Trail Maintenance

[MLHSN]

What's the legality of doing trail maintenance?  I know building a trail on FS land is illegal, but what about existing trails?  Can I legally go in and start lopping vine maple, slide alder, and logs from official FS trails?  Do I have to get permission?

Just wondering if it's a potential ticket should Mr. FS ranger pass by. 

There are a few trails I like to use that are getting nasty.  Half a day and I think I could do my part to do some maintenance.

[jackmaster]

ya know i think they have volunteer groups that do that kind of stuff, i am bettn that they wouldnt care if you maintained an already f.s trail but you probably should get permission, maybe the state parks department could point you in the right direction, i think its cool that there are still a few fellas out there that like to do that type of stuff... i know i do, its fun as heck and relaxing and you get a good work out, you should see all the trails i have cut into my property just so the wife has a place to walk in the woods safely 

[MLHSN]

I don't really go to many state parks.  There is the Washington Trails Association.  They do a number of work parties.  However, I would like to take a little ownership in the trails I personally use rather then ones in different areas.  It would also be hard for me to schedule a weekend sign-up trip.  I might have a trip I can randomly squeeze in though.  Taking a saw and some pruner's would just add a little conditioning weight to the pack.

I know you can't use chainsaws in wilderness areas.  I kind of wondered what options are available for logging out some of the smaller logs, or if I should even be messing with downed logs if I don't have any experience.

[netcoyote]

I know the question mentioned FS land but I think there are some common policies with state DNR trail maintenance. I've been working on trail maintenance of DNR land (Elbe Hills) for the last few years. We work as a cooperative effort between my group, Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, other trail groups like Rails-To-Trails, etc, and the DNR. We have regularly scheduled work parties that work on some special projects in areas that we have a particular interest.  Last year we had a work party that cleared trails in the Gifford Pinchot NF so I know we have some contacts for that cooperative effort.

I think your question is more specific to a certain trail and area in a NF and I could not speak to that without some details. I can contact my resources and get you some more information if you have a specific trail and NF you are interested in. You can PM me if you want.

You would be amazed at how many people are becoming involved in trail maintenance in public lands. With all the budget issues, this volunteerism may be the only thing that keeps some of these areas open to the public. And be warned, once you spend some time doing it, you can get hooked. I've been spending many Saturdays this year with pulaskis, shovels, saws and pry bars and I still keep coming back for more. It's a great feeling to be out working up a sweat, immediately see the results of your efforts, and know that you are leaving something better for the next person.

I also should mention that there are a lot of restrictions on using power tools, like chainsaws and even large crosscut saws on public land. The NFS now has developed certification classes if you want to go that way but you don't need the cert to power a shovel or lopping tools.

[Skyvalhunter]

I have done many a WTA trail day. Already have a few under my belt this year. Word to the wise is mum is the word.

[Alpine Mojo]

On springtime hikes , I usually carry a saw and loppers in my pack just for trail maintenance.  It only takes a few minutes here and there and can benefit other hikers all summer.  Asking permission never crosses my mind.

[boneaddict]

Asking permission never crosses my mind.

[snowpack]

I just do it, but only do the smaller stuff like 3 inch diameter or less.  Backcountry Horsemen usually come through once or twice a season and clear the big stuff.  For the side trails that lead to where I want to hunt, I don't do any maintenance--I encourage the plants to go crazy at least near the beginning.

[Wea300mag]

I just do it, but only do the smaller stuff like 3 inch diameter or less.  Backcountry Horsemen usually come through once or twice a season and clear the big stuff.  For the side trails that lead to where I want to hunt, I don't do any maintenance--I encourage the plants to go crazy at least near the beginning.

  I've been known to start clearing myself a path after the first 100 yards too.

[ICEMAN]

No comment.

[KFhunter]

Just make sure you chop it out wide enough to get my ATV through

[ICEMAN]

Just make sure you chop it out wide enough to get my ATV through

 

[norsepeak]

Asking permission never crosses my mind.

[Jingles]

I'll explain what I was told by the FS when I was going to spend a summer clearing a trail
1. in order to cut any logs in the wilderness area you have to be Cross cut saw certified as no mechanized saws allowed
2. Trails must be cut to FS standards as far as width
3. Water bars must be put in where needed.
4 FS Trail boss has the right to inspect your work and progress and note if corrections or more work needs to be done.

Now mind you this was going to be volunteer work done by myself at no cost to anyone but me. The Kicker was I was going to have to pay for the class to become cross cut certified. I politely said a cross cut is a frigging hand saw and I sure as he-- am not paying for a class to learn how to use a hand saw... So the trail still hasn't been cleared and the last time the FS cleared the trail was in 1988 when the FS employee rolled a string of mules down the hill.

[KFhunter]

Just make sure you chop it out wide enough to get my ATV through

 

just messin with ya'll   

some of those atv threads....whew