The USFS Recreation Residence Tract at Haskell Creek is one of six USFS Recreation Residence Tracts along Highway 49. Residents own their cabins, and pay an annual fee for the use of the land. There are Recreation Residence Tracts all across the country and in Puerto Rico. In 2015, the Haskell Creek Tract was presented with the "Outstanding Tract Award" by the National Forest Homeowners Association at the annual NFH meeting.
Most USFS Tracts have tract associations. The Haskell Creek Tract Association has been in place since 1948, when the Tract needed a water system. HCTA maintains the water system and the tract roads. Annual dues cover maintenance expenses, insurance and NFH membership for the each cabin. Haskell Creek residents come together each Labor Day Weekend for HCTA Board and General Membership meetings, a silent auction to raise money for the Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department, a pot-luck picnic and games for young and old. Horseshoe games are legendary, and the rivalry between cabins is sometimes heated. Winners this year were Gerri Ahart for the women's tournament; HCTA President John Leonard, who beat Matt Ahart by one point for the men's championship; and Josh Leiker, for the under-twelve competition.
Sidney and Gabrielle Leonard, and their cousin Josh Leiker, sold raffle tickets this year for a dinner at Sardine Lodge. They raised $500.00 for the SCVFD, which was presented to Ron and Judy Ondrecek, SCVFD, at the picnic along with the Tract check. A "cache hunt" was organized this year with items to be collected and questions about the tract. The winning team,of three generations of cabin members, was headed by the Moresi's Granddaughter Molly McNeill. They made a few errors, but did an excellent job. Prize for the team was ice-cream cones at Bassetts. Tracy Leonard again organized the picnic, with face painting and games for both children and adults. A job well done, Tracy.
See photos by Jean and Lora Myles.
