Big South Fork needs help

[vwheeler@mail.tds.net]

Since I know that Big South Fork is a favorite horseback riding area, I'm
trying to help get the word out that volunteer workers are needed.  BSF got
COBBERED by a snowstorm on Feb 3 with over 2 feet of snow.  In the Rockies
this may be normal, but in TN it is not.

Nearly all of the trails are still officially closed  for recreational use.
 80-90% of the trails are impassable.  Last statistic was that it took 60
man hours to clear 1 mile.  With over 300 miles of trails in the park, this
is a monumental task.  Currently the Maintenance Dept is providing 1
employee (& vehicle) for each group of 4 volunteers.  You must be certified
by a National Park, Nation River & Recreation Area, or National Forest to
operate a chainsaw within BSF.  It is so bad that volunteers are being
discouraged at this time from bringing their horses, because movement is so
slow.  When work on the back country begins, horses will be needed.

For those familiar with BSF, it took 3 days with heavy machinary (either
backhoe or bulldozer) to clear the Cumberland Mt trail from the trailhead
to the overlook -- approx 10 miles.  Mature pines, oaks, sycamores, etc are
down & more damage is expected over the coming months because the forest
canopy was so damaged.

Joanne Grimes of the Blue Ridge Trail Riders is the point of contact.  Her
home number is 423-693-4308 (evenings please -- eastern time).  Camping in
the Bandy Creek area is free for volunteers (includes hookups).  

For those CTRs out there, Joanne is the ride manager for the BSF CTR May 2.
 At this time there is a 50-50 chance of it being canceled.  So if you were
planning to ride, please keep in contact with her.

Thanks 
Vicki Wheeler
Knoxville, TN