June 15 workday–a whopper!

Hood River County will be holding a trail work party to construct phase I of the trail 130 connector. We are calling on all user groups to come out and help make it happen. This route is used by all user groups and we hope everyone can come out and lend a hand!

Background: Trail 130 is in the Northwest Area Trail System (some call it Post Canyon) and is designated for ATV use. It is a popular double track that is open to all users and a route that will eventually link the Post Flats and Binns Hill Staging Areas. One section of the trail was never constructed because the area needed for a direct connection was determined to be too steep. The County has had plans to complete the connection for a number of years but it was only until recently that a workable route was found that could reasonably connect points A and B as seen on the attached map. Detour signage is currently posted on the ground at points A and B. The signage directs users onto 2.0 miles of forest roads to get them to either of the 130 dead-ends so the route can be continued.
This portion of the connection will be a great addition to the Northwest Area Trail System and has the potential to generate a lot of volunteer involvement. The project has been broken up into two phases. Phase I will be all the work needed west of Post Canyon Road. Phase 2 lies to the east of Post Canyon Road, will complete the connection with the other end of 130, and its construction could begin sometime during the upcoming fiscal year. On-the-ground flagging for phase I has been assessed by Forestry staff to ensure it met proper criteria. The plan is for OHV Staff to spend a minimal amount of time getting the trail prepped so volunteers can do a majority of the work. The first work party for this project was already held on 5-18-13 and was very successful. This will be the second of multiple work parties needed for the project. The County’s Recreation Trail System Master Plan addresses the need for the connection. Completion of Phase I will eliminate 1.0 mile of the current road detour.
Place/Time to Meet: Meet at the Post Flats Staging Area. Depart from the staging area to the work location at 9:00am. We will post signs and hang flagging directing folks to the work party location in case they arrive late.

Map: A map showing the location of the future route has been attached.

Work Party Leader: Jason Wells will be work party leader. Contact him for information at; (541)490-7333.

Duration: 9:00am to approximately 1:00pm

Tools: Hand tools will be provided but you are welcome to bring tools of your own. An excavator or Sweco trail building machine may be used during part of the days work.

Bring: Coffee J, Work clothes, rain gear (just in case), work gloves, sturdy boots, safety glasses, hat, water, lunch/snacks, etc.! Be prepared for some hard work and some fun!

Volunteer Hours: Your volunteer hours will be documented and will help satisfy requirements for the County’s current Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ATV Operations and Maintenance grant. This will be a huge help for Hood River County.

Categories: Advocacy