Shasta-Trinity, volunteers and Tribal partners restores Natural Bridge

 

ByMonique Rea

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

 

HAYFORK, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2024) –  Shasta-Trinity National Forest Service employees, volunteers from the Northwest California Climbers Coalition, the Lassik Band of the Wylacki-Wintoon Nation, Inc., the Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu Nation, and the Wintu of Hayfork on Native Ancestral Lands worked in collaboration to conserve a culturally significant site known as Natural Bridge, July 13, 2024.

Natural Bridge is a limestone formation in Hayfork, created by water eroding the rock over time leaving an array of textures and colors on the weathered rock face. The Wintu people, whose traditional homelands include Natural Bridge, refer to the location as “Kok Chee Shuhp Chee” or “Bundle of Hides,” a name influenced by the geologic features.

A person climbing a limestone formation

A volunteer climber scales Natural Bridge to help remove climbing equipment. USDA Forest Service photo by Monique Rea 

 

 

While the beauty of the rock formation is admired by all who visit, Natural Bridge has a tragic backstory. In 1852 it was the site of the Bridge Gulch Massacre. Many of those killed were women and children, and very few people present at the time of the massacre survived. Settlers seeking a Native individual accused of murdering a fellow settler were responsible for the massacre and the accused individual was never found at the site.

 

 

 

 

 

Tribal members from the Lassik Band of the Wylacki-Wintoon Nation, Inc. cleansed Natural Bridge of negative spirits before volunteers started work to conserve its face. Descendants of those whose Ancestral Lands span in the area have periodically performed cleanses on the bridge since the massacre of 1852.

Previous visitors unknowingly defaced the feature by installing climbing bolts, carabiners, and permadraws. The climbing anchors introduce foreign minerals and overtime create rust seepage on the limestone. The volunteers from the Northwest California Climbers Coalition removed the bolts, carabiners, and permadraws, and restored the face of the limestone cave by filling in the holes with a specialized epoxy.

Climbing equipment like caribiners and permadraws in a pile on the ground

Equipment left behind by climbers is removed by volunteers to conserve the limestone formation. USDA Forest Service photo by Monique Rea 

 

While visitors and recreators want to get the most out of their hikes and climbs, it’s important to follow the Leave No Trace while on federal land.  This includes not touching or disturbing cultural and historical sites, as well as leaving nature the way you found it.

 

 

These principles especially important since archeology sites are considered nonrenewable resources that are protected under federal law, said Matthew Padilla, archeologist and heritage program manager for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

 

 

"Think of the rush of excitement you had when you picked up that artifact—arrowhead, unique glass bottle etc. The reason you had your positive experience is likely because someone else before you made a conscious decision to not pick it up and take it home,” added Padilla.

Natural Bridge Picnic Area and Interpretive Trail are located southeast of Hayfork, off Wildwood Road on the Hayfork Ranger District. Please remember to utilize the “Leave No Trace” Principles when visiting any National Forest System land.

“Remnants of the past are all around us, if you stumble across an archaeological site, enjoy your discovery, take pictures, but leave everything undisturbed.”