[pct-l] Giving back with trail maintenance

[Barry Teschlog]

Shroomer:  It was great to meet you out there by Stirrup Lake (~10 miles south of Snoqualmie Pass) earlier in the summer.

Jim is out on the trail right now, leading a crew finishing off the last bit of brush in a 5 mile stretch immediately south of Snoqualmie Pass (the stretch Eric helped on Saturday).  This has been a multi-year effort to clear this stretch - Washington Trails Association spent 4 days on this area in 2009, the PCTA volunteers worked it for ~4-5 days in 2010 and so far in 2011 there has been 6-7 days of PCTA sponsored work on it this year.  Power tools have made the brush work go significantly faster in this non-wilderness area.  In addition, both PCTA and USFS crews cleared many blow downs from this section in July and August with both chain and cross cut saws.


So far this year, the North 350 Blades have had 54 individuals putting in well over 1,000 hours help out on the PCTA sponsored work parties here in the North Cascades region of Washington.  In addition, WTA has put in over 5,000 hours on the PCT here in Washington so far this year.  Other significant contributors to maintaining the PCT in the northern parts of Washington these last several years include the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, PNWT, SCA, Earthcorps and AmeriCorps / NWSA.


None of it is possible without volunteers.  PCTA and WTA provide the tools, but volunteers are needed to wield them.  For future thru hikers, section hikers and day hikers, this is your chance to pre-improve the trail before you get there.  No experience in necessary.  The three rules are safety first, having an enjoyable experience second and finally getting some quality work done is third.  If you can't join us here in the northern parts of Washington, join up with a trail crew closer to home.  The PCT and all it's users will appreciate your efforts.


TC
PCT '06