Ice Storm Work for Weekend of Feb 7 and 8

[Cowper]

Since the Richland Road thread has grown to four pages, I thought a new post to organize for this coming weekend might be useful.

First - I hope some of you do in fact go to places like Dixon Ford or EFLB to check out access and do what is needed. The last thing we need as boaters is to concentrate all of us on a single stream every time it rains. It also makes sense to spend fewer hours driving, and more time working to clear access or help locals near our favorite streams to build better relationships with area landowners.

For Richland, DRAT, I now expect to be working Saturday (the kind they pay you for), so I can't make it until Sunday. Based on my conversations with others, I think we will have a larger work crew on Sunday, as many already have other commitments on Saturday, or must work elsewhere.

SO, RICHLAND AREA: Try to join us, meeting at Dickey Junction at 10 AM SUNDAY. We will try to clear to the campground, AND, if at all possible, use remaining daylight to go down to Eula to help land owners there.

Renee - I heard you might be joining us, but were a little under the weather and maybe not up to caber tossing (a.k.a. Scottish pole tossing) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caber_tosswould" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
so if you wanted to come and hike past the road crew, down to the creek, and bring us a creek report, that of great value, too!

[Lazer]

You don't have to wait until Sunday to help. There are folks heading up there today and Saturday to work on clearing the Richland road. So if you want to help, head that way.

[Prairie Tater]

As of this minute, only Wills & I and possibly one of his sons are planning to be on the Dixon Ford road around 9:00 in the morning (Saturday). I have a couple of questions about our endeavor:

Where do we stand with the forest service? Do they welcome our help? I was just thinking that they might be concerned about liability issues in case of an accident. You know government bureaucracies.

Should we stack the brush in piles next to the road or try to scatter it out in the woods?

Prater

[Richard]

A few years ago when we had an ice storm hit Conway, it did a lot of damage at Cadron Settlement. It was operated by the CofE at the time. They did not allow volunteers.

I talked to Buffalo River NP this week and they said the same thing. They are allowing only trained fire crews at this time. I don't know about the liability thing but they tell me its all about the "Widow Makers" that could come down on someone. A police chief in a small town near Jonesboro was killed by a widow maker last week during the ice storm. They are nothing to take lightly.

My guess is that if you called the NFS their official reply would be "Thanks but no thanks".

[Dave Smith]

better to ask forgiveness that permission.....get er done

[Trismegistus]

The USFS would likely be immune from any liability but I'd still encourage some level of coordination for any of a number of reasons some of which may include: 1) funding -- they may be requesting funds -- say a charge x number of dollars per tree cleared -- and all at once they find that thanks to a bunch of volunteers the request is voided or otherwise amended, 2) employment -- they may be securing outside labor to facilitate the process of clearing out the trees -- less downfall to be removed may mean fewer jobs -- hate to think that because of our charity someone someone remains unemployed, 3) landscape/environmental management -- in the process of removing downfall they may also be addressing invasive flora or diseased trees that are otherwise still standing, 4) courtesy -- even if my neighbors are coming to help me mow my lawn I hope they'd at least tell me of their intentions, etc.

Not saying "don't help" -- just that sometimes we can't see the full impact of our endeavors.

P.S. On similar track -- in planning my clean-up for Rock Creek later next month I have already informed the Audubon Society and City Parks and Rec. Dept. of my intent. I'm certain no one would ever complain that several loads of garbage were removed from the watershed without the consent of city but nevertheless....

[Trismegistus]

"better to ask forgiveness that permission.....get er done"

But all it takes is a phone call.

When someone tells me "They are allowing only trained fire crews at this time" I'm not thinking about issues of liability -- rather I'm thinking -- jobs!! These crews are already on contract and may otherwise be doing "busy work" somewhere else or else these crews are "new hires" -- either way I'd hate to think that because we have a little time on our hand and hope to contribute that someone else finds themselves jobless. There may be several work crews in the state hoping to land a contract to help the USFS and utilities clear right-of-ways, roads and downfall. We don't know what we don't know.

I don't know if we even know enough to answer: "Should we stack the brush in piles next to the road or try to scatter it out in the woods?"

[hellbender]

I wouldn't mind getting payed.I need a boat!Got work John?

[Trismegistus]

Well I made the call and found out that the USFS does in fact have specific plans and hopes that all efforts will be coordinated through their office. Gary Knudsen is in charge of coordinating all volunteer efforts in hopes that everyone's efforts best fulfill the needs and mission mission of the USFS while providing a safe and rewarding experience for all participants.

I might add that the USFS is very thankful -- they were gushing with adoration for those members of the ACC contributing during this time of need. Forget seeking forgiveness after the fact -- I'm sure you'll be given permission as so sought -- in fact you might even find that by coordinating our efforts we all achieve the desired outcomes more efficiently.

[Trismegistus]

Always have work to be done. If you enjoy low pay manual outdoor labor with flexible work hours -- just drop me a line. :)

[hellbender]

anything to earn a buck for a boat.i'll get in touch

[Lazer]

As of this minute, only Wills & I and possibly one of his sons are planning to be on the Dixon Ford road around 9:00 in the morning (Saturday). I have a couple of questions about our endeavor:

Where do we stand with the forest service? Do they welcome our help? I was just thinking that they might be concerned about liability issues in case of an accident. You know government bureaucracies.

Should we stack the brush in piles next to the road or try to scatter it out in the woods?

Prater

As long as you are doing your own thing, shouldn't be a problem. If you tried to jump in to help a FS crew, then they would probably have some reservations.

Independent boater crews ran across FS crews Friday Saturday and Sunday last week and they didn't say anything negative or indicate there was a problem clearing a road as long as we stayed out of the way of their dozer and crews.

[Dave Smith]

Thanks for translating Lance.....get er done

[Roger]

Last Saturday when KIm and I tried to catch up with the crew going down from the junction, I decided that for all the Subie's ability to traverse the mud that the path through the "cleared" downfall was going to do a number on the paint job!!!

Getting through for the most was not a problem, but there were a lot of protruding limbs that were going to etch-a-sketch! And underneath a lot of pine boughs, some rather large jagged pieces of pine.

So we parked, and started clearing the roads of the moveable debris. While doing so, two FS gentleman coming down the mountain stopped to visit. We told them why we were there and asked about the Cowper, Lance and the others. About all I remember them telling us was to be careful. They mentioned that there would be other crews coming back with trucks and other equipment later to do a more thorough job on the clean-up.

[FarPastGone]

I would be careful this weekend...don't expect what has already been cleared to still be clear in all places as I bet there will be some new stuff in the road with the wind we have gotten last night and today.

-Matt