Recent AT Maintenance

Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.

Reporting: Richard L Ramsey
Date: 2024-03-17
Purpose: Check trail condition after storm
Section: 14a: Doll Flats to Bradley Gap
People: Richard Ramsey, Nancy Mick and dogs
Summary: Attempting to clear all the blowdowns and fix go arounds. Only trees that are still left one can easily step over. With having to hike in from 19E I tried to limit equipment to the Silky, loopers and a short rope. 10 mile day
There is need for larger scale work on a wet section about 1.50 miles above Doll Flats. It is very muddy when it is wet.

Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-03-18
Purpose: Preparing for meeting regarding trail counters in Roan Highlands
Section: 14d: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Bettye Boone
Summary: Preparation for meeting regarding VUM Committee Counter Data. Meeting never took place due to problem w/Microsoft Team meeting and Doodle Poll on best time for the meeting. Review of last VUM meeting notes and minutes. Communication w/Greg Kramer and Monica Mogilewsky. Also communication with Greg Kramer and Joe Morris regarding 2 leaners on our section (15a Carvers to Cloudland).

Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-03-16
Purpose: Check our section for any needed maintenance
Section: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Bettye Boone
Saylor Fox
Summary: Basically checked the entire section from Cloudland to Carvers. Hikers at Cloudland headed north said the trail between Hughes Gap and Cloudland had no blow downs. Please report to that section maintainer. On our section we found 2 blowdowns which we were able to handle with our small Silke. One between Cloudland and Toll House and one headed up to the Roan High Knob Shelter. Successfully removed both. Shelter is fine . Took up new journal and brought back the old one; will mail to TEHCC. Very little trash. Tried to clean the graffiti board with alcohol; did not work. Will have to take another cleaner up for the new metal board; please advise on the best cleaner. Blazes looked good throughout the section. Will refurbish this summer. Cleaned all water diversions needing maintenance . There are 2 leaners between the 4th & 5th switchback from Carvers headed south. Too large to handle with our small Silke. Wish we could take our battery powered Ego; could handle in a few minutes. Will communicate the need for a Sawyer need to Joe and Greg.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-03-14
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Tony Messina, Van Hovey, Jeff Hatling, Joe Morris

Summary: The crew broke into teams at Moreland Gap Shelter with this group heading north. Thru hiker Julie had reported a pine tangle north of the shelter which we found and removed 1.5 miles from the shelter. We walked to the Canute Place and cleared 13 trees (mostly step overs) and two hazard trees adjacent to camp sites.

Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2024-03-14
Purpose: Thursday maintenance
Section: 11b: Canute Place to Bitter End
People: Tim Stewart
Bill Murdoch
Greg Kramer
Elzear Lemieux
Jim McGuire
Summary: With a report of a large blowdown, it was decided to go in search of. One group went north of Moreland Gap Shelter and the other group went South. After painting the graffiti board and some other minor tasks at the shelter, my group hiked south. We removed 19 minor blowdowns and other trail obstructions. The bridges we built last year were in great condition.

The forest service road is in bad shape with numerous 'potholes'. The trench at about mile marker 4 continues to degrade and is a challenge to navigate.

It was a great weather day. We also saw several NOBO hikers on their way to Maine.

Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 2024-03-09
Purpose: Hiking with Tools!
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Tim Stewart
Tracy Harris
Skip Benton
Rebecka Powell
Jessica Powell
Summary: It rained ... fortunately it held off until we were finished!

We began the Hiking with Tools! season with a hike around Watauga Lake. Several others were signed up but the threat of rain must've changed their minds.. After introducing the various tools that we routinely use, we journeyed around the lake. Typical tasks were encountered: overgrown brush, rhododendrons, trash, and a couple of minor blowdowns. The step-over culvert we created last year was working nicely.

The former Watauga Lake Shelter site was our lunch destination. After which we hiked back to the trailhead. Overall the trail was in good condition. The rain possibility didn't dampen our spirits and it ended up a good outing!

