Rolled Abandoned XJ Cherokee on Lefthand Canyon

[Max]

http://www.reddit.com/r/Jeep/comments/1esxnx/rolled_abandoned_xj_cherokee_on_lefthand_canyon

To continue from the other thread, I did not get the VIN from the Jeep.



LOCATION: 40.125275 -105.354627
It's on a narrow, unmarked, dead end trail between FS 288 and 287
Pictures were taken 31 March 2013


http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32111&stc=1&d=1369514528

[Jim]

Should we think about hauling it out and setting it at the trailhead and notifying the police?

Would it use the same wheel bolt arrangement as my YJ?

[Max]

Original post edited for more information.

[Jim]

Depending upon terrain, it'd be nice to get approval from the homeowner nearby to haul it north, across their property, and onto the roadway for a (city/county sent) flatbed to pick it up.

[Hypoid]

Should we think about hauling it out and setting it at the trailhead and notifying the police?I am leary of moving a vehicle without the owner of record being present. If it turns out to be stolen, my civic-mindedness could cost me more than I planned.

It looks like you have already determined if it is on private v.s. public property.

[Jim]

It looks like you have already determined if it is on private v.s. public property.

No idea public/private. It's close to private property but I do not know where the line is at.

[Beefy]

Has anyone notified the Forest Service? That'd be the first step....

[Hypoid]

No idea public/private. It's close to private property but I do not know where the line is at.

+


Has anyone notified the Forest Service? That'd be the first step....



Yup, there are rules to follow, regardless of jurisdiction...

[Jim]

I could see taking a drive up to it Sunday as I return from the recovery job with Kaleb and group. Anyone want to run up to get a vin sometime Sunday afternoon? No idea when I'd be available from the first project but I'd be in the area (and find this stuff a fun and good project to tend).

[Max]

Anyone want to run up to get a vin sometime Sunday afternoon?

I may be around, give me a call when you're here.

Also, the trail is a dead end. You can't tell from the 2D map, but the houses to the north are on a cliff higher up.

[Jim]

I just re-read my posts - yes, from the sound of them, it sounds like I could drag it out Sunday afternoon.

Not the case.

The first goal is to get a VIN and then talk to authorities.

[Max]

Depending upon terrain, it'd be nice to get approval from the homeowner nearby to haul it north, across their property, and onto the roadway for a (city/county sent) flatbed to pick it up.

In my last post, I was referring to what you said here. I don't think it's possible to go that way. You would have to go back the way you came, down the trail.

[Jim]

I hear you and understand.

I'll also check to see if I can find property lines and will compare them to your GPS coordinate to ensure it's on public property vs. private.

[Brad]

I am happy to lend a hand if I have the day off, provided the owner is present! :thumb:

[Beefy]

The Forest Service may already have all this information and be working on a way to get it out and/or charge the owner. Unless you just feel like wheeling, I wouldn't go up there just for a VIN unless you talk to them first.

[Max]

I always feel like wheeling. :thunb:

[Jim]

...and I'm curious to see Max's new ride!

[Java]

sounds like a stolen vehicle to me, but even if it's just abandoned it looks like a total drag out / winch fest that is going to be hard on your vehicles and a whole lot of work... but I don't see any harm in getting the VIN. I'd probably defer to Jeff's judgement on this one. Post up if you go, if I'm around I'd be into some recon. :thumb:

[xaza]

the thing is a total loss anyway, why not cut it into pieces and haul out in the back of a couple pick ups, take it to scrap yard to pay for a little gas. Of course would have to get thumbs up from proper authorities first. Would also be the least damaging way to get it out for vehicles and environment.

[Max]

If we go to check it out tomorrow it will be a decision tomorrow afternoon probably, so we won't be able to post it up as a run. Also, it will just to see if is still there, and to see if we can get some information off of it.

[Max]

VIN

[Max]

It was an adventure getting to it last night. Jim and I just got back from helping recover the other wreck up where Kaleb is when we decided at around 7pm to head up to LHC to see this one.

