On one of the hottest and most humid days of the year, RMC President Jamie Maddock and I decided to go for a trail run, and visit the crew on Israel Ridge Path. We ran up Castle Trail, then Israel Ridge which, for those of you who know the trail, is pretty hard to run.. so we settled for a fast hike.
Amid the black flies, RMC trail crew takes time for lunch
The crew was doing well! In just a week or so of work, they were already closing in on the junction of Israel Ridge Path and Perch Path. (We usually start our trail work projects high, and work down the trail, though not always.
This project is a partnership with the US Forest Service, since the land is on the White Mountain National Forest. In this case, the WMNF is able to reimburse about 50% of the cost of the project, though what’s known as a Challenge Cost Share contract.
RMC TC Ben Lieberson working on a new rock waterbar
The work was going really well! From my point of view, you never know how quickly first year crew members will pick up the intricacies of rock work. But, in this case, Gretchen and Chris have it well figured out. (Both were caretakers with RMC last year, by the way.) Fiona has previous trails experience with AMC at Camp Dodge, and this is Ben’s second year on the RMC crew.
One of the most important skills, is learning to rest on your shovel. Okay…. I’m kidding. Here’s RMC President Jamie Maddock, showing Fiona Jensen exactly how a state highway employee would do it!
Who knew our RMC President was so talented?
