Dear Neighbors

Today the weather is perfect (maybe 77 high) for a morning presentation about the Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale and for Movie Night for the kids.  Tomorrow could bring showers, but don't let those make you miss the free food distribution at Beaver Creek School for the budget conscious.  The details for the events are below.

The big news is that trail construction of the Wickiup Mesa Trail System is beginning next week.  The 6+ miles of trails were formerly know as the Sunset Group and will still include a trail called the Sunset Loop.  Please read the letter below from Beaver Creek Trails President, Stan Mish, to get all the breaking news on the trails projects.  

Out & about,

. . . . . the calendar crew

BUILDING TRAIL SYSTEM NOW!!!  

Directors, members, and trail enthusiasts:

At long last, we are poised to begin construction of the Wikiup Mesa trail system (formerly known as Sunset Group)..  This milestone is the culmination of years of planning, public process, and volunteerism.  Please read the attached flyer soliciting volunteer work on our community trails.

Over the next several months, we anticipate the construction of up to 6 miles of trail, with associated installation of signage, gates, and information kiosks.

How can I help?

The heaviest work will be accomplished by a specialized trail crew (ACE) working with Forest Service Staff personnel, but there is much more to be done.  We are now assembling our BCTC Volunteer Trail Crew to complete the workforce and provide community perspective to the project.  There are plenty of tasks to engage persons of wide ranging abilities.  Here is a short list:

·       Sign installation, cairn building.

·       Gate installation.

·       Trail brushing, veg trimming

·       Photography, record keeping

·       Gate fabrication

·       Logistics, refreshments.

For those so inclined to do heavy pick and shovel work, there will be an opportunity to join the ACE crew doing the serious work on the Golden Gulch trail. 

When will this happen?

Feb 16, 2017 (next Thursday) 9AM-12:30PM.   Cedar Knoll segment: We are hoping for 6 to 12 persons to install a gate at Forestglen Trailhead, and to brush in about ¼ mile of trail.  (see attached flyer).

Feb 22 - Feb 28 :  Golden Gulch trail construction.  Heavy rock and tread work by ACE trail crew.  BCTC volunteers will install 3 gates, junction signs, and brush existing trail segments.  Opportunity for volunteers to work with ACC as well. (See flyer below.)

March 25: Deer Springs Restoration: All day project to build reinforcing structures and plant vegetation at the Deer Springs near the Golden Gulch trailhead.

How to get involved :

RSVP: reply by email the days you might be able to help, and any work preferences you might have.  Also let us know what days generally work for you.

Show up: bring food, water, sturdy clothes, tools if you have them, gloves.

Forward this message to anyone you know who would like to be involved.

We will have tools, hard hats, materials, Forest Service supervision.

Thanks in advance for any time you can contribute.

Sincerely,

Stan Mish, President

Beaver Creek Trails Coalition

[email protected]