We met up with another guy in a Jeep and passed each other a few times on the trail before we told him where we were headed, he wanted to follow along and see the Jeep too. It was getting pretty dark when we got to the site where it was. Checked it out, got the VIN in the picture above and it was fully dark when we started our Jeeps up again to head back down the trail.

I gotta say, wheeling at night is fun! I was familiar with the trail so I wasn't too worried, but you gotta stay on your game.

[glacierpaul]

Very nice Jeep Max!! Should be a little more fun than the last one :). (yours not the wrecked one)

[Jim]

Very nice Jeep Max!!

I agree. Low use and clean. An impressive find.

[Max]

Thanks guys, I like it a lot so far!

[WDoG]

Interesting. I've never done a recovery/extraction before. Would it be smarter to cut it up like someone said or bring an extra set of wheels and tires and bolt them on so it will roll?

[Hypoid]

If you cut it into pieces, you need a way to carry those pieces off the trail. Some of those pieces are heavy, bring something to lift the engine, axles, e.t.c. Cutting an XJ into pieces is sorta messy, you will need a rake and some trash bags.

Never mind how I know this... :D

[Jim]

Would it be smarter to cut it up like someone said

IMO, unless there is explicit, written permission from the verified owner of the property (vehicle), said property is not to be degraded in any un-necessary way. No gratuitous breaking of glass nor bashing of parts. No removal of parts (items that might have value for personal gain).

The goal is to simply "relocate" / "move" said property from one, generally inaccessible to civic impound services, public lands area to another, readily accessible to civic impound services, public lands area.

The vehicle, which is to be assumed "abandoned", is not being "stolen" nor "vandalized" - just moved from one public area to another nearby public area. Reasonable due process to ensure the owner of the vehicle would not protest the move would be enacted upon.

[Colin]

I could help on a sunday if there will be a group going that has all the legal stuff figured out.

[Jim]

all the legal stuff figured out

I focus on your word "all"... This, as I can envision it, would be highly unlikely.

"Reasonably figured out" is the best I can think of.

I'm open for suggestions to move from "reasonably" to "all".

[Java]

That is a great Jeep, Max!! Those AEV rims are sweet.

[AccordRanger]

I would be willing to drive up and ride the trail with someone if we get permission to move it depending on the day.

[Backcountryislife]

I'm up for some help as well. Also hear there's a durango on mclellan too... unreal how people think they can get away with leaving vehicles like this.

[Max]

I wonder if it's still up there...

Does anyone see the original thread I mentioned in the first post in here? I couldn't find it, my posts only go back so far.

[Jim]

I've been thinking of it - `specifically after seeing the abandoned vehicle in the recent Hackett/Metberry report.

What Forest Service office covers Lefthand? I could send an e-mail to them.

While the main entrance may be washed out, the back way (where I've spoken to the homeowner for permission) might not be in bad condition (though I believe a full closure is in effect - no walking in).

Pix:

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0891.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0892.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0893.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0894.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0895.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0896.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0897.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0899.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0900.jpg

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2013-06-09--lhc-abandoned-vehicle-scouting/img_0904.jpg

[Max]

Roosevelt National Forest

Boulder Ranger District (http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQ oYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8%21/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjJNMD AwMDAwMDA%21/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=fsm91_058266&navid=170000000000000&pnavid=null&ss=110210&position=Not%2520Yet%2520Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Arapaho)
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
303-541-2500

Hey, I just saw that it's open to bicycle and foot traffic now. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28292

[Jim]

You gonna ride your bike back to it?

[Chris]

You guys know this is a 2013 thread, right?

[Jim]

Yep - continuing on the jeep removal - the pesky flood and shutdown is the delay in the middle...

[Brucker]

Out of morbid curiosity, why? The FS illegally shut down this area and promised our community a new trail, which they never came through with. And now, after the floods, they keep reciting that they have no money to fund a repair so we can at least have access to the area once again. And the home owners in the area can't be more thrilled. But they were willing to do enough for hikers and bikers to get back into the area. So why are you trying so hard to help those who continue to screw our community over? You will never get anything out of it except stress and pain.

