Yesterday, Monday, October 18, 2021, the FOSM Trails Maintenance Crew hiked Ellis, Osha Loop and 10K North trails to remove previously reported fallen trees and to do whatever other work that might be found along the way. By (long) day's end, the crew had removed five fallen trees ranging in size from twelve to twenty inches in diameter, plus a large widowmaker from Osha Loop and did brushing, trimming and many other trail work tasks along the way. A poorly supported tree leaning over Osha Loop was removed. As is always done, all hang-ups or leaning trees along the trail were carefully evaluated. Only one required removal. As of late Monday afternoon, these trails are all clear.

Those who are familiar with Osha Loop trail will recall that for many years, there had been a very large, multi-branched fallen tree, across the trail. The trunk was suspended a little above head height and branches had been cut away so hikers could pass under it. A simple walk-around had been built around the downhill side for horses. Everyone was waiting for the tree to settle closer to the ground so that it could be safely cut. Apparently, sometime over the past year or so, the tree did indeed settle. A section six to eight feet long has been cut away by person or persons unknown and the trail is now clear at that point.

The day began quite brisk (35 degrees) and never really warmed up as the day progressed. A moderate intermittent breeze throughout the day kept things cool.