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-03-12
Purpose: Rehab
Section: 13: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Carl Fritz, Joe Morris
Summary: Carl and I headed south from 19E to remove a hiker reported blowdown. We found the tree(s) 2 1/2 miles from 19E adjacent to the water source. Encountered 11 thru-hikers, 2 LASH's, and 2 day hikers

Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2024-03-12
Purpose: General Maintenance
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Cindy McGuire
Summary: I returned to Elk River to paint blazes and clear a drainpipe. Blazes are in excellent shape from the river up to Campbell Hollow Rd, but they needed touching up along Elk River. I repainted about 12 blazes. Last week, Tony pointed out the need to clear a drainage pipe at mile 401.0. It was almost completely clogged with dirt and leaves. I used a hoe to clear the pipe. We collected 2 bags of trash along the river section. I did a trash run just last week. There is a lot of littering going on out there. It was a beautiful day. We saw 12 day-hikers and no thru hikers.

Reporting: Jennifer Baird
Date: 2024-03-11
Purpose: Check trail condition
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Jennifer Baird
Summary: Hiked trail from Dennis Cove Road to Hampton trailhead via high water trail and came back by the falls. Trail is in good shape. Only small twigs and one small branch on the trail. Removed a small bag of trash from the shelter. First time being at the shelter since the rehab on water trail. It looks great! Thanks to those who did such a great job! Will return on a warmer day to refresh the blazes. Saw a total of six day hikers and one dog out enjoying the day.

Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 2024-03-10
Purpose: ATC Spring Regional Partnership Meeting
Section: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Steve Perri
Summary: ATC Regional Partnership Committee Meeting 3-8-24 to 3-10-24
Steve Perri

The annual Regional Partnership Committee (RPC) Meeting was held at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, VA. This is a collective meeting bringing together USFS, ATC, APPA (Appalachian National Scenic Trail NP) and AT Clubs to discuss recent policies, legislation, activities, events, and strategies that the partnership faces in the short and long-term basis. Below is a summary of some of the happenings across the partnership.

ATC - ATC is preparing a number of events in 2024 to help prepare for the 100 yr anniversary of the formation of the conservancy which was established March 9, 1925. A number of events will be identified and will likely involve some within the state level and others more regionally. ATC is refilling a number of staff positions with changes in personnel. A review of the 40 yr old comprehensive plan revealed a significant number of recommendations that NPS will likely be making to update the plan to better reflect the collaborative culture and assigned responsibilities within the cooperative agreement which was last updated about 40 yrs ago.

ATC has developed a checklist for clubs called a vitality index. It highlights a number of organizational, administrative, and functional characteristics that position clubs to be more effective and to help them develop a leader legacy circle. This list will be available on the website as a resource to ID gaps where ATC can help.

Training was a significant point of discussion during the breakout session for the southern region. Sawyers are expected to have 4 steps completed before they can operate in the field. This involves obtaining 1st aid and CPR training, followed by Sawyer safety training, followed by evaluation by a qualified trainer, and then a Sawyer certification step. 1st Aid must be complete before Sawyer certification. After certification, the final authorization step is required by a land manager before a Sawyer can operate a saw on public land. ATC still Ofers up to $65 reimbursement for 1st aid. Clubs are utilizing local universities, American Red Cross, retired physicians in their clubs, and local health care systems for training. The ATC website also is a resource for replacement equipment. The USFS now has resources available for Sawyer training and clubs are encouraged to utilize these as a first choice vs a contractor. ATC is also launching a new capital project and Konnarock form. It is replacing the earlier complex form and is expected to allow more electronic routing and improved tracking. Clubs are encouraged to ID capital project to submit using these new forms which will be posted on the ATC website. Konnarock notifications are expected to go out April 15-30th.

