There's been alot of focus on Tribulation Trail, starting with a big work party replacing all the degrading bridges. This work party we were set to tackle the biggest drainage issues.
First main area we focused on was a hillside that is completely saturated. Replacing an 8 foot section of bridge and 15 feet of small lumber across the trail serving as a bandaid, with a culvert.
The volunteers really stepped above and beyond, after getting rid of the clutter, there was a ton of swampy slop to clear out, harvest alot of rock and mineral, on top of digging ditches, and building the culvert.
The next project was going to be another culvert, but after a quick re-assessment we switched gears and went with a small gapped channel instead.
Using the rock retention to raise the tread up and focus the seasonal run-off through the channel. The gap is rollable on one side, and a bit wider on the lower end for people who want to skip the gap for a technical challenge.
Volunteers really kicked butt, taking care of dozens of odds and ends on the way out. Puddle extermination was on the agenda, but of course no work party can help but stop and put in a fun new technical addition. We were on a roll!
Since we had an extra run of pipe for culvert a handful of us decided to stay on for extra credit patching up one more trouble spot.
Was a pleasure working with the Sawyer Trails Volunteer Group. With support from Evergreen and sponsorship from Center Cycle.
The goal of the group is to simply tend to the trails. Right now with as much rain as we've had, and how much the trails get used, you can see the difference. We hope to gain more steam heading forward, putting "sustainable" practices, with a vision for maintaining as much of the rugged spirit of these old gray trails. Now they are legitimized and not going away it's time to put effort into dialing them in for the long haul, and we've been lucky with so many great folk that have helped us out so far.
