[Volunteers_fosm] Trail Work Report For Monday, October 5, 2020

[Robert Lowder]

Hello Everyone:

Yesterday, the FOSM Trails Maintenance Crew hiked the Faulty Loop and a portion of Crest Trail 130 South to remove previously reported problem trees. The hike also included a one mile extension north on Lower Faulty past the Upper Faulty junction to remove a fallen tree reported by Cliff Giles. All these reported trees, plus a number of others, were removed. Crosscut saws and other hand tools were used for this work.

In addition to the trees completely fallen onto the trails, the crew also cut back about fifteen dead oak and fir trees, ranging in size from two to six inches in diameter, that were leaning across the trail at head height posing a hazard to hikers or persons on horseback. Also removed were three fallen dead fir step-overs of four to six inches in diameter that were a tripping hazard for users.

On Lower Faulty Trail, the crew removed a dead seventeen inch diameter pinon that was fallen at chest height over the trail about halfway between the Crest Trail 130 and Upper Faulty junction, thereby blocking the trail. Next was a ten-inch diameter dead fir fallen over Lower Faulty at chest height about one mile north of the Upper Faulty junction.

On Upper Faulty Trail, the crew cut back protruding roots from the root ball of a dead fallen pinon tree as they were sticking out far enough out into the trail to pose a hazard to passersby. Higher up the trail the crew encountered a fallen three-inch diameter pinon that had broken off its base with the top blocking the trail. It was cut away.

On Crest Trail 130, a previously reported dead and leaning eight-inch diameter pinon was found to be poorly supported and causing a hazard to anyone trying to pass under it. It was located about one-tenth of a mile above the Upper Faulty junction. It was removed. Next going down Crest Trail 130 came what was probably the most challenging project of the day. A 10-inch diameter dead pinon was fallen and arched over the trail. Hikers might duck under it but it would not likely clear anyone on a horse. Due to its location and complexity it took due consultation and careful, deliberate work, but it was safely removed.

It was a long and unusually hot day for October but there certainly was satisfaction for the crew in knowing that a lot of important work had been done. There were occasional light breezes to help cool things down a bit, but more of that would have been appreciated. This section of the mountain is very dry but surprisingly, the little stream that flows over the top of the travertine falls still has a trickle of water in it.

As of Monday afternoon, these trails and trail sections were clear.

Monday's crew consisted of Jim Levesque, Cleve Sharp, Jerry Pekarek, Byron Garner, Sim Cook, Rav Nicholson, Bill Savage and Bob Lowder.

Please see the attached Word document for photos and additional narrative. All photos by Bill Savage, Cleve Sharp and Bob Lowder.

Thanks,

Bob L.
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