TEHCC is one of the few clubs up to date with the ATC MOU and volunteer service agreements with the USFS partners. The club has been able to benefit from the TN and NC license plate program. In TN, only $16,000 was requested and so there is about another $10,000 available for unexpected needs. NC requests also came in close to the $34,000 available this year for grants.

ATC is developing plans to address high impact areas from expanded visitation impacts to portions of heavily visited trail sections, overnight sites, and parking. There are 387 heavy use overnight sites identified from an assessment. There are more than 5,500 sites total for the whole trail. Increase visitation has exacerbated the impacts from heavy use. ATC is utilizing the Visitor Use Management (VUM)Process to develop longer term plans to help mitigate expanding impacts. Currently there are 15 areas utilizing the 14 step VUM process and the Roan Highlands section from Hughes Gap to 19E is the area we started a VUM process in 2022. Currently we are on step 7 of the 14 step VUM process. ATC is launching the use of a GIS system called RIMS to capture in the field data from visitor use. ATC is seeking feedback on development of energy structures policies being crafter for wind energy, pipelines, solar arrays and other development impacts by April 5th.

APPA is helping fund sanitation facilities for implementation on USFS lands in VA. A universal design based on a 2-bin moldering privy will be available along with funds to add more of these to AT sections in Region 8. Funds for $3.1M from NPS and ATC are assigned a task order for the Triple Crown VUM process. Specific funds for large projects can be made available as VUM’s define needs to address improvements for overuse areas.

USFS - USFS was well-represented at the meeting. At the regional level, the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) is being used to help fund deferred maintenance and is funded for 5 yrs in the current plan. Upgrading the Konnarock facility in VA is at risk of missing funding in this round, but they are confident it will be funded perhaps in the next round. USFS is also starting a campaign called the Reimagining Recreation program which is linked to the 100 yr ATC anniversary. It will be launched on May 6, in Tahoe.

The SORO volunteer of the year selected was TEHCC’s Vic Hasler! A frame plaque was presented to the club to present to Vic. Congratulations Vic!

Next RPC meeting in the fall will be at the ATC Socash facility and will be Nov. 2, 2024.

Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2024-03-05
Purpose: Scout and clear blowdowns
Section: 2a: Backbone Rock Trail to Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter
People: Dave Allen
Summary: Walked in from McQueen’s Gap, then scouted entire section. Cleared 9 blowdowns with handsaw. No chainsaw work was needed, so section was cleared.

Reporting: Tony Messina, Jim McGuire
Date: 2024-03-07
Purpose: Blowdowns
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Tony Messina
Jim McGuire
Summary: The Thursday crew broke up today, so Jim and I chased blowdowns he had documented on his section. We cleared five significant blowdowns, leaving a couple behind in key locations to deter 4Wheelers. We also documented future work which could be done by the Thursday group on the section which will be sent to Joe/Greg/Carl via email. We saw one section hiker and one thru hiker who was star struck by meeting Bob Peoples further back on the trail today.

We used two cars, with a shuttle, and hiked from Campbell Holllow road NOBO past the Elk River access and down slightly past the fence stepover gate near the river. It was a gorgeous day and a very good time.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-03-07
Purpose: Remove hazard trees, repair fence and harvest locusts
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Carl Fritz, Ken Costello, Bill Murdoch
Summary: Brandon and two FS men joined us. They felled 3 hazard trees near Double Springs Shelter. We felled additional locusts around Osborne Farm. And we delivered a half truck load to Watauga Work Center. There are many to gather. We made some minor repairs to cattle fence around the pasture.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-03-07
Purpose: General Rehab
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Joe Morris, Van Hovey, Tim Stewart and Bob Peoples
Summary: The day started with a plan to reposition the bog bridges in Bishop Hollow but large volumes of water in multiple places on the trail, changed the plan. We created a large water diversion and built a 40 foot locust turnpike. Multiple seeps, erosion control issues and, mud bogs will keep us busy in the hollow multiple weeks. There is an abundance of locust in the area, but Roby Miller Road is almost impassable.

