Thurs Aug
16, 07: Upper Bear Canyon
Larry's crew consisted of Rich Inman, friend Bob (working water bars), sawyers
Larry T, Ron R, Dick H & Dick G; loppers horse holders and tossers Wayne,
Bonnie, Kay & Colleen. Wally with 3 teens showed up just after "the big
mess" got cleared out. These are Bonnie's pictures.
Thurs Aug 9: Blackmore Trail 423:
Larry Thomas, Wayne Frederickson, Wally Becker, Bonnie Hammer, Rich Inman and Jim Rohletter headed up South Cottonwood Trail about 9:00. The trail was cool and only one tree was cut between the trail head and the cabin. BUT THEN......for the next three miles about every 20 to 30 feet there seemed to be a blow down of 3 or more trees. We cut 51 more trees in three miles for three hours, by then it was 1:00 and we had to quit using the chain saws, so we ate lunch and turned around. We got out at 6:00 pm...we were very tired people. The trail was almost overgrown with grass, there were so many blow downs that the trail was not being used at all. Clear it or lose it!!
Tues Aug 7: Horsethief Trail #523
A crew of two riders, Ron Rassely and Dick Grover, and two pack horses ably
assisted by two ground supervisors (Kay & Joyce) cleared 6 miles of trail
cutting about a dozen trees. This does not include the 100 or so trees cut
clearing a dead end trail before Kay and Joyce hiked in and showed us where the
real trail left the logging road. This exit is now marked by a rock cairn and
down fall barrier constructed by the girls. This south end of the trail and now
the north end both follow logging roads since the recent logging on the north.
This is a beautiful ride along the east side of the Bridger Mountains looking
out over the Shields River valley to the Crazy Mountains. But, it may not be
worth driving the very rough Flathead Pass road. Be especially careful at the
upper two cattle guards if you go; large pot holes on both sides of the cattle
guards. 12 miles; 12 trees; submitted by Dick Grover.
Monday, Aug . 6: Flathead, Trail 522 (Elkhorn and Grouse Mtn)
A crew of 4 riders, 2 pack horses equipped with 2 GPS systems, 2 Forest Service
maps had a tough time locating this seldom used and vaguely marked trail. Even
with all the latest electronic gizmos and maps, we had a tough time. The "trail"
was difficult to find and the trail markings were few and far between. One rusty
sign, estimated to be 70 years old, indicated that this was a "new" trail.
Dick Grover and Ron Rassley with pack horses, and Sherrie (designated lopper for
the day) and Ron White had zero trees to clear and minimal lopping. The group
rode along a ridge, through meadows and had lunch near Grouse Mountain. After
the ride, Joyce Grover and Kay Tate joined the crew for sweet and juicy
watermelon, crab cocktail dip with crackers, Mike's Hard Lemonade and beer.
Hmmm, hmmm, good. (16 miles--0 trees cut) SW
Thursday Aug. 8, 2007:
Larry's crew of 8 left the Hell Roaring trail head at 8:30 with little to do
until passing the 5 mile Y to Thompson Lake (due to having been working on that
trail twice before). From there all the way to the lake was heavy going
and LARGE trees to be sure. The picture I chose for illustration has the
whole crew busily at work on a multiple fall, of which there were many.
One crew of 4 was able to move a giant boulder 2 feet further to make room for
horses and packs while the other crew of 4 was busy moving a huge tree from a
hazard at a switchback. Of course the "loppers" did their usual yeoman job
clearing the trail above and to the sides. Arriving at the lake at 3:45
Larry allowed us 1/2 hour to fish and the three that dove in had good luck;
a fitting reward for such hard work. Dick Grover and Wayne Frederickson
came back after seeing the lake and got caught in a hail/rain storm, getting
soaked but arriving safely back at the trailers after a slippery ride. The
storm cloud followed them all the way out. The fishermen, Rich Inman, Kay
Tate, Bonnie Hammer, Ron Rassley, Wally Becker & Larry Thomas lucked out and
missed the storm entirely arriving back at the TH at 7:00. (11 miles
cleared--22 miles ridden)
Monday 7/23/07 North Cottonwood:
The hot weather and smoke continues and makes trail clearing tough. A crew
of five (Bonnie, Wayne, Dick H, Kay and Ron) cleared 4 miles of trail (8 mile
ride) with two pack horses and chain saws. Someone had been through and
cut the big trees so the saws only got fired up two times. Wayne and Kay
cut lots of trees under 4" dia. by hand saw however and the nipper crew cleared
the overhead pathway. Kay pitched rocks to improve the footing as this is
a very rocky trail. Dick, Wayne and Bonnie worked on a portion of trail
that needed support with trees and rocks for a side wall. Ron's horse lost
a shoe so he walked out (a common occurrence on this trail.) The ice cold
beer and Bonnie's cookies sure hit the spot after a hot day.
