District Web site as available at www.placer.ca.gov. For general air quality information go to www.sparetheair.com. The Spare the Air website is a great site to monitor current air quality values for ozone and PM2.5. Smoke formation generates an increase in PM2.5 concentrations and the higher the concentration, the higher the Air Quality Index value. Before conducting any outdoor activities it would be prudent to visit this sight to review the Index and forecast for your area. If information is not provided for your general area, use the visibility index provided above to determine air quality.

Following is the Air Quality Index table for Particle Pollution for reference.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Index Values	Levels of Health Concern	Cautionary Statements
0-50	Good	None
51-100*	Moderate	Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
151-200	Unhealthy	People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
201-300	Very Unhealthy	People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
301-500	Hazardous	People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Everyone else should avoid all physical activity outdoors.

Head Veterinarian Recommendations Relative to Tevis
Dr. Greg Fellers (July 8, 2008)

For Those Who Desire to Ride Portions of the Tevis Course the Week of July 7th--

Due to the current conditions throughout the western slope of the Western States Trail (west of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area), it is recommended that riders take pre-cautionary measures in their decisions regarding pre-riding the trail. (Note that Foresthill Road to Robinson’s Flat above China Wall is closed at this date due to fire activities.)

The combined effects of high particulate matter (PM) due to the fires in the region combined with ozone and high heat will add stress to the metabolic capacity of the horse. Riding in the early morning at the lower elevations this week may be more damaging then in the early evening due to the concentrations of PM being elevated in the AM. The early evenings should provide lower concentrations of PM, but the heat and ozone combination need to be accessed. It is recommended that riders do not exercise their horses when the air quality is determined to be worse then “moderate” for both ozone and PM.

Generally, for PM, the concentrations can be determined by using visibility as a guide. If one can see for more than 5 miles then the conditions can be assumed to be at least “moderate”. For ozone, the Sacramento region provides a daily forecast which is distributed through numerous media outlets.

The pace for getting your horse out should be at a walk or slow trot, but be sensitive to the heart rate and recovery. Horses exposed to long periods of elevated PM concentrations ( which in the Auburn area have been around since June 22nd) would be expected to result in at least low levels of inflammation along the airways over much of the lung field. This will add additional stress by compromising the efficiency of the cardio-pulmonary system. Any attempt to be actually conditioning your horse for Tevis at this date is counterproductive.

To quote Dr. John Madigan of the UC Davis Large Animal Medicine Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, “My recommendation would be for the best interests of the animals that the human advisories on limited exercise on and outdoor activities be applied to the horses.” For additional information refer to http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CEH/topics-fire-smoke-guidelines.htm .

Ride Management along with the Veterinary staff is assessing the current and projected conditions on a daily basis with respect to determining the appropriate course action regarding conducting the Ride.

At this time, there is in place a definitive schedule for evaluating the risks to human and animal health, and should it be determined that the risks from active fires, ingress/egress routes, and air quality impacts be unacceptable, the Ride will be cancelled. That decision timeline has been laid out in other areas of this website.