When trying to work with Cal Fire to keep the Balch Park Pack Station operating for future generations, Dianne Shew said she's tried to do what she has done all these years when operating the station.
“I just try to take the high road,” she said.
The Balch Park Pack Station has been a beloved treasure in the area for about 50 years, providing back country day and longer trips by horse and mule in the Sierra Nevada. Tim and Dianne Shew have been operating the station since 1982.
But they say this could be the last year for the station if they can't work out a resolution with Cal Fire when it comes to having a livable space for operating the station. Shew said they had to sign a lease stating this would be the last year they could use the cabin they have been using.
The Shews say Cal Fire is planning to use that cabin for its own purposes. Dianne said they have tried to reach some kind of compromise with Cal Fire but with no livable space in the future there's no way they can continue to operate the station. “That pack station and that history – it will be gone forever,” Dianne said.
But as far as if this will be the last year for the station Dianne said, “We hope not. We are actually trying to be partners with Cal Fire and work with them.”
Dianne said they have given Cal Fire “a lot of options” when it comes to a resolution to the situation. “We tried everything,” she said.
While she said about Cal Fire “we're trying to give them the benefit of the doubt,” she admitted she's having a hard time with the stance she said Cal Fire is taking.
“I don't understand as well as we've been partners all these years,” she said. “It doesn't make sense. It's very heart-rending.”
And she stressed she's always been supportive of Cal Fire. “I love Cal Fire,” she said.
Cal Fire has yet to respond to a request for comment.
Shew said “I wanted to be here for another 10 years.” While she said she and Tim are in their 60s, their daughter and son-in-law are willing to take over the operation after they have to step down.
But Dianne said they had to sign a lease that states they will be allowed to use the cabin in 2025 but not in 2026 or after that. “That's the statement and that's what's in the lease,” she said.
She said they had no choice to sign that lease to keep their commitment to their customers for this year. The Shews operate the station from June through September. “We don't make any money up there,” she said. “We do it as a public service.”
That public service includes clearing the trails so people can go into the back country. Dianne said if they're no longer able to operate the station that work of clearing the trails won't be done. “If we're gone, the back country's gone for everybody,” Dianne said.
Others have stepped in to help the Shews, including Tulare County supervisor Dennis Townsend and State Senator Shannon Grove. “Dennis Townsend has been wonderful,” said Dianne, adding she also appreciates Grove's support.
There are also now at least two letters in support of the Shews, including one from the Public Lands Committee of the High Sierra Unit of the Backcountry Horsemen of California. “They've been wonderful,” Dianne said.
“We are appalled by the situation you have placed the current lessees of the Balch Park Pack Station in regarding their efforts to renew the lease,” the letter states.
The letter states the Shews began efforts to renew the lease in 2024 but “meaningful discussions” weren't held until this past spring.
The letter stated the Shews have tried to find alternative arrangements for Cal Fire and also accused Cal Fire of not being honest about their use of the cabin the Shews use now stating “This lack of transparency is highly disturbing.”
As far as the current lease the letter states about the Shews “They are apparently being given the opportunity in the proposed new lease to build improvements at the site to fulfill their needs in the future.”
But the letter notes all the plans for improvements or to replace the house, including finding an architect and obtaining all the necessary approvals, including CEQA approval would be challenging.
“Why isn’t the landlord here, Cal Fire, not building the improvements?” the letter asks. “The State of California and Cal Fire should be financially responsible for building the improvements necessary for the Shews to continue their operation.
“The pack station is not a big money maker. It is a labor of love by the Shews.” The letter notes the Shews work as educators at SCICON. “They cannot afford to hire an architect to develop plans let alone pay for the construction of the improvements and obtain a CEQA approval,” the letter states.
“The house has always been part of the lease to the best of our knowledge. It is a critical part of the operation of the pack station. Without the house, the Shews are at risk of being unable to accommodate clients who want to go on pack trips into Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Forest, and the Golden Trout Wilderness.”
The letter also noted with Dianne referred to, stating The Shews and their friends and family at their own expense clear about 30 miles of trails in the back country every year.
“Some of the Shews’ clients are physically unable to carry packs on their backs, and thus the availability of horses and mules to carry them and their goods into the back country is important,” the letter states. “The house enables the Shews to provide showers, overnight accommodations to people otherwise unable to secure accommodations, as well as a secure place to keep their food away from the bears. It also provides the Shews with a place to stay and prepare meals during the packing season.
“Cal Fire should pause its efforts to conclude its lease with the Shews for 3 months in order for more thoughtful discussions about the equities and fairness of this matter to take place. The Shews have numerous pack trip commitments with customers for this coming summer season.”
The letter goes on to state “Dianne Shew has wondered in an email to me if they are not being set up by the provisions of the proposed lease to fail. Why should a person doing business with the State of California and California Fire even have such a thought?”
Another letter has been posted by Camp Nelson News and Friends of the Upper Tule for anyone to sign. The letter states: “Dear CAL FIRE and Public Officials, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent decision to remove the living facility from the lease agreement held by Balch Park Pack Station above Springville. As someone who values the history, service, and legacy of this unique institution, I respectfully ask that you reconsider this action or seek an alternative solution.
“Balch Park Pack Station has served the public for nearly 50 years under the stewardship of the Shew family, who have tirelessly maintained access to Mountain Home State Forest for generations of hikers, equestrians, and nature lovers. Their dedication has not only preserved vital trails and wilderness access, but has also fostered a deep sense of community and connection to the outdoors.”
The letter goes on to state “Surely there must be alternative lodging solutions that would not displace a long-standing public-serving institution. I urge you to seek a compromise that supports both scientific research and the continued operation of Balch Park Pack Station.
“Please don’t allow nearly half a century of public service, environmental stewardship, and historical significance to be lost.”