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On September 7, a small group went to check out 3N59A, and for some,it was the first time. While we did not prepare for any major maintenance, we were able to get a closer look at some of the problem areas, and record heir GPS coordinates, which will help us, find exactly where the problems are. In addition to gathering the coordinates, we also made an effort to pick up s much trash as possible. A couple garbage bags left the forest, but there as a lot of trash left behind. Trash Pickup - One thing learned from this was that you could not simply drive the trail, and expect to be able to get all the trash. Every time we exited the vehicles, we found more pieces of trash that we did not see from behind the wheel. One suggestion is for teams to go out in one FJ, drop off two people who will start leading to follow the FJ. The other two and FJ move ahead a half mile to a mile, then start working ahead of the FJ and move up the trail. When the first crew catches up to the FJ, they drive it up to meet the second crew. This would be a leapfrog type approach, which will require a couple sets of keys, but can provide maximum effectiveness for trash pickup. Trash Bags - Another lesson learned for trash pickup, is not to fill up one super huge bag. Having smaller bags that you carry around would be best. If you can then dump the smaller bag into a larger one, and re-use the smaller ones, it would be all the better. This way you are not carrying around a giant bag of trash, tiring yourself quickly. Gloves - The things you will find people have left behind is frightening. You will not want to touch most of it with your bare hands. Leather gloves will be best for the metal pieces of trash, and for fence repairs. They will also come in handy if working with tools, to help cut down on the chance for blisters. 
Fence Repair Tools - Based on the fence conditions we saw there on the last run, good fence repair tools that you can find at many hardware stores would be best. These typically have pliers, cutters, hammer, and staple/nail removal features, all wrapped into one tool. The price is usually $8-25. 
Power Cutting Tool - In addition, some form of “Sawz-All” or reciprocating saw, with good metal and wood bits will come in handy. Cordless would of course be best. There are some half-buried pipes, which we could cut out and re-work into the fences around them. Only one or two of these is at any time. If a larger group is going, someone probably already has one at home. Getting the heavy-duty rescue or demolition style blades would be best for the trail situation, and for trail repair. 
We learned these things during this run, and the information should help others preparing for future maintenance events. Working on the other less general maintenance areas, such as illegal hill climbs and side trails, will generate some more useful information, which we will include later. |