Thursday July 19, '07
Larry's trail crew of Larry T, Wally B, Kay T, Ron R, Wayne F, Colleen C &
Bonnie H left the TH early and cleared the Hermit Creek Trail in the Spanish
Peaks to Jerome Rock Lake and down Jerome Rock trail. (20 miles)
Yea, the loop is finally completed!! The 3 loppers cleared the trail high
and low, dismounting to widen the trail in places. Thanks. We cut 20
trees and worked an hour fixing a dangerous place full of roots, water and
rocks. We put in two water bars. Who'd think there was still water up
there after these hot days!! Thanks you guys for making the trail safer.
Colleen's horse "Bugs" threw a shoe so Colleen walked out 8 miles while Bonnie
and others led Bugs. She'll be feeling THAT in two days! (KT)
Monday July 16, '07: Clearing the new trail to Fairy Lake from Battleridge
Campground.
The new trail access, due to land exchange in the Bridgers, adds an hour each
way to the Fairy Lake trail. The lopper crew is working itself out of a
job for next year. Bonnie Hammer, Colleen Carnine, Wayne Frederickson, and
Kay Tate worked their loppers all the way up and back clearing head room from
horseback. We had three chain saws and pack horses and needed them all.
Even Dick Grover's 20" chain was brought out of the pack and couldn't cut
through one tree over the trail. He had to cut from both sides to get
through. Ron Rassley and Dick Haines also brought chain saws. Horse
holders and log throwers were Ruth Hall and Ron and Sherrie White. The
crew worked as a team and had a late lunch at beautiful Fairy Lake.
Watermelon was the highlight on our return to the trailers. 6 miles
cleared, 10 people, total miles 12 on a hot (99) day.
Monday July 9th
Little Hell Roaring out of Spanish Creek Trail Head.
Ron Rassley, Rich
Inman, Sherrie and Ron White, Jane Huffine, Ruth Hall, Wayne Fredrickson, Jim
Nelson, and Bonnie Hammer cleared 5 miles of trail sawing 6 trees. Total
miles 10.
We got a little (ten
minutes) late start as Bonnie and
Jim Nelson and Dick Grover rode about 12 miles up Corbly, across the top, and
down Tom Reese Creek clearing 62 logs. Some big'uns and some widow
makers.. We left at 9:30 and got back at 5:00. Amazing what a couple
old farts and two good dogs can get done! The B52 squadrons of horse flies
were well protected by the fighter squadrons of black flies.
Interestingly, the lead horse was pestered far more than the other horses so we
changed leaders fairly often.
Monday, July 2, 2007:
Indian Ridge: Twelve riders started the day
with 3 pack horses and saws. Two miles into the day Dick Grover felt dizzy
so he and Mike Gard headed back to the trailers. Ron Rassley, Ron White,
Sherrie White, Bonnie Hammer, Dick Haines, Colleen Carnine., Jan Elpel, Larry
Thomas, Wayne Fredericksen, and Kay Tate continued to the trail jct with Little
Hell Roaring cutting 8 trees in the 10 mile day. Loppers Bonnie, Colleen
and Wayne did a heck of a job clearing for heads and panniers.
While we were away Bozeman and Belgrade hit 100 degrees. Needless to say it was
much nicer up in the mountains.
