Hitch #7

Corridor clearing 27,456 ft
Blow down Trees removed 33

Stratton Bald trail is now walk able without bushwhacking through heavy foliage! This trail was as thick as the untamed woods of a jungle, but now is back under control for users to enjoy. The trail starts at about 1,000 ft and climbs up to around 5,000 ft. We walked through many different ecosystems along the way. The lower section of the trail is Rhododendron and Paw Paw. The middle of the trail is Oak and Locust and on the ridge line there is a beautiful grassy field with Balsam fir trees and Birch trees. The entire trail is full of blackberry bushes. This was great for a nice snack during our workday. It is nice to be on a trail that offers different environments daily.
Every time we run into someone using the trails in this area they are excited to see us, but also inquire about other trails. We have to inform them that we are focusing on a few trails, but it shows the need for much more trail work in the area. We have cleared many miles with loppers, weed whips, saws and axes. The maintenance of a wilderness is a slow process. We are continuing to clear corridor right through the end of the project to get as much useable trail as possible. We have made excellent progress and hope the maintenance continues to keep the trails in great shape. Happy Trails