Logs: The Problem and Solution 9/24

While our backcountry experts were out severing the woody ties that obstruct our trails, MVTC’s Director and Trails Coordinator worked with a rock star bridgebuilding volunteer team to put the wrap on a foot log across Cutthroat Creek. The lead of this group of hardy volunteers has been building trail bridges since 2003, when our staff was in grade school! A synopsis on what we’ve been up to since the last blog…

From left to right Alan, Allen and Tom on the newly completed footlog

Cutthroat Creek: Through the efforts of MVTC staff and groups of volunteers- whose skill level ranged from brand new to trails professional looking to help out on their days off- a 33’ long footlog was built at the junction of Cutthroat Creek. From the time of felling the tree to the final assembly took a month of staff time and 365 volunteer hours. These projects do not happen without our wonderful volunteers.

North Lake: Nick M and Maria headed in to log the trail out in its entirety on -09/09. There have been about four passes at this trail this year, so more has possibly come down if you’re reading this later. Let us know!

Jackita Ridge/ Devils Dome: The whole team braved the climb up the ridge in the rain, across dry campsites for days on end to cut logs, brush, and fix tread. They cut out over 80 logs and hit the very worst of the tread and brush. While they did cover the entire loop, they had to leave 15 logs from Ross Lake to Devils Dome due to lack of water and time constraints. They did however limb the logs to help facilitate easier travel.

Some of the crew at rest with the ever impressive Jack Peak in the Background. You have to stop for lunch someplace nice in the middle of your 40 mile work loop.

War Creek: We had the means to contract the another professional trails program’s Pasayten crew for a pay period, in which time they tied in with WTA’s work up War Creek and managed to finish the whole thing. We are grateful for their efforts and the opportunity to keep hardworking professionals doing what they do best.