[Volunteers_fosm] (no subject)

[Robert Lowder]

Hello Everyone:

Yesterday, Monday, May 24, 2021, the FOSM Trails Maintenance Crew set out to remove trees that were reported to be down on Armijo and Canoncito trails. A crosscut saw and other hand tools were used for this work. By day's end, the crew had hiked the following trails and trail sections; Acequia, Armijo, Faulty, Canoncito, Elk Track, Madera Locura, Vista and Valle. As of Monday afternoon, all these segments are clear.

There was an 18-inch diameter dead fir tree completely blocking Armijo trail. It was recently fallen and no apparent walk-around had yet developed. The fallen trunk extended 15 to 20 feet beyond both the upper and lower margins of the trail and presented a significant obstacle. It appeared that people were simply crawling under it. Although the saw was quite sharp, the wood proved to be unusually dense and very slow to cut. Given the extended time needed to complete the cuts, it was the opinion of the crew that it would only be a matter of a few more years for the tree to complete its transition to petrified wood.

Next, the crew hiked onward to Canoncito where a smaller tree had been reported fallen onto the trail just above the Elk Track trail junction. That tree was not found. Instead of just a backtrack, the crew decided to return via the newer trails, namely Elk Track, Madera Locura, Vista and Valle. These trails are very well built and provide an excellent hiking experience. Big thanks to all who have put in so much work to provide this significant addition to the District trails system.

The day began pleasantly cool, but rapidly warmed up as the sun did its work. Some of the more sunny trail sections bordered on hot. It proved to be a rather long day, but it is good that we are at last able to return to our work in a relatively normal manner.

Monday's crew consisted of Byron Garner, Cleve Sharp and Bob Lowder. Please see attached Word document for photos and additional narrative.

Thanks,

Bob L.
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