We started with the Big Spring Trail on Tues afternoon and Colleen spotted a
bear just 2 miles from camp to enliven our afternoon. A large
tree had fallen and taken out the trail where we turned around and we didn't
have a shovel to repair the hazard. A bear walked past camp in the
evening. We rode 10 miles and cut 3 trees.
Weds 6/27: Larry and Rich met us at the TH & we headed up Main Sage. The Lopper
Ladies worked overtime & tree cutting started right @ the
Little Sage Jct. We were two groups of four & leap frogged to tremendous
advantage cutting 65 trees & turning around @ Sage Basin to complete an
exhausting 26 mile day.
Thurs 6/28: Ron & Kay stayed in camp to rest his sore neck. The crew headed up
Little Sage. They ate lunch in the shade prior to the big
meadow at the end. Dick worried all morning about the cookies he had left in
Colleen's saddle bags. 10 trees in 24 miles.
Fri 6/29: The crew had our usual 9:00 start meeting Kari & Mark at the TH.
Dick's saw packed it in on the first tree near camp and 3 of us rode
back to camp to get Ron's saw following the others up Slide Creek. LOTS of
lopper work and when we caught up with them Bonnie & Colleen were busy
cleaning pine needles out of their clothes. Someone had already been up Slide
Creek, thank goodness, or we'd still be up there sawing away. Two
separate blow downs one of nine trees and one ten. What a mess!! Kari and Mark
brought us a Mud Pie from the Corral Bar that evening and what a
fitting treat that was to end our week. 41 trees in 12 miles.
Sat 6/30: After a leisurely breakfast and camp patrol we helped Bonnie change
the flat on her Blazer and headed home feeling great accomplishment
and the added pounds from such good food.
Monday June 25: Shafthouse to Fairy Lake:
The
day can be summed up in two words: gorgeous and windy. Six Back Country
Men and Women left the Flathead Ranger Station TH @ 9:30. Ruth Hall,
Bonnie Hammer, Kay Tate, Mike Gard, Jim Nelson and Dick Haines with two chain
saws and two pack horses met their first downed tree of a soon to be 13 only 20
minutes up the trail. Kay and Bonnie lopped their way up and down clearing
pannier and head room. We saw several deer and two elk cows. One
deer hung around our lunch spot so we figured her fawn was nearby. Watch
your dogs in the mountains at this season as the calves and fawns are very
vulnerable at this stage of their young lives. On our way back we rode up
the ridge to the Shafthouse and tossed a rock down to see if we could hear it
hit the bottom--NOT. It was good to see old friends again.
June 23, 2007, Sat. BCH adopted trail work day.
A crew of 6, Larry Thomas, Kay Tate, Rich Inman, Wally Becker, Dick Haines, and
Ken Catamaran (sp Jiffie please correct his last name and tell me how to spell
it), left the TH at Spanish Creek at 8:30 to beat the heat and try to make it
all the way to the lakes. Kay lopped all the way up and the guys leap
frogged cutting 10 trees to the Mirror Lake Y and another 19 upward to where a
snow drift stopped us. We met Ed Long, Mary Ann, and Mark Deopsomer coming
down from beyond the snow and they told us it was impassable. At that
point we turned around and headed for Dubois Lake for lunch. Fish were
very active and noone had a rod with them. From there we went up Mirror
Lake and cut another 34 trees for a total of 63 and made it to the lake.
Rich cleaned water bars for 1 1/2 miles on the Mirror Lake trail and we all rode
a total of 21 miles. We were all pooped! The refreshments at TH
revived us enough to drive home. What a crew!!
Thursday June 21:
Larry's crew had 8 riders and headed for Jerome Rock, again. Last week on
the 14th they sawed until exhaustion and time set in and got 6 miles. This
week Larry Thomas, Ed Long, Mark Deopsomer, Wally Becker, Rich Inman, Jim
Albright, Brenda Kessler and Kay Tate worked another 2 miles into the wilderness
cutting 20 trees until stopped by snowdrifts 1 mile from the lake. They
worked and got water off the trail in the upper regions.
Monday, June 18: Bangtail 504
The trail crew of 11 riders and 3 pack horse split into two groups. One group of
6 riders and 2 pack horses left from the Stone Creek
trailhead at 9:30 and cleared from the south to the north. Second group of 5
riders and 1 pack horse departed from Brackett Creek and
cleared the trail heading south as far as the old Bangtail R.S..
