Architectural drawing of the proposed Visitor Information Kiosk to be built on the northeast corner of the Flying J property near Interstate 5. The kiosk is designed to create a welcoming gateway to the Mountain Communities and to the attractions of Kern County.
Michael Berg, Executive Director for the National Forest Association, Los Padres (an affiliate of the California Trail Users’ Coalition) has applied for a grant to produce a video about Native American history in these mountains for the proposed Visitor Information Kiosk in Lebec. The Kiosk is to begin construction this summer. Berg is also seeking funds to create an interpretive trail near Chuchupate in Lockwood Valley.
The trail system is in memory of Los Padres Forest Botanist Mike Foster who who died while on duty at Chuchupate in 2005. Foster was an inspiring naturalist fondly regarded by the community and his colleagues. He sketched the design for the trail system before his death.
The project includes a trail accessible to the disabled and native plantings with rare native species with interpretave signage to educate about native plant communities and human uses by Native Americans. The plans include an amphitheater to accommodate about 75 people, benches and toilet facilities.
Berg also reports that his organization is researching the potential of assuming responsibility for re-opening Mil Potrero Park, a camping and RV facility west of Pine Mountain which contains a meeting hall, kitchen, water well and fully equipped public bathrooms.
"The entire California Trail Users’ Coalition Board, as well as the Executive Director of Taft Westside Recreation District will be meeting at Mil Potrero next Monday, April 30," Berg report. "It is our goal to decide then on our future activities in regard to Mil Potrero Park."
Taft Westside Recreational District owns the facilities and operated the park until it was closed, about five years ago.
Berg estimates it will take over $120,000 investment to repair and upgrade the facility.
If the park is opened again, it could provide attractive camping opportunities with amenities for families visiting the region during festivals and for enjoyment of the natural attractions often discussed in recent ecotourism forums.
This is part of the April 27, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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