River trail expansion planned!

On Tuesday evening a group met to decide what trail improvements could be made this summer.  

Top on the list is to reroute trail #4 where it ascends out of the creek gorge and through a wet location.  This is upstream from Tomasi gravel pit road.  After pondering options to repair the wet area, we will instead, extend the trail farther up Swedetown Creek, then stay up on dry ground to re-connect with the trail near the pine plantation. Bonuses include more trail overall, better scenery along the creek, better flow, almost no wet areas, and is completely on City property. This is an important project, so this will be large post.

Smart talk was flowing with the beer at our new favorite meeting
place - Nutini's in down town Hancock!

On Sunday morning, the crew gathered for on-trail investigation.

Headed towards the reroute area, going up stream from Tomasi Rd on trail 4, aka
"The New River Trail"

The snow added a nice touch for Mark and us winter sports fans.

Lotsa brushy areas...

...and the occasional open area and larger trees.

Overlooking Swedetown Creek and the growing beaver pond.Keeping the trail long the
creek, is very important for us.

The blue ribbons marked the way

Although the snow did cover them so were harder to see.

Which way should we go now?

OK, we'll check out one more potential re-route.

Here's where the 2nd option goes in.

Just as brushy...and more wet spots. Option #1 wins.

Well, what about repairing the existing trail?

With as much ditching needed, and unknown variables,
looks like a re-route is a better option.
And more scenic for our trail users!

Ok, now let's check out another issue.

This area has concerns of motorized vehicle access, and of uncontrolled water.

A fruitful information gathering, completed.
Be sure to follow this blog for updates on these projects.
We'll need volunteers, and many hands make light work!