BCHC Mid Valley Unit

Clark Fork Trail Clearing

We cleared some trails out of Clark Fork on June 14 - 17, 2018.
All photos courtesy of Karen Lopes.
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We had a total of 12 volunteers, and were able to clear quite a few trails in just a few short days! Starting on June 13th, Sandy Rahilly, Jim and Chris Westmoreland, John Marshall, and Gail Jamieson were able to do some trail recon and got a start on the trail clearing. Friday, we had two crews working once we completed our Tailgate Safety Session, and reviewed the various components of the BCHC safety protocol, led by Dave Moser. Doug and Cathy Dollarhide, Jim and Chris Westmoreland, and Ric Tilbury used the chainsaw and went down the Bridge trail (downriver), and were able to clear it of the downed trees to about three quarters of the way to the end. Dave Moser, John Marshall, Sandy Rahilly, and myself rode up Arnot and were able to clear trees and debris to the Airola Peak Lookout. We moved one pretty large log using Dave's Ratchet Puller (a device similar to our GripHoist). The Arnot Creek was flowing pretty well and the wildflowers were blooming; the ride in between downed trees was so enjoyable, I sometimes forgot we were on a "work project!"

On Saturday morning, the Stanislaus National Forest Wilderness Manager, Joel Silverman, showed up and helped us lead the Tailgate Safety Session. He had planned to go out on the trail with us, but he was sick and unable to participate. It was very considerate of Joel to show up and help us prior to the ride even though he was under the weather. Doug and Cathy, John, and Katherine Reeves cleared the trail upriver to the Iceberg Meadow crossing, and also cleared a couple of downed trees on the other side of the crossing, just before the Wilderness boundary. Also on Saturday; Dave, Sandy and I rode up Disaster Trail, and cleared a few downed trees, lopped some limbs and brush along the trail, and otherwise cleared the trail to about 30 minutes past the Paradise Trail junction. Meanwhile, back at camp, Gail was able to clean out some of the fire rings, and Evan Rahilly brought his BBQ/Smoker up and prepared ribs, corn on the cob, salad, beans, and bread for our group Saturday evening; that was very much appreciated by the trail crews!

On Sunday, Doug led us in our annual "Cowboy Church". Doug has a real talent for bringing us all together, and creating a safe atmosphere where everyone's individual thoughts and ideas are valued and respected. After the church and some visiting, most of the volunteers packed up and headed home. Gail and I decided to do some scouting down the Manzanita Trail. We were able to ride through the Manzanita (although it and the Buck Brush are encroaching on the trail), and make it into the trees and past the second creek crossing. The McCormick Fire from last August had come down into those trees, but only singed a few of the trees; the big old Cedar trees were all still standing! The two steep and narrow creek crossings were still in good shape. (They often wash out and can be very treacherous!)

Overall, we had a real nice work project. Each crew reported that all of the volunteers worked together well, and were all very safety conscious. Thank You to all of our volunteers for showing up and helping make this a wonderful trip! Thank You also to Joel Silverman for showing up, even though he was not 100%!

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