If you were thinking it would be nice to go help out on a trail project with FSPW this summer it is my unfortunate job to tell you that you’ll have to wait until next year. This last Saturday, August 20th, was FSPW’s last trail project of the season. But what a successful season!
A mixture of folks from the USFS and FSPW staff and volunteers met at the trailhead on Saturday morning ready to clear-up one of the most beautiful trails – in my opinion – in the Scotchman Peaks. Loppers and Pulaskis were handed out and the gang headed up the trail. Volunteers Deb Hunsicker and Dan Bantley, and FSPW staff members Jim Murphy and I made up the brush clearing crew. Deb and I were particularly determined when it came to taking out devils club. “There’s something amazingly satisfying about lopping devils club,” Deb told me.
Forest Service Employees Russ Gautreaux, Cindy Betlach, and Mark Mason, led the rest of the group to an area of the trail that needed major tread work. Sandy Compton and Dan Simmons help move some major dirt, while FSPW exective Phil Hough headed farther up the trail to meet up with another volunteer Jim Doudna. Jim had hiked in to Little Spar Lake the night before and met Phil at another section of trail that needed some smoothing out. It was a beautiful day to be out in the woods, and a great day to be doing trail work.
Thanks to all the volunteers who have helped out on the trail projects this summer season. I’ve enjoyed working with all of you and I know that the Forest Service appreciates any assistance we can give them.
So for those of you who missed out, don’t worry, there’s plenty of opportunities coming up to earn your FSPW Volunteer hat. Email info@ScotchmanPeaks.org if you’re interested in participating in a grizzly bear study, or are interested in setting up motion camera “traps” for mustelids, or just want to help out at a booth. And don’t worry, there will be plenty of trail projects coming up next summer!