Riding from Stone Creek were Dick Grover, Jim Nelson, Bonnie Hammer,Wayne
Frederickson and Ron and Sherrie White. Riding in 11 1/2 miles
with two pack horses, the group removed nine trees, before returning to the
trailhead after seven hours on the trail. There are 30 switchbacks on
the Stone Creek side.
The Brackett Creek troop consisted of Jane Huffine, Colleen Carnine, Jeff Banta,
Kay Tate, Dick Haines and 1 pack horse, Joe. We left at
9:30, clearing 11 1/2 miles and encountered 7 trees across the trail. There had
been a lot more but someone had already been through there with a saw. Saddle
time was 8 hours, getting back to the trailers at 6. (1/2 hour for lunch.) The
BWAG gals hiked ahead of us, 2 motorcyclists and 2
bicyclist were encountered with no problem. The motorcyclists actually helped us
saw and pitch one log and thanked us profusely. We
put up a sign at the trailhead to inform others that we were up there and to be
aware. Brian McNeil had come by and wrote a thank you "for
all you do" on our sign. A little wine and peanuts fortified us for the drive
home.
The work group cleared a total of 23 miles with 11 riders and 3 pack horses.
Just goes to show that the more horses and riders you put on the trail, the
fewer trees you have to deal with.
Monday June 4, 2007: Trail 538 South from Bridger Bowl:
First time's a charm
Rain, mud, dental appointments and various maladies kept us from participating in any of the scheduled BCH work rides until Monday, June 4. So there we were on that day at the Bridger Bowl parking lot, ready to hit the trail but not without some trepidation and questions:
1) Would we--and our older leased horses--be able to keep up with everyone?
2) Could we be helpful or would we get in the way?
3) What if we did something stupid?
4) What lessons would we learn from this first experience with the work crew?
5) Would we do it again?
(Answers appear later)
The crew consisted of Ron Rassley (with one pack horse), Kay Tate, Wayne Fredrickson, Colleen Carnine, Bonnie Hammer, Ron White and myself. We departed the parking lot on schedule at 9:30 a.m. When the trail split, Kay and Wayne went north to check that section of the trail; Kay caught up with the rest of us just before lunch (Wayne had to leave early for a dental appointment). Little work was encountered in the morning and we took a lunch break when we found some good "sitting" logs and shade. What an amazing spot for an afternoon picnic; how lucky to be in the mountains on such a beautiful sun-shiny day with good company. Soon it was time to move on.
Our work load increased dramatically when we came upon a blow down shortly after lunch. Here's where we began to understand the importance and extent of the Backcountry Horsemen's role in trail maintenance. A swarm of trees were down in a tangled mess across the trail; making it impossible for horses or bikes to get through and not real easy for hikers either. Everyone seemed to know just what to do, from holding horses, using the chainsaw and tools, to removing brush and logs. After clearing this clogged area, the group moved on. The afternoon continued to be busy with downed trees and everyone pitched in to help. I counted over 30 trees that were cut and removed from the trail. In addition, the clipper queen duo of Bonnie and Colleen, snipped off countless branches from horse-top along the trail from start to finish.
Our work day came to an end we arrived back at the parking lot at 5:30, eight hours after we had departed. The cold drinks waiting for us in a cooler sure were a welcome treat. It had been a great day; we enjoyed the work, the riding, the people and scenery.
And, the answers to those burning questions?
1) We kept up, more or less, but our lease horses definitely needed
prodding.
2) I don't think we got in the way and I hope that we were helpful
3) We probably did a number of stupid things; but everyone was patient.
For example, I forgot my hat at home; Kay had a visor for me to use.
4) We learned much from this first experience; simple stuff, like "don't
tie your horse to a dead tree." But most of all, we realized that there
are many lessons to be learned from everyone on the work rides. As newcomers, we
are so grateful that they are willing to share their knowledge and stories. Not
only did we learn about trail maintenance on our first day, but we learned about
trail blazes, animal markings on the trees and how to recycle old boots (ask
Bonnie Hammer).
