Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I've heard that the BLM has some tool/machine to fix trails like this (maybe a Ditch Witch? I don't know), and I've volunteered to do it if they want to show me how. Of course, I have no idea how many miles and trails the motorcycles tore up here that weekend, but I have no problem fixing at least this one I (used to) ride fairly regularly.

I worked on trails in the wilderness for the FS for 7 years, so it just makes me cranky when they get torn up - switchbacks cut, parallel trails laid because hikers/riders/bikers don't want to get their feet/hooves/tires muddy, etc - I know the time, budgets, work force, sore muscles, and busted fingers and toes that went into all of it! (though these trails here were probably game trails at first and weren't built by any trail crew).

On Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 8:55 PM, <aarenex@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Sheila Larson brings up a point which is valid in many situations:  we all need to take care of our trails.

 

My mom always said that there's nothing wrong with complaining about a situation if you have a solution or two to propose....especially if your solution involves rolling up your own shirtsleeves and getting dirty in order to fix things.  (actually, her solutions very often involved ME getting tired and dirty, but that's the kind of kid I was anyhow, so things worked out well for everyone).   Merri and the gang are already halfway there, because they take care of the trails that they use.. 

 

Now, to address the damage she documented:

These trails are a mess, but they aren't irretrievable.  A good land manager with an adequate budget and a bit of planning time can arrange to fix a lot of this mess, ESPECIALLY if there are volunteers to help.  Even better than regular volunteers are volunteers with tools...or (ideal world) volunteers with a Ditch Witch <G>    I think all the other Trail Masters will agree with me on that point. 

 

Since there are motorcyclists about, I'd ask them to help (maybe one of them has a Ditch Witch--hey, you never know!).   If they don't have tools, maybe your local horse groups can provide some.  If both groups work together to fix and enhance trails, who knows...perhaps it's a step towards World Peace.  Or at least, peace on the trails. 

 

It wouldn't surprise me a bit.

 

--Aarene (always the optimist)

 

--
Don't just follow where the path may lead.
Instead, figure out where you want to go, and build a sustainable trail to get there. --Ron Silvern
aarenex@xxxxxxxxxxx