[Volunteers_fosm] Report on erosion trail maintenance work in Placitas 11-04-2025

[Michael Madden]

*The Handle* is a user-created in the Northwest Sector of the Placitas Area
Trail System. It was adopted by the USFS as part of the 2019 Sandia Trails
Improvement Plan. After the monsoon rains the entire area had suffered
erosion damage in numerous sections. The Handle is a popular trail as
evidenced by the numerous hikers and bikers that passed by during the day.

This work was a cooperative effort between PATA founding member, Chris
Casey, Luis Cuadros and FOSM members Cai Reil, John Braley, Roland Strumpf,
Rich Fagioli, and Lester Gyongyosi. All except Lester were from the
Thursday Trail Crew. On prior outings, Chris and I had scouted the entire
Placitas trail system and found these three areas of critical concern:

*The first section (169 ft) *descended a moderately steep fall line
crossing a narrow drainage. The large central erosion channel was filled
with rock and dirt; junipers were cut back and the trail widened. The outer
berms were taken down and used to fill the tread. Additional dirt was
harvested from a borrow pit. A cactus garden was planted by Chris to divert
users to the more stable outside line. A causeway across the narrow
drainage was built.

*The second section (106 ft) *was along a steep side slope where the trail
climbs out of the Del Agua Wash. The trail violated the 50% rule and will
certainly require a reroute. The rocks were cleared, the outer berm was
taken down and used to backfill the erosion channel. The trail was benched.
Junipers were cut back at either end.

*The third smaller section (28 ft)* crossed a narrow drainage. It was
cleared of rocks and dirt from the sides brought down.

A variety of tools were used including rock bars, canvas bags, and buckets.
A wheel barrow provided by Rich was especially helpful.

SUMMARY:
area 1 - 169 ft
area 2 - 106 ft
area 3 - 28 ft
Total 303 ft.

It was apparent to all of us that this was merely a temporary measure until
proper reroutes could be built. It would suffice for now making this a
safer and more enjoyable trail.
........................
*Luis Cuadros*
*505-249-2417*
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