5) Definitely, we'll be out there again. We loved it!
Saturday June 2:
Five Back Country men again worked the Spanish Lake trail # 407 toward Spanish
Lakes from the Spanish Creek campground. Eight new downfall had to be cut
by two guys with hand saws before getting to the Mirror Lake Y. Then the men
continued to the High Lake trail cutoff cutting more "big ones". While the
sawyers did this, two guys stayed at the second crossing and removed a rock and
a stump that made crossing easier.
Thursday May 31:
New World Gulch 4 mile loop through state land was cut open and water bars
installed by 9 back country horsemen. We cut 30 trees and worked
diligently to get the water off the trail. Rerouting appears to be
necessary in some areas to get the trail out of the water.
May 19
A crew of 5 cleared 8 miles of trail 50 from Bozeman (Sourdough) Creek to Mystic
Lake, around the lake, up the ridge and back via the west side of the lake to
Bozeman (Sourdough) Creek for a total of 11 miles ridden. At the same time
a Back Country Horsemen crew of 3 left New World Gulch and cleared 4 miles
up trail 50 until they met the other crew coming from the Lake.
Thursday May 17:
A Back Country Horsemen crew of 5 workers cut trees on the Hell Roaring trail
off Highway 191 for 8 miles to the "nine mile bridge".
Saturday May 12:
A Back Country Horsemen crew of 13 workers cut trees and cleared water bars on
their adopted trail to the Spanish Lakes for 4 1/2 miles to the Mirror Lake
trail junction.
Aug 28, 06: Truman Gulch
Ron Rassley's trail crew of Bonnie Hammer, Kay Tate, Ron, Wayne Fredericksen, &
Jeff Banta cleared Truman Gulch to Jones Creek with hand saws and loppers. There
was a lot more to cut than we thought but we didn't want to tow the pack horse
and chain saw along. After lunch on the divide we looked for huckleberries but
we were too late. We saw lots of grouse. Refreshments at the trailer supplied by
Bonnie.
Aug. 14/15, 06: Porcupine TH:
Bridger Trail Crew: The last official clearing of the Monday group was spent in a campout at the Porcupine TH with 5 workers on Monday and 6 workers on Tues. The forest service supplied the cabin and hamburgers Monday night and Brian McNeil took the opportunity to visit with us about proposed changes in the volunteer program and other forest related ideas. We cleared to Elkhorn Creek on Monday and Onion Basin on Tues. About 12 miles each day. There were a lot of big trees down on the Onion Basin trail and one huge bear bed and scat. We only saw deer in the two days and had a 4:00 storm each day. We concluded a great season and were at the cabin by 5:00 Mon & 6:00 Tues. Ron will continue the Monday work day with Corbley Canyon on 8/21.
Mon, Aug 7, 06:
Bill Shield's Bridger Trail Crew:
Six hardy souls braved the rocks of North Cottonwood and rode for 1 1/2
hours before cutting the first tree. After that we leap frogged with two
groups, each with a chain saw to the lunch spot below the ridge at which
point we found the largest tree of the day directly across the trail.
Bonnie's loppers delivered yeoman work on the overhanging branches the
entire trail. During lunch we discussed next week's overnight trip to the
Porcupine cabin. Animals seen: 2 grouse. An overcast came in for the ride
out and was much appreciated as a 94 degree day had been forecast. Bill
provided refreshment at the trail head. Participants: Bill, Jane, Kay, Ron,
Bonnie, Mike G., & Wayne.
A crew of 7 with 2 guests (Julie & Don) left the Spanish Creek TH at
9:30 for Big Brother and Sweden Creek. A passing hiker told us the trail
was clear to Big Brother so only Kay and Ron went that way, as far as
the first dangerous rock/bog and as volunteers we didn't feel the
necessity to risk our horses to the mess so we turned around. A few
trees were cut but mostly it was small saw and pruning work.
Meanwhile the other seven workers ran into a lot of big (multiple
trunks) trees, one directly over the new bridge just past the North
Fork. They worked all the way to the open slope before Sweden Creek and
returned, getting back to the trailers @ 5. It was a long day in the
saddle and hard work and all were tired.
