NSA 2006 TRAIL PROJECTS UNDERWAY

Missoula, MT- Jon McBride, NSA trail maintenance program chief, announced that the 2006 NSA trail maintenance program is well underway. Scouting parties have completed reconnaissance of trails for projects scheduled for July in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and at this posting Roger Savage and Roy Williams are in the Selway / Bitterroot Wilderness scouting a trail for still another project. Two Bridges were constructed over Frenchman Creek in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area in the Pike San Isabel NF on June 22/23. Seven jumpers participated in cross cut and chain saw certification training as part of the Frenchman Creek project. Smokejumper volunteers will assemble in Missoula on July 14 to begin volunteering for two weeks and 15 projects in Montana and Idaho. "This year we have a record number of smokejumper volunteers, associates and projects," McBride said. "This demonstrates a continually expanding program and outstanding participation by smokejumpers and support by the USFS and non-profit trail groups including the Bob Marshall Foundation, the Colorado Trail Foundation and the Continental Divide Trail Alliance," John added. McBride also recognized the sponsors of the NSA Art Jukkala Trial Maintenance Program. A special sponsor recognition will be posted on the this blog at the completion of the 2006 season.
In the above images L to R are Jon McBride (mso 54), Roger Savage (mso 61), Tom Heily (special visitor from Ireland, Freefall expert and active Fireman from Dublin), Joe Aquano (assoc), Wendell Breardsley (assoc), Don Murray (assoc) Al Henson (assoc) Ron Larsen (assoc) Ted Nyquest (mso 54), Gary Weyermann (mso 63), Roy Williams (mso 61) standing at Meadow Creek Pack Bridge in the rain at the start of an all day scout of Sergeant Creek/Corporal Creek. (In the rain!)
The crew was able to GPS map and flag the entire trail and locate suitable camp site for the NSA Sergeant Creek/Corporal Creek project scheduled July 23-30 2006. (Jim Anderson, Squadleader) This trail has not been located or useable for over 30 years.
At the end of the scouting the crew could not cross the Spotted Bear River, being a flood stage. Roy Williams was called into action and ferried all across in his rubber raft.
A wet day was had by all!