March 1, 2025

Under a cerulean blue sky with white puffy clouds around twenty people met at BMDSF for a three mile hike guided by Rich Bucher of Cal Fire. We started up Mac’s Trail and within fifteen minutes people were shedding their outer layer in the late winter sun. There were frequent stops at various overlooks where Rich shared his extensive knowledge of the history and geography of  Boggs and the Cobb Mountain area as well as the reforestation plan for the forest after the Valley Fire. Rich explained the mission of the various Demonstration forests and the contrast between a Demonstration Forest and a State or National Park. A Demonstration Forest being a living laboratory for researching best practices for sustainable forestry to the benefit of both private and public lands, and is not taxpayer funded but self-sustaining through selective logging. One of the highlights of the hike was a stop at the top of one of the two Boggs Mountain summits where Rich pointed out major peaks in Mendocino National Forest and even a few notable peaks of the Sierra. At the summit the breeze picked up and people were adding back the layers they had removed on the way up while we started down the mountain and back toward the parking lot. Returning to our cars by around noon everyone thanked Rich and FOBM for sponsoring the event with the hope that they would soon return to BMDSF to explore further. Without exception everyone agreed it was a fun and informative morning. Watch our website and FB page for future hikes and other events.