Friends of Scotchman Peaks wraps up trail work

Clark Fork Valley Press

Summer is almost over, but there’s still plenty of time to put some TLC into those trails.

The Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness has a few dates left on its trail maintenance schedule.

Trail volunteers enjoy a day in nature with work that really matters for our wild backyard. To keep everyone safe this summer, FSPW staff have implemented bolstered safety procedures. So you’re sure to feel safe and secure while you’re out.

The following are dates scheduled for September trail work.

• Sept. 11, 19 - Goat Mountain Trail #135: A focus on tread work to maintain a degraded trail. It’s a nice hike with exposed uphill climbing. Goat Mountain Trail is known as the steepest trail in Idaho, and we’re working to make it a little less intimidating for new hikers.
• Sept. 18 - Star Gulch Trail: Trail work to help rehab a burned area from 2015 wildfire.
• Sept. 26 - Morris Creek: Celebrate National Public Lands Day with FSPW. We will be focusing on heavy brushing along Morris Creek. Stick around afterward for a barbecue near the trailhead!

There are other ways to pitch in, too. You can adopt a trail to make maintenance a shared project with friends or family. Or become a Trail Ambassador to help hikers keep their distance from the wildlife — especially those iconic goats. We especially need hike leaders who can share their love of and knowledge of trails with a small group.

FSPW’s 2020 trail stewardship season is funded in part by the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance’s Trail Stewardship Program.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up, visit www.scotchmanpeaks.org/volunteer. Or send an email to autumn@scotchmanpeaks.org.