Sorry but Lefthand/Carnage was literally my back yard while growing up. My parents still live in the same place. What the FS did to that area was illegal pure and simple. I spend years and $1000's (probably more than I care to know...) fighting for and doing what I could for that area just to have it stolen away. Yes, I know the Boulder district has fairly 'new' leadership, but dealing with them is the same. Just look at the Moffit area for another example. Boulder won't work with Gilpin or Grand counties.

[newracer]

Rumor is there may be a lawsuit soon. The state is not too happy with the FS either as they granted a lot of money for work up there specifically for motorcycle, ATV, and 4x4 use.

[Brucker]

Rumor is there may be a lawsuit soon. The state is not too happy with the FS either as they granted a lot of money for work up there specifically for motorcycle, ATV, and 4x4 use.

This makes me happy.

[Brucker]

Sorry for the earlier rant. All someone had to reply was 'trying to be better stewards of our public lands than the FS", and I would have come to my senses quicker. Max and Jim, I commend you on your efforts. But Boulder Ranger District can still suck it! :mad:

[Chris]

We ran in to difficulty getting FS approval to remove the Bronco II from Barbour Fork that sat there for 7 years due to State requirements. Basically they have to search for the owner which is a mutli-step, time-consuming, expensive procedure. Brant was successful in getting the Idaho Springs police to declare it junk rather than an abandoned vehicle. That's probably the best procedure to follow for this.

[Jim]

Max and Jim, I commend you on your efforts.

I understand your post wasn't directed at "us" but rather was at the FS - no worries. My only comment, which does not address the issue of FS / funds / lawsuit, etc, is that the jeep was left / abandoned (and then stripped) by either ROYALLY INCONSIDERATE AND CRIMINAL "wheelers" or a thief (stole the jeep and trashed it). Either way, it reflects poorly on "wheelers" such that anything "wheelers" can do to improve things, that would be good.

[dieseldoc]

One would th9no that after a vehicle sits in public lands for over a year the FS/BLM would have it declaired junk or abandoned so it can be removed.

Jim- the suburban at the bottom of Hackett has been there for years!
It's been burned stripped and shot to swis cheese yet we can't get permission to get it out.
I know predator off road has adopted this trail, I bet they have been wanting to get this thing out.

[Max]

I like helping people and doing good things for my community. Also, I find things like this enjoyable.

[Jim]

Also, I find things like this enjoyable.

Right up there is removing large tress from a trail, in the rain, at night, wearing sunglasses...

Did your jeep have a full tank of gas and a half a pack of cigarettes in it?

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2014-05-24--t33-with-max/img_1894.jpg

[Max]

https://fringefocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WereOnAMissionFromGod_BluesBros_Poster_Metallic.jp g

[Tom]

Rumor is there may be a lawsuit soon. The state is not too happy with the FS either as they granted a lot of money for work up there specifically for motorcycle, ATV, and 4x4 use.
Trailridge Runners, the club that stewards Lefthand is starting a concerted effort to get it reopened.

[Jim]

Tom, and everyone else, I started a new thread for "News on on getting Lefthand Canyon reopened" as I'd like to know of what's progressing.

If anyone has news, please post it up!

www.FrontRange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?24759-News-on-getting-Lefthand-Canyon-reopened (http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?24759-News-on-getting-Lefthand-Canyon-reopened)

[newracer]

Trailridge Runners, the club that stewards Lefthand is starting a concerted effort to get it reopened.
Not starting, they have been working on it forever. That is who I heard about the lawsuit from.

[Chris]

Isn't there one on Argentine as well or has that been removed?

[dieseldoc]

We were up there yesterday.
Didn't see any vehicals other than on the road.
A WJ at the 1st ore pile but we didn't see evidence that it was there with fresh tracks???
We did,see an XJ on the main road with fresh tracks.

[Tom]

Isn't there one on Argentine as well or has that been removed?
Removed a couple years ago.