Fri 8/5 - The group met at the Summit Wilderness Office which is behind the Summit Ranger Station in Pinecrest. We had a quick meeting with the FS Rangers and the Ranger Interns that would be joining us on our project. We then headed to Aspen Meadow Pack Station and dropped off our packs as we had packer support on the trip.
We then drove up to Gianelli Cabin trailhead and started our hike to Chewing Gum Lake. The hike went quickly without packs and we were soon at Chewing Gum Lake. The lake is only 4 miles or so from the TH and is used heavily. There were two groups of 14, a group of 11 and several groups of 2-3. Our group was 9. 5 volunteers, 2 FS Rangers and 2 Interns. There are lots of legal campsites at CGL and it was easy to find one for our group. The packer arrived shortly after us carrying our packs and the tools we would be using for the next few days.
After lunch we were introduced to the process of restoring illegal campsites (Those within 100 feet of the lake). CGL had plenty of them. The first thing we did was pull apart the fire rings, shovel out the ashes and disperse them and the rocks. Next to go was the "furniture", rock seats and logs. Then we addressed the tent sites with a technique known as iceberging. This is where we dug deep and large holes in the tenting areas and placed large (500 lb+) rocks within them leaving the top third of the rock above ground level. The rock was then braced with smaller rocks and the soil returned and leveled. We then took forest duff and spread it over the campsite. The result was pretty amazing.
On Saturday I joined a work party that went over to Granite Lake. We hiked cross country from CGL to Y-Meadow Dam and then up to Granite. Granite was almost as busy as CGL. There were two large parties and 4-5 smaller ones there. We proceeded around the lake working on campsites. Most of the campers were in legal sites and we received many thank you's from the people we met. There were plenty of illegal sites though and we had a full day.
It was very interesting to watch the Rangers interact with the groups we encountered. They were very friendly and professional. They gave tips and guidance to all, and were very patient and informative. I was impressed by their energy, stamina and dedication to their very demanding jobs. The worked hard and kept long hours. They were still working well after I was in my hammock after a swim and sipping on a strong rum drink
.On Sunday we changed it up a bit and worked on the trail from CGL to Crabtree. One of our Rangers had previous experience running a trail crew and taught us techniques for improving rough sections of trail. We worked within a half mile of CGL. We added steps, cleared brush and made the trail easier to see and hike on. We were unable to take on the real tough stuff (Bless the CCC!) as our volunteer group were all 40-50+. We did do some good work though and hopefully the trail will be easier to negotiate. We headed back to camp and restored another site that had been occupied. We quit for the day around 3:30 while our Rangers continued working.
Our nights were spent swimming, relaxing, getting to know each other and watching our Rangers make the most amazing fresh meals. As this was our first trip we were unaware of the possibility of bringing in an ice chest and all of the options it opens. Next time!
On Monday we hiked out. There was FS packer support for the tools, ice chest and packs but we carried ours out as it was a short hike and the packs were light.
Looking back on the trip, we've both decided that although it was hard work we're going to stay in the organization. The first day was a bit of an eye opener but once we figured a few things out it became easier. We're both proud of the work we did and feel like we accomplished something good in the wilderness that has given us so much. We truly enjoyed the wonderful people in the group and can't say enough about the Rangers and Interns that we got to know.
I've included a link below to a Forest Service press release regarding the group and the work we do.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stanislau ... EPRD511952