Reporting: Jim McGuire
Date: 2024-03-05
Purpose: General Maintenance
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Jim McGuire
Summary: I completed general maintenance of my new trail section assignment. I drove in on the FS road from Elk Falls. Along the river, I collected 2 bags of trash, plus 2 old tents. Water at Sugar Creek was flowing strong. I cleared rhododendrons around the creek for easier access. There was one blowdown along the river that was too big for me to tackle. There were many blowdowns from the river up to Campbell Road. I cleared small and medium blowdowns. There were 5, however, too big for me to tackle. I have pictures to share. One, in particular, was interesting. Someone cut the tree down with a chainsaw, seemingly on the trail on purpose. On the blowdowns I could not remove, I cleared branches around the tree to allow for easier passage. I also removed the little spikes on the trees that could hurt a hiker.

I saw 4 hikers and talked to three of them. One was a nobo thru hiker. The other two were doing a section hike from Erwin to Glasgow.

I included pictures of the tents and two of the larger blowdowns that I cleared.

Reporting: Steve Wilson
Date: 2024-03-05
Purpose: Annual Spring Trail Maintenance
Section: 2b: Low Point roughly 2 miles N of Abingdon Gap Shelter to McQueen's Gap
People: Carl Belcher
Steve Wilson
Summary: We cut blowdowns, lopped briars, and cleaned water diversions on the trail section starting at McQueens Gap and hiking north for three miles. Fourteen blowdowns were remove with a chainsaw.

We plan to come back to remove a 22-inch step-over blowdown that was just past the shelter. Its on a side hill and an easy step over, but will be a challenge to remove due to its size and inclination on the sloping hillside. A bigger crew will be needed to move the cut sections and a shovel to repair the trail.

We saw two thru hikers on this sunny spring day. The Abingdon Gap shelter looked good, but the graffiti board needs its annual repainted. The trail is in good shape for the spring thru hikes.

Reporting: Scott Huskey
Date: 2024-02-29
Purpose: Routine section maintenance
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Scott Huskey
Summary: I used my bow-saw to remove two blowdowns vicinity of Mile 451.9 and cleaned two diversions vic. of Mile 451.5. There is a large diameter, dead tree leaning over the trail at Mile 451.1; it is probably not an issue anytime soon, but it might be later (picture attached).

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-02-29
Purpose: Rehab
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Van Hovey, Joe Morris, Jeff Hatling, Elzear Lemieux, Carl Fritz, Bill Murdoch, Tim Stewart, Tony Messina
Summary: The Thursday Crew and Forest Service personnel rehabbed 285 feet of trail, 171 feet of which was locust cribbed. Tony and Van, also, did a walk through from Spivey to Devils Creek Gap and conducted a trail assessment for future maintenance opportunities. An additional seven areas were identified and flagged north of Devils Creek for a future outing.

Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-02-27
Purpose: Prep for VUM/Read, take notes, make suggestions & attend VUM meeting
Section: 15b: Cloudland Hotel to Ash Gap
People: BETTYE BOONE
Summary: Read through box on relevant topics.

Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-02-26
Purpose: Preparation for VUM
Section: 15b: Cloudland Hotel to Ash Gap
People: Betttye Boone -4
Summary: VUM

Reporting: Bettye Boone
Date: 2024-02-07
Purpose: Roan Highlands VUM Committee
Section: 15b: Cloudland Hotel to Ash Gap
People: Bettye Boone
Summary: VUM

Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2024-02-27
Purpose: Spring cleanup
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: Entire section now cleared. Had to redirect a small stream. Removed a large blowdown in the center of the section.

Reporting: Jon Heidrick
Date: 2024-02-26
Purpose: Spring inspection, clearing blowdowns
Section: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Jon Heidrick
Summary: Blazes didn’t need painting, had been painted recently. First mile and a half clear.

Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2024-02-25
Purpose: Cut blow downs
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Yong Li, Jim Foster
Summary: We finished cutting the rest of the blow downs on the south end.

Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2024-02-20
Purpose: Clear blowdowns on Backbone Rock trail and AT Section 1
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Dave Allen
Summary: Removed 8 blowdowns on upper 1 miles of Backbone Rock Trail, and 3 blowdowns on AT Section 1. Cut back Rhodos on southern most 0.5 miles of AT Section 1

Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2024-02-18
Purpose: Clear Blowdowns on Backbone Rock Blue Blaze
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: 4
Summary: Cleared 10 blowdowns on bottom 2 miles of Backbone Rock trail. Cleared rhodos on bottom 1.5 miles of Backbone Rock Trail. Gave new trail maintainer patches to Dawn Allen and Reagan Doner

Reporting: Elzear Lemieux
Date: 2024-02-24
Purpose: Trail Maintenace
Section: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Elzear Lemieux
Emily Lemieux
Summary: Removed 2 Blowdowns, Cut back several bushes that had lean over trail. Cut back other vegetation.
Identified maintenance areas to be worked on in the future.
Mile 433
There is a large hole adjacent to trail that is a hazard. Approximately 45 feet of trail that needs cribbing. Flagged.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-02-22
Purpose: Rehab
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Joe Morris, Van Hovey, John Beaudet, Tim Stewart, Tony Messina, Elzear Lemieux, Bill Murdoch, Carl Fritz
Summary: Great day of trail rehab between Devils Creek Gap and No Business: the Thursday crew rehabilitated 400 feet of trail and added 3 stone steps. At least two more visits are required to tidy things up between Devils Creek and MM 337.0 North.

Reporting: Phyllis Cairnes
Date: 2024-02-21
Purpose: shelter maintenance
Section: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Phyllis Cairnes
Lori Krause
Summary: This was the first maintenance visit to my new shelter, Double Springs. We picked up a lot of trash (plastic tarp, plastic bags, 3 books, socks, glove, beer cans, plastic milk jugs, a big enameled coffee pot, and more) Gave 3 coats of paint to the graffiti board. Dispersed big logs from the fire ring and carefully picked out many shards of broken liquor bottles, then shoveled ashes. Replaced logbook. Next time will carry in a new broom and remove the two old ones. It was a gorgeous day to be out. The shelter definitely looked better than we found it. Also reported 2 blowdowns on the way in from TN 91.

Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2024-02-21
Purpose: Deliver new trail registers to shelter and perform routine maintenance
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Jim Foster
Summary: Delivered the new shelter registers and did a lot of cleaning and cutting back vegetation encroaching on the trail. Unfortunately there's still blow downs at the shelter turn off but that's another trip.

Reporting: Dave Allen
Date: 2024-02-14
Purpose: Chainsaw work to remove blowdowns
Section: 1: TN/VA state line to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Dave Allen
Tony Messina
Summary: Hiked up Backbone Rock Trail to approx 0.2 miles to TN/Va line to remove large blowdowns requiring chainsaw work. Removed a total of 12 blowdowns, 6 requiring chainsaw, on AT, and an additional 2 large blowdowns on Backbone Rock. The remaining blowdowns on Backbone Rock were left, due to a long day, for a scheduled follow up on 2/18.

Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2024-02-19
Purpose: Clear reported blowdowns
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Van Hovey
Carrie Hovey
Summary: Objective was to clear reported blowdowns .15 N and .7N of Spivey Gap.
Expected 2 and found 3 ….. additional one at .35N and actually the more time consuming of the group(see attached pics)
Lopped random rhodies in and out.
Objectives met….. Cheers

Reporting: Craig Haire
Date: 2024-02-18
Purpose: trail inspection, minor clearing
Section: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Craig Haire
Summary: Club hike from church on Buck Mtn. Rd to Jones Falls side trail. Removed debris and rotten blow downs and cut back some encroaching vegetation. There were several easy step-overs, but some were fairly large. Going south from Jones Falls, there was a large blow down about 5 minutes from the spur, a combination duck-under at about 7 minutes, a leaner at 10 minutes and a smaller duck-under at 15 minutes. The pics are taken looking south, and a 12" folding saw are included for size comparison. In addition to the 4 listed, there is a very large rotten pine sticking into the road bed near the 3rd creek crossing north of Buck Mtn Rd and a 15" step-over at the 1st creek crossing north of the church. This last one is probably between Buck Mtn Rd and Campbell Hollow Rd.

Reporting: Rick Lott
Date: 2024-02-17
Purpose: Remove two blowdowns
Section: 15c: Ash Gap to Hughes Gap
People: Rick Lott
Mike Watts
Summary: Mike and I hiked from Hughes Gap toward Ash Gap and cut one 18" blowdown near the top of Beartown Mtn. and one 12" blowdown near Ash Gap. The 12" blowdown was laying parallel on top of the trail for about 15' with a multi branch canopy. Both trees were cut uneventfully. We did encounter a little bit of snow on the north side of Beartown Mtn. We did encounter 4 section hikers going from Hughes Gap to Hwy 19E. We also encountered a female trail runner from Roan Mtn., who was training for the shortest time for a supported, female thru hike of the AT. She was trail running from Iron Mtn. Gap to Hwy 19E (31 miles) that day.

Reporting: Ken Murray
Date: 2024-02-15
Purpose: Replace Graffiti Board and Shelter Log at NBK Shelter. Remove trash.
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Ken Murray
Lotta Murray
Summary: We met USFS team Brandon and Jesse at the "Kan Lot". Hiked to shelter with them noting potential rehab locations along the way. They removed two very large and complex hazard trees as well as several blowdowns on the trail.

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-02-15
Purpose: Rehab
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Tim Stewart, Joe Morris, Carl Fritz, Van Hovey, Scott Huskey, Mike Hicks, Bill Murdoch, Dave Allen, Bob Peoples, Tony Messina, Tom Sahlin
Summary: The crew split into two groups near Laurel Fork Shelter and finished the rehabilitation of the shelter's water trail and improved a ledge on the blue blaze. 6 steps, substantial locust cribbing and 84 feet was rehabbed.

Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2024-02-15
Purpose: Remove blowdown
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dean Baird
Jennifer Baird
Summary: We removed one approximately 12" blowdown from the trail at the base of the large staircase just inside the Pond Mountain Wilderness boundary en route to South Pond to also remove blowdowns.

Reporting: Dean Baird
Date: 2024-02-15
Purpose: Remove blowdowns
Section: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Dean Baird
Jennifer Baird
Summary: Today's mission was to remove blowdowns that Jennifer had found on her trip to South Pond yesterday. We used one of the TEHCC crosscut saws, with some axe and Silky assistance, to remove 5 logs in 4 blowdown sites (one was a double). The logs that were cut were in the 12"-15" range. The crosscut saw performed very well. After today, the trail on South Pond is in very good condition. We saw one NOBO through hiker (and his wife, who was hiking with him for a short while) and one SOBO flip flopper that had started at Harper's Ferry. We also saw 3 other hikers. This was a beautiful day to be working on the trail.

Reporting: Jennifer Baird
Date: 2024-02-14
Purpose: Check trail conditions
Section: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Jennifer Baird
Summary: Headed up south side of Pond to check trail conditions. Cut the top portion of a blowdown that had fell at the intersection of Hampton Blue Blaze and AT. The other portion is as you start up Pond and was too big for me to cut...going to need help removing it. Brushed in a trail shortcut in same area. Removed multiple limbs and branches on the trail. There is a total of five blowdowns that I wasn't able to get. Dean and I will go back tomorrow to remove them. The spring on top is running well and the pond has water in it after the recent rains. Packed out a small bag of trash that was in a campsite up trail from the spring. Saw a total of five people and two dogs.

