Making the trail that much better….

David Harsh, Spring St Students, NPS Acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons, Gina Rochfort, and Ken Arzarian gather for the project....

It’s always cool to hear about islanders doing things to make our place a little better, and some make it a lot better. My friend Teresa wrote this little story & sent some pictures to give you the idea about what they did to improve a trail – you’ll love this:

Rangers & locals work together....

Favorite Trail Improved by Community Effort Consisting of National Park Service (NPS), Local Citizens Groups, Four Spring Street International Students
by Theresa Simendinger

A favorite connector trail traditionally known as Kneeknocker Trail between the Logging Road circling Briggs Lake and Mitchell Hill Trail was improved by a critical “puncheon” constructed December 3rd to cross a seasonal muddy area due to a small trickle of runoff midway along the trail. A puncheon is a very low, short wooden platform crossing.

Years of negotiations and planning preceded the joint work party construction of the crossing.

Building of the new puncheon by the group...

Rik Karon has been riding the trails horseback for 30 yrs along with Mark Hetrick of the biking community. They noticed the slow deterioration of the area. Karon never gave up with his negotiating skills. David Harsh (NPS Ranger) attended meetings and coordinated between NPS and the groups. Hetrick’s extensive construction background had the job well prepped and organized along with Mike Lazzari of the SJ Trails Committee.

Dave Zeretzke, also of the Trails Committee, wrote letters and petition to the Trails Committee for funding. The  SJ Trails Committee is another branch of Island Rec which donated the funds for the project.

Four Spring Street School International Students from the south of China fulfilled community hours by joining with 22 local park lovers consisting of hikers, bikers, equestrians and six NPS Rangers. This included acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons and his wife Gina Rochfort, both career NPS.

The new puncheon in place....

Gibbons gave the final ok on the project. Gibbons wrote later, “Thanks very much to all of the volunteers for all your hard work and camaraderie in support of the puncheon installation at the Mitchell Hill unit yesterday.

“Personally, it was an honor for me to meet the volunteers and to work side-by-side with all of you in support of protecting such a great resource while at the same time
enhancing recreational opportunities for the public.” Ranger Steve Ray remarked, “This was the best volunteer group I’ve worked with.” Lars Sjohlm, hiker and biker of the trails since 1979 said he was “amazed to see the project actually happen and to work with such an enthusiastic group.”

The NPS supplied not only manpower but also tools, a truck and a Gator to move gravel and lumber close to the site. The volunteers and Rangers worked together hauling in lumber and tools to the site and providing a friendly work force for the installation of the puncheon.

Homemade cookies brought by the volunteers were passed around to celebrate the completion of the puncheon. It felt like this was a special moment of community cooperation and worth celebrating the upgrading of a trail loved by so many.

Everyone who worked on this joint effort will smile each time they safely cross the area on the fine new puncheon and remember this day of community spirit.

Note: Acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons replaced Peter Dederich who moved on to another position within the NPS.

22 trail loving hikers, bikers, equestrians and rangers gather to improve a trail...and have a good time!

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