Smith Lake Update

The Plumas Forest recently received $1.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, to be used for forest wide trail maintenance and restoration work. Key components to receiving ARRA funds is to demonstrate a strong "working partnership" (SBTS and Plumas Forest) and to have projects that are considered "shovel ready" (completed environmental work). One SBTS project to receive ARRA funds is Smith Lake Trail. The scope of the work is focused on realigning a section of trail out of a wetland and installing two low water crossings over Smith Creek.

In order for us to get the motorized wheel barrow in and out safely with construction materials for the low water crossings, the Crew had to to rehabilitate the tread on Smith Lake Trail, starting from the trailhead to the work site at Smith Creek. The wheel barrow works well in the backcountry, but can be a bit tricky to handle in the rough, especially with a heavy load and at the end of a hard day of digging. For reference i have attached a photo of the strongest 120 pound man in Plumas County, Lil' Brad, making it look easy.

Once Smith Lake Trail was complete, the Crew started constructing the realignment. The existing and heavily eroded trail featured multiple user made routes that crossed the creek in four separate locations, and allowed users to trample vegetation on their way across. The new and improved route keeps users out of the riparian area, but still allows them to experience the beauty of the wildflowers and fauna near the stream side. Here is a photo of the new alignment before construction.

Here is one of the user made crossings. Note the trampled vegetation and exposed root system. Once the new route is installed this riparian area will return to its natural state.

Here is a photo from a recent site inspection, which was performed by Kenzy Williams, an avid trail user and outdoor enthusiast. We are pleased to announce that the Crew's work passed with flying colors.

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Cozmo, the Groundskeeper, is proudly working in his 15th season. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. And thanks for the pep talks too.

Hometown Henry we call him. Henry has been working trails with me since he was 10 years old. He's now 23. Thank you sir, for your strength and knowledge, it is priceless and appreciated

Will Norton. He doesn't have a nick name yet, at least not one that has stuck. Will has been helping out in the Graeagle bike shop and is a natural with people. So we figured we'd let him apprentice under Henry for a while and see if he has what it takes to dig trail with the best. So far, we're proud to say that Will is holding his own. Keep smiling young man!

Here is a map that shows the trails (in red) that received ARRA funds in the Plumas National Forest. The Trail Crew will spend the next few seasons working to complete these projects, which will enhance recreational opportunities, protect against watershed contamination and create local employment. A win-win in our eyes!

The Mule. This power wheel barrow has made life much easier and allowed the Crew to be efficient and affective in their work. Special thanks to the Plumas Forest for letting us use this bad boy.