Backcountry not set up for mass visitors

people to leave. They mentioned years past when crowds would march their sleds up to the top of the Julian cemetery and head down over gravesites.

Mountain area residents braced for the inf lux of visitors.

The long lines out the doors of shops selling fresh pies bursting with Julian apples — lines made longer because of social distancing protocols due to COVID-19 — were expected, and mostly appreciated by those who need the business.

Dolores Gomez, who runs the popular restaurant and store at Lake Cuyamaca below the hills of Julian, said the snow brought what she called a nearly overwhelming amount of patrons to them, and that she was “very thankful, because without the support they give us, there is no way I’d be here.”

But nearly one week after the storm, the snow giving way to sunshine and blue skies, residents were united in their concern over those who wreaked havoc, sharing stories of trespassers trampling the hillsides and revelers leaving litter behind.

“We aren’t Big Bear or Mountain High,” said Kathy Ewing-Finley. “We don’t have any designated snow play areas so when people arrive ready to play... their plan is already set on trespassing and illegal behavior before they even get out of the car.”

Eva Hatch, who lives in Julian and has a website called mountainmademe.com, said the backcountry is not designed to accommodate the spontaneous and large number of visitors.

“Our local emergency agencies are staffed to accommodate the local population, and staff is not increased on busy tourism days,” Hatch said. “There is no local government entity to clean up after the visitors. Additionally, we have no way to dispose of the trash left behind.”

Tracy Knapp, acting Recreation & Lands Officer for the U.S. Forest Service, who works out of the Descanso Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest, said that trash cans in all areas were overf lowing and that public bathrooms were trashed, which impacted staff and volunteers — already in short supply.

Knapp said she and rangers were also concerned about wildlife.

“They are drawn to the sites and eat discarded fast food in and around the trash cans, (items) that are not their natural sources of food,” Knapp said. “It is not good for the ecosystem.”

Knapp said that once the snow melted, staff could tell that people went astray from designated trails and roads, both by foot and by vehicle.

The trespassing damages resources and creates serious impacts to the environment. She said the idea of “leave no trace” is one that she hopes will catch on with visitors.

“Don’t make it look like you were there,” Knapp said. “Leave the area better than you found it. Stay up to date with our protocols, current restrictions and what trails are open. Respect any closures. We close things for public safety.”

Julian is not alone. Those living in the Mount Laguna area, which lacks the storefronts that Julian has, reported similar issues with trespassing, traff ic and trash last week.

Abdel said people need to understand the impact their visits have on San Diego County’s remote communities, public lands, state parks and open space recreation areas.

“We need (the public’s) help to protect and conserve our public lands and natural resources in the backcountry,” Abdel said.