During late November and early December of 2008, a crew with chainsaws cleared trees and brush along two routes, totaling over three miles in length, on the Malan's Basin property.
This map shows the new clearings as well as those that were done three years earlier. Whereas the earlier clearings were mostly straight down-slope, the new clearings traverse the slopes, descending at an average grade of about 8 to 10 percent. One route is on the north side of Malan's Basin, beginning at the creek about 3/4 mile east of the campsites and ending on a ridgetop overlooking Taylor Canyon. The other route begins a quarter mile farther west at the creek in Malan's Basin, winds around the ridge to the south into Strong's Canyon, and ends abruptly at the property boundary. From there, flagging (ribbons tied to trees) marks a continuation of the route another quarter mile westward through National Forest land. There is additional flagging in other locations on the Malan's Basin property; not all of these locations are shown on the map.
The northern route traverses above Malan's Basin on the north side, descending gradually to meet the ridge overlooking Taylor Canyon. (This photo and the next four were taken on December 18, two days after the most recent snow. The average snow depth along the route was about six inches. For much of the winter, in years of average snowfall, this sun-exposed slope will not hold snow.)
One of the rougher sections of the northern route.
Looking toward Mt. Ogden from the northern route.
The top portion of the southern route traverses through the densely wooded slope on the south side of Malan's Basin. Deciduous trees and undergrowth have been cleared, but the tall fir trees have been left standing.
This view from near Malan's Peak shows the southern route winding from Malan's Basin toward Strong's Canyon. A portion of the older clearing along the ridge, immediately behind the big patch of fir trees, is also visible. The lower end of the new route is visible in the distance near the right edge of the photo.
Near the ridge on the north side of Strong's Canyon. (November 30.)
Logs have been placed across Strong's Creek to form a makeshift bridge. (This photo and those below were taken on December 6.)
This is one of the flatter areas, just south of Strong's Creek.
South of Strong's Creek, the route traverses through fir trees.
The side-slope increases as the route continues westward along the south side of Strong's Canyon.
These were a couple of the larger stumps from the newly cut trees.
This fir tree still stands in the middle of the route.
The flagging continues westward through National Forest land, heading for the ridge ahead.
Read more about this activity on Weber County Forum.
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Last modified 19 December 2008