Plains Ranger District prepares for trail work

Plains Ranger District is getting a jump start on the recreation season. The six-person crew will begin mid-April clearing low elevation trails and move on up as snow levels allow.

Trails that receive attention every year are “important recreation sites for the communities we serve, so we make them our top priority,” stated Mikey Church, Recreation Staff Assistant. “Our priority schedule has three tiers; every year, every other year and once every three to five years.”

Priority one trails on schedule for clearing are Baldy Lake Spur, Baldy McGinnis, Big Hole Lookout, Blossom Horse Cutoff, Blossom Lake, Cabin Lake, Cascade Falls Overlook, Clark Fork Overlook Spur, Cube Iron Mountain, Dee Creek, Dry Creek – Hill 7, Fishtrap Lake, Fishtrap Lake Cutoff, Joan Creek, Mountain Wagon Road, Munson Creek, Outlaw Lake, Sheep Camp, South Fork 4 Lakes, Spring Creek, Thompson Falls Fitness A – D, Terrace Lake, Todd Springs, Upper Blossom Lake, West Fork Dry Creek and West Fork Swamp Creek.

The Thompson Falls Mule Pasture will receive maintenance during Beautification Days. Church has invited anyone who is wanting to get dirty to come volunteer Saturday, April 14 beginning at 8 a.m. to improve the existing trail system. A BBQ, sponsored by Thompson Falls Community Trails, will take place afterwards.

With hopes that this summer season doesn’t end with fires like last year, plans are “to get into some more remote backcountry trails that have been neglected in recent years, such as Sundance Ridge Trail #433,” Church explained. “Before last year’s season was interrupted by the Sunrise, Sheep Gap and 200 Complex Fires our crew cleared approximately 150 miles of trail. Our crew was turned over to fire duties from mid-July onwards till the end of the season.”

Church added that his crew will be comprised of “several local young people and some out of towners.” He also highlighted that “The Region 1 Mule Pack Train will be participating at the Sanders County Fair, Saturday September 1.”

Any further trail maintenance questions or inquires, taking place on the Plains/Thompson Falls District, may be directed by contacting Church at (406) 826-3821, extension 4319.