The F.S. has contracts out for clearing Placer Creek, North Fork and
Sweden Creek.
The photographer was with Ron so there are only a few pictures to send.
The last one is Ron holding a sack stuffed with fan weed he pulled from ONE feed
bunk; the others are of the group as they ride toward Spanish Creek.
There were 10 people, (three pack horses with chain saws), Bill Shields, Nichole Arthur, Bonnie Hammer, Mike Gard, Dick Grover, Jim Nelson, Wayne Frederickson, Jeff Banta, Lacey Verschoot, & Mike McLoughlin. We cut 3 three trees, had beautiful views, no bugs, cool breeze, cloudy overcast, but spectacular ride. (Bonnie Hammer)
| 2004 | 2003 | |
| Total man/women hours | 2,410 | 1,515 |
| Number of people participating | 329 | 221 |
| Number of days worked | 64 | 56 |
| Number of riding horses used | 167 | 185 |
| Number of pack horses used | 78 | 95 |
| Total miles traveled by all horses | 2,261 | 3,224 |
| Number of feet of new tread constructed on trail | 11,579 | 1,486 |
| Number of vehicles used | 244 | 138 |
| Total miles traveled by vehicles | 9,266 | 9,982 |
As of July 10th 2001 the Gallatin Valley Back Country Horsemen work crews have completed work on many Forest Service trails.
Indian Ridge Trail #401 where we worked 286.5 man/hrs on 2650' of new tread construction.
Spanish Creek work weekend we worked 240 man/hrs of clearing blow down, removing dangerous leaning trees, improving water bars, and marking a new trail.
South Cottonwood Trail #422 on National Trails Day we worked 60 man/hrs and completed repairs of 900' of tread repairs and removed blow down.
The Forest Service has agreed on the following work projects in the days to come:
September Trail Report, by Chick Hale
On September 15th we responded to the Forest Service’s request for aid.
Their need was to transport tools, food, etc., to the 2nd creek that crosses
the Spanish Creek Trail for the purpose of construction of a foot and horse
bridge.
Our old (but yet young) friend, Jehnet Carlson, Wally Becker and I were at
the trail head at 9:30am to load our five pack horses. At the work and camp
sites we unloaded and spent sometime moving rocks to construct a firm
foundation for the bridge. We left at a reasonable time and hauled our empty
horses home. Thanks to Jehnet and her two pack animals we were able to carry
comfortable loads.
On September 17th, as previously arranged, we picked up two heavy draft
horses, truck and trailer, loaned to us from member Lee Hart, prepared for
our trip into the bridge work site and started in with two draft horses and
two pack horses carrying chain, double tree and other tools.
At the work site Wally took little time to get the work team ready and
proceeded to skid three bridge beams, two for a distance of 100 yards. Wally
also hauled logs to be split for use as treads.
Our work completed we headed home putting in an eleven hour day with all the
incidentals involved.
Our really big day was September 19th when the Forest Service crew was to
complete the bridge and come out of the forest.
Ed Long, Larry and Billy Conner, Jan and Jeanne Elpel, Wally and I headed in
with six pack horses.
When we arrived at the work site the crew seemed far from completing the
bridge, so the seven of us went to work. We hauled rock and Larry with his
draft horse and crew hauled gravel to complete the approaches to the bridge.
The Forest Service Crew split and laid the tread, all the wood chips were
cleaned up and finally log curbs were installed on each side of the bridge.
Before we loaded to leave Wally gave the bridge his test with his three
horses and they did well.
We loaded tools, food boxes and all kinds of equipment and headed out.
We had spent twelve hours of hard work and we were all pleased with the
results. The Forest Service Crew, young and hard working, complimented us in
our efforts to help them complete their work. Little did they realize how we
old duffers enjoyed them and their youth.
The team effort that we participated in was extremely rewarding, not only
for what was produced, but also the enjoyment of working with other people.
Much was accomplished and it is my belief that this relationship could be
extended to projects considered too extensive for any one group. I wonder if
we could include other groups who also use our Gallatin Forest?