[Volunteers_fosm] Trail Maintenance Report For Monday, May 9, 2022 - Project Postponed

[Robert Lowder]

Hello Everyone:

Today, Monday, May 9, 2022, it had been the intent of the FOSM Trail Maintenance Crew to remove previously reported fallen trees from Crest Trail 130 North and Survey Trail. Upon arrival at the start/finish location, Ellis Trailhead, it became apparent that the winds at that elevation were considerably colder and stronger than witnessed earlier at the Ranger Station. Often when it is windy, simply moving into the forest offers protection as it is calmer there, and the wind blows high overhead. Well, not this time. As the crew began the hike north on 130 the wind seemed to gain momentum. Tree tops were blowing back and forth. Numerous green branches on the forest floor attested to the force of the rapidly moving air. Barely ten minutes into the hike, the crew, made up of experienced volunteers, stopped to discuss the situation. It was the consensus of the group to immediately abort the project due to rapidly deteriorating and unsafe working conditions. It was a very short hike back to the parking lot.

The crew also noted that a large green treetop had broken off and partially covered the picnic table at the Ellis trailhead. It was flagged, likely for removal by Sam's crew. There is now also a large fallen green tree across the short access trail that leads up to Switchback trail from just inside the tram service road gate. An additional dead fallen tree, about 24 or so inches in diameter, was discovered blocking Crest Trail 130 about a hundred feet or so north of the Chute junction. There is a new walkaround on the uphill side.

Monday's wind-blown crew consisted of Byron Garner, Jerry Pekarek, Jamey Browning, Jenny Blackmore, and Bob Lowder.

Bob L.
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