Yesterday, Monday, August 2, 2021, the FOSM Trails Maintenance Crew hiked 10K North trail to remove a large dead fir hang-up located just south of the Osha Loop junction. Some of the lower branches had been previously cut to allow hikers to pass under, but there still appeared to be a hazard to anyone on horseback. The tree was supported by intertwined branches with another tree towards its top. A previous attempt to pull the tree off the supporting branches using a long rope had proven unsuccessful. After analyzing the situation it was determined that cutting the trunk near its lower end or knocking it off its broken stump were the best ways to get it on the ground. The latter solution was deemed safer so that was done. Once the tree fell away from its supporting branches it broke into three large pieces as it hit the ground. Two of the broken sections were well off the trail to the downhill side. The remaining section, which was over the trail, was limbed, lowered to the ground, cut in half and moved off the trail. A crosscut saw and other hand tools were used for this work. 10K North trail is clear from the trailhead to the Osha Loop junction.

The morning was cool with a few misty rain showers, mostly overcast with brief periods of sunshine. Like most of the other east-side trails, 10K N is surrounded by lush green vegetation and abundant flowers. The crew had planned to return to the 10K trailhead via Ellis and Challenge trails, but the possibility of heavier rain in the afternoon dictated an out/back hike on 10K.