[pct-l] mechanical clearing of trail

[Hank Magnuski]

Yes, cuts with a chain saw are faster than a hand saw and there is not much 
difference in the results.

But the comparison shouldn't stop there. Most people would be surprised at how 
effective a cross-cut crew can be vs. chain saw operators.

The chain sawyers seem to be constantly fiddling with their equipment, replacing 
the chains, oiling them, sharpening them, gassing the saw. And the saws are so 
much heavier to carry you usually need a pack animal to carry the saw and fuel 
around.

A cross-cut crew can be in and out of an area while the chain saws are still 
being unloaded from the mules.

That plus the smoke and noise and gas residue left by chain saws makes the 
comparison a little more balanced.

Hank

p.s. Yes, I work with the Carsonora Crew maintaining the Dorothy Pass to Carson 
Pass section of the PCT.




On Fri, 31 Jan 2014, Dan Welch wrote:

> I guess it depends on what you mean by "mechanically cleared".  If they are
> bringing in bushwhackers, I see your point.  However, the difference in end
> result between a chainsaw cut log vs a hand-operated cross cut log is a
> little more subtle.  I doubt most would ever know the difference...
>
> BTW - it sounds like you're personally involved in trail maintenance.
> Thanks for the work you do!
>
> Timberline
>
>
>
> <<  I've seen a lot of trail corridors that have been mechanically cleared.
>
> They look like a 50-vehicle multi-lane car wreck. Tree limbs that look like
> they've been hacked off with a baseball bat, debris everywhere.
>
> No thanks. That's not how I want to maintain my section of the trail.  >>