Reporting: Joel Zabel
Date: 2024-02-10
Purpose: JCHC club hike, but became maintenance
Section: 20c: No Business Knob Shelter to Spivey Gap
People: Yong Li
Denny Samuel
Josh Banks
Ed Brading
Jeff Miller
Joy Zabel
Joel Zabel
Summary: Johnson City Hiking Club hiked from the Nolichucky River to Spivey Gap. Based on many blowdowns on hikes in the past weeks, we brought the Katanaboy and personal handsaws. The section from the Nolichucky to Temple Hill Gap was well maintained with only one 7" blowdown that we removed. From Temple Hill Gap to No Business shelter, we saw evidence of recent clearing of blowdowns with fresh sawdust, but still found many new ones. We removed many under 6" diameter and several more up to 10". The biggest was a tree with multiple branches requiring cuts of 12", (2)10", 8", about 1/2 mile north of the shelter. South from the shelter, we removed most everything under 10", but ran into some big stuff and left a few as rain picked up on the way to Spivey. The ones we left that would best be handled by a chainsaw are listed with the largest diameter cut needed as follows, though some require multiple cuts, with distances (miles) north from Spivey Gap: (0.15) 10", (0.7) 12", (3.6) 18" dead hemlock?, looks tricky, see pics, (4.7 or 0.2 from NBK shelter) 14".

Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 2024-02-09
Purpose: Cut blow downs
Section: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Yong Li , Jim Foster

Summary: Yong cut over 20 blow downs while I helped clean trail and assisted him. It was a terrible weather day but we made it happen. The section between Hughes Gap and Clyde Smith is free if obstructions.

Reporting: Michael Watts
Date: 2024-02-09
Purpose: Clear Blowdowns
Section: 13: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Rick Lott, Mike Watts
Summary: A short distance south of 19E we cleared two larger blowdowns (one the top half of a Hemlock tree; the other a locust) and two smaller blowdowns. Picked up trash at 19E. Met two early through hikers from Louisiana. They started their hike on December 27 (skipped the Smokies due to weather).

Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 2024-02-08
Purpose: Rehab Water Trail
Section: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Van Hovey, Dave Allen, Tony Messina, Joe Morris, Bob Peoples, Tom Sahlin
Summary: The Thursday crew split into two teams: this group started the rehabilitation of the water trail at Laurel Fork Shelter. Two stone steps, 4 locust steps and 126 feet of trail rehab accomplished.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 2024-02-08
Purpose: Clear water diversions and check for blowdowns
Section: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Carl Fritz, Scott Huskey, Bill Murdoch, Tim Stewart
Summary: We cleaned water diversions well from Berry Fields to Double Springs Shelter. We cleaned water diversions from Berry Fields to US421 well enough to last several months. Tim is planning a 2nd Saturday to clean those some more. We cleared a number of small blowdowns. One major double blowdown remains within 0.3 mile of the shelter. We cut a reasonable path around it so there is no hurry.

Shelter and water source looked good. Log book is needed. Trail looked in good shape. Trail dug by Ed Speer close to the shelter made walking much easier. We rehabbed some rock and log water diversions. Some snow still at shelter.

Reporting: Van Hovey
Date: 2024-02-07
Purpose: Clear reported blowdowns
Section: 19a: Indian Grave Gap - Curley Maple Gap Shelter
People: Van Hovey
Carrie Hovey
Summary: Received report of 3 blowdowns on middle third of section SOBO from Indian Grave Gap.
Drove 1/2 mile in on FS road and walked to mile 350.1
Along the way encountered and dispatched the 3 blowdowns , all step-overs , nothing larger than 10” in diameter.
Met two NOBO section hikers.
Nice day to be out .