Help Wanted!

[PKemppainen]

HELP WANTED!
The mountain biking and hiking trails at O’Bannon Woods State Park were built and are maintained by volunteers. In order to keep these trails in great shape, additional help is required.
If you’d like to become a Trail Trooper, we’re looking for volunteers who would like to adopt a trail. Contact obannonmtbinfo@twc.com for more information.

Job Description:

Every month or two (definitely monthly in the spring and as soon as possible after storms) walk or ride your chosen trail to make sure it is in good condition.

Note! If you spend more than 45 minutes per trail in a session you are probably doing too much.

Work that may be needed includes:

o Remove any debris from the trail e.g. loose rocks, fallen limbs and sticks, without altering the nature of the trail.
o Remove any overhanging branches that prevent a clear ride. Always cut them (preferably with a saw) back to tree level so that no one can be injured by stubs when passing. Branches can dip down considerably after it rains and spring back quickly when it is dry.
o Blackberries and briars grow quickly and should be cut back strongly if required. If they are over-powering the trail, you should advise obannonmtbinfo@twc.com  and we’ll make plans to bring in a weed-eater.
o If water collects in low points, the trail edges may need to be cleaned back to create a path for water to flow. If the trails become rutted, organic debris may need to be removed to promote better drainage. Keep drains wide and gentle so that rider flow isn’t affected. There are a number of Rogue hoes and other tools available for Trail Trooper use.
O Rock armoring and drains may require some attention. If the drains aren’t working, remove leaves and debris to promote better flow. If the rock armoring is loose, attempt to reset the stones.
o If a problem occurs, such as trees fallen over the trail, or if you find anything you can’t fix yourself, contact the trail leaders at obannonmtbinfo@twc.com who will arrange it to be sorted out as soon as possible
o Monitor trail conditions and suggest improvements or changes to the MTB trail committee. Let the MTB trail committee know of your ideas and additional trail work can be planned for a future time.

Please make sure you log the amount of time you spend at obannonmtbinfo@twc.com This helps us to track how many volunteer hours we are putting in.

[PKemppainen]

Hey!

It seems like we've had a lot of rain and haven't been able to do much riding lately. And because we haven't been able to get out much, Mother Nature has taken over.

We could use a few riders who are willing to stop and trim back overhanging branches and prickly things. I trimmed along parts of Group Camp yesterday.

Fire Tower could use some love, especially from the trail head to the Fox Hollow Road crossing. Things are pretty overgrown on that stretch.

Thanks in advance for your help!