How Are the Workdays Going?

[Black Bear]

Most of the BS has been cleaned up. Keep it on topic, and respectable.

 

[snoopy1964]

finally stopped being a lurking and will start posting. after having been to the past two workdays/weekend. i think overall we are doing ok.
just wanted to say that we need to keep up the work

 

[Bobby D.]

There can be landscaping done to help blend in some it does not stand out. it would be good to plant spruces, pines, etc.. To not only help with erosion control and slope stability, but help with aesthetics as well. This is something worth presenting to FS.

I'm pretty sure the natural vegetation will grow back after people stop driving the spur trails. it will take time. Unfortunately the split rail fences didn't do the job. i thought they fit in with the trees in the forest, but people have torn them down and vandalized them. so now there is a stronger solution

 

[Green Giant]

The machinery itself seems to be the focus of the workdays, with the workday built around the machines instead of focusing on utilizing the volunteers.
I'd wager that a large group of volunteers that are assigned into "squads" with some (minimal but clear) direction and a liberal dose of hand tools (picks, shovels, digging bars, one & two man augers, maybe a winch & snatch block) would get as much or more done than a larger group standing around waiting a safe distance while equipment is maneuvered and used and then moved out of the way.
I know that those volunteers would feel more "ownership" of the task and would respond accordingly.

Just my .02

 

[Tech11]

When We get the spreadsheet up with volunteers skillsets I'm hoping to try and make team/group teams/squads up so each group has a set of people who know how to do whatever task they are to do, and TRY to have this worked out in advance. But I would need to know who/how many are coming ahead of time.

And the next work days when its not a million degrees we will most likely be using mattocks, shovels, etc for the work, for tail ditches etc. I'd say jul/aug will be light work days, and after that work should increase, but I'd say we may lay off medium equipment for a bit.

 

[DRaider90]

I am at a point where I really don't know what to say about the issues we are facing much anymore.

The Forest Service sees guard rail as being better than the trails being closed. The head of the Forest Service has essentially put it as if you don't like it, go else where.

We have the 6x6 wood which is an option, that was put up by the contractors. If we were able to fund the purchase of the wood we may be able to get it used. But that is a long shot.

The Forest Service wants a patrol vehicle, and its been made obvious certain individuals support this while the majority does not. Mostly based on the fact they have other options including the side by side they own/could use, and government vehicle donations. There are a select few still pushing this, and expect me to some how make this happen when its obvious the majority of the community doesn't support it.

The Forest Service was entertaining the idea of a Rock Garden, but recently decided against it. That we have other venues in the area that supply this for us. Seems the door is closed on that one also.

Essentially the Forest Service isn't getting what they want, and we aren't getting what we want in terms of the above situations. I have found myself just being happy that we are able to help keep the trails open, and enjoy what we do have. The progress we have made in becoming more heavily involved in the OHV Trail system is a big step forward. And hopefully the more we show our dedication to get the "Dirty work done" the Forest Service will re-consider the other issues above. That is in my mind our best bet in making headway in other situations.

We have a voice and I do think we should make our opinions known. But there are levels of action to take and avenues to explore before we get ahead of ourselves.

 

[Bobby D.]

Will someone post the list of the USFS proposed improvements to the trails system please in a new trhread?
Thanks in advance

 

[drkelly]

I have an inherent issue with those in power in the current forest service administration's choices to turn our beautiful natural lands into a junkyard with metal highway guardrail.

x2, that stuff doesn't belong in a national forest along trails.

 

[Peabo]

I am at a point where I really don't know what to say about the issues we are facing much anymore.
The Forest Service sees guard rail as being better than the trails being closed. The head of the Forest Service has essentially put it as if you don't like it, go else where.
We have the 6x6 wood which is an option, that was put up by the contractors. If we were able to fund the purchase of the wood we may be able to get it used. But that is a long shot.
The Forest Service wants a patrol vehicle, and its been made obvious certain individuals support this while the majority does not. Mostly based on the fact they have other options including the side by side they own/could use, and government vehicle donations. There are a select few still pushing this, and expect me to some how make this happen when its obvious the majority of the community doesn't support it.
The Forest Service was entertaining the idea of a Rock Garden, but recently decided against it. That we have other venues in the area that supply this for us. Seems the door is closed on that one also.
Essentially the Forest Service isn't getting what they want, and we aren't getting what we want in terms of the above situations. I have found myself just being happy that we are able to help keep the trails open, and enjoy what we do have. The progress we have made in becoming more heavily involved in the OHV Trail system is a big step forward. And hopefully the more we show our dedication to get the "Dirty work done" the Forest Service will re-consider the other issues above. That is in my mind our best bet in making headway in other situations.
We have a voice and I do think we should make our opinions known. But there are levels of action to take and avenues to explore before we get ahead of ourselves.

Why not use the money for guardrail on purchasing a Small sawmill? Then they could use the downed/fallen trees to create the lumber for fencing.