I thought I’d share a photograph of this summer’s trail crew. Once more we’ve been working on the Fire Warden’s Trail leading to the summit of No. 5 Mountain located in Township 5 Range 7, Maine. It’s been a three year trail improvement project that’s proved to be a huge success thanks to the smarts, sweat, and non-stop energy these conservation rockstars have given. My role, in reality, has been incredibly limited, but it’s clear that this was a good thing. All the micro-scale, on-the-ground decisions were made by these guys – problem solving on the spot to best ensure protection of the resource while providing the visitor enhanced connection to the outdoors. And in a fashion that has proved seamless and mostly unnoticeable. This to my mind stands testament to the skill and brilliance these young best of the best brought to Maine. As I look at this photo and think about this final year of trail work, I’m reminded of how lucky I’ve been to play my minor role as cheerleader, and I’m inspired by the wonderful act(s) of service I’ve witnessed on behalf of our shared natural heritage. …my deepest gratitude to the Student Conservation Association, and most importantly, all most directly involved on site (you know who you are.). You’ve left a huge, long lasting impression from many perspectives, and again, thank you. ~Dan G.

Conservation Begins HereA portion of my 2013 field crew... — Conservation Begins Here
A portion of my 2013 field crew...

Over the past couple of years I’ve been overseeing a trail management and remediation project on No. 5 Mountain located in Township 5 Range 6, Maine (close to Jackman). The project has allowed me to spend time with some incredibly inspirational field crew members. Self-motivated, team oriented, smart, thoughtful, inquisitive, dedicated to task-at-hand, and environmentally conscious… These people represent the best of young America, and it’s been my pleasure to cheer them on.

During the project, most specifically, they’ve been focusing their boundless energy on rebuilding an old Fire Warden’s trail leading to the summit of No. 5 Mountain. The three mile pathway dates back to the 1930’s. Few switchbacks or erosion control measures, so over the past 80 years it has significantly degraded. But the crew has been rebuilding and rerouting. Diverting water with rock and wood… Turnpikes, waterbars, bog bridging, optimizing trail grade, French drains, bench cuts, stone staircases… The end goal is protecting the resource while ensuring visitor connection to the outdoors, and I’m positive that they’ve met their mark.

Our 2013 field season has ended, and I’ve buttoned things up for winter. All have moved on to next steps (i.e., work, school, and other projects). With this has come a moment to reflect and review, and it’s clear to me that I’ve been lucky to have had this time with them. A humbling experience... It’s always fun to share my work projects and things that get me excited with others, but in this instance I know that I’ve benefited the most from these interactions and by seeing their example and gift of service. Yes, our shared natural heritage has been in good hands.

Thank you all! You know who you are.

~Dan G.