Flatiron Dot/Arrow Removal

[syoung]

Meet at the Mining Camp @ 7am. Today Rick Vincent counted 107 and JuanJaimeiii counted 108; suffice to say we need a small army out there. Reports have been submitted to the FS (thanks JuanJaimeiii) so now just comes the elbow grease. We need some http://www.homedepot.com/p/Citristrip-1 ... /100164441 , old towels, brushes to scrub with, and a ton of water to wash it all away.

[chumley]

Does anybody have a connection to Home Depot or other supplier -- or perhaps even the WM Barr Co (manufacturer)? It might be worth asking for a donation of some of the product. It's a good marketing opportunity if it can be publicized somehow.

Wouldn't hurt to get the FS to issue a press-release either. Part of the education campaign that this sort of thing isn't allowed and add kudos to suppliers who donate to the cause. If the press release gets picked up in some local media it would be a big help. Just a thought...

[outdoor_lover]

You'll have to Set a Date before the Event will "Unlock" and People can sign up...I would talk to the FS about a Press Release and coordinate with them before setting a Date...This definitely needs to be covered somehow by the Press and let's start getting this Crap Publicized. And while we're at it, we can maybe put a shameless Plug in for a certain Hiking Website...

[chumley]

Just to follow-up on this a bit. I just did a web search for the Flatiron hike (believe it or not, there are people who find out about it from websites other than HAZ.) Except for one other prominent hiking site that also takes time to criticize the presence of the dots and arrows and inform users that it is illegal, EVERY SINGLE DESCRIPTION ONLINE specifically tells potential hikers to find the route by following the white or blue dots and arrows! (I'm talking three pages of Google results. Hiking specific sites, Yelp reviews, blogs, etc. Everything! They ALL say to follow the dots and arrows!)

With that kind of publicity, it's no wonder that people think it's the right thing to do to paint them there once they have been removed. This will keep happening!

In my opinion, the first step is installation by the FS of a permanent sign at the wilderness boundary (think metal sign, set in concrete) that communicates to the masses:

1. The trip to the Flatiron is in a federally designated wilderness area
2. It is not a maintained trail.
3. The route is NOT MARKED.
4. Any attempts to mark the route with paint, carvings, or other permanent means is illegal (cite relavant statutes and penalties)
5. 15-person group limit (add this for good measure)

Until this is clearly communicated and visitors begin to learn this, it will continue to occur.

[Sredfield]

#6. GPS tracks of the route are available for download to your device from ......

[Bradshaws]

I wish I could make this one but injuries and work are keeping me from attending but remember to bring a lot of water, stainless steel brushes and a feces load of patience (for the paint and the people) ;) Good luck and I hope this clean up lasts longer than our last endeavor

[AZLumberjack]

I added my name to the "Interested" column only out of habit, I am unable to participate in the cleanup as I'm still in Minnesota but wishing I was there to help out.

[JuanJaimeiii]

Skip the Citristrip we found a superior product. Krud Kutter Graffiti Remover. Way more effective and doesn't leave as much residue. I took back 5 cans of Citrisrtip I had for Saturday and bought a bunch of this stuff. Trust me on this one!

[AZLumberjack]

Actually, I participated in the previous clean-ups because I figured that this was the only time I could keep up with JJ and Rick Vincent on the Siphon Draw Trail......

[JuanJaimeiii]

Rick Vincent is going to go up early. I may join his as tomorrow is going to be a hot one. If I don't get up that early I will be a part of the 7am crew. Currently there are about 12 between the start and the saddle. Rick is going to start from the top down. I will continue from where I left off and head up from there. Pam could start at the bottom and work up. For Sam and any additional folks it would be best to work between where I am and where Rick is.

[outdoor_lover]

I will be at the Mining Camp by 5:00 A.M....So if someone would be so kind as to bring me a Bottle of Cleaner with them, they can toss it to me as they blow on by...It's too hot to start at 7:00

[Thoreau]

Really getting sick of seeing my favorite local hike defaced... and so frequently.

[outdoor_lover]

@Thoreau
It's Clean now...We'll see how long it lasts...From what I heard today, the Forest Service needs to pay the Rangers at Lost Dutchman State Park a visit....