YCC, MCC crews work to improve Big Hole area trails

Crew members from the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) worked hard to improve the access points and trails surrounding Big Hole Lookout. These trails provide close connections to the communities of Thompson Falls, Plains and Snider. The trail lengths vary from a couple hundred feet off Highway 200 to several Forest Service roads.

The trail project is a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funded project designed to enhance visitor enjoyment and access to Big Hole Lookout by reconditioning trail 366W which will create a nice hiking/riding loop, said John Errecart of the Wild Horse Plains Back County Horsemen (WHPBCH). The group applied for the RTP grant and once it was secured, they went to work clearing the trailside of fallen trees with chainsaws. There was good weather for much of the cleanup despite some wind at the higher elevations on the mountain, Errecart noted.

The YCC and MCC crews are a vital part of getting the work done, Errecart said. WHPBCH proposed the RTP grant help fund the hiring of the YCC and MCC crews during the 2018 field season. Under the grant, the crews worked to retread a portion of trail 366W. The grant helped cover labor and travel costs.

Growing populations, expanding development and increased use of the great outdoors have increased the demand for recreational opportunities in national forests, including demand for trails.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the use of trails brings in more than $80 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The recently restored Big Hole Lookout and improved trails of the surrounding area will have positive economic benefits to the local communities, Errecart added.

The Forest Service has more miles of trail than it is able to maintain, resulting in a long-standing deferred maintenance backlog, according to Errecart. The deferred maintenance can lead to increased maintenance costs in the future and other challenges, including fast spreading wildfires and trees dying due to insect infestation and disease.

"Six members of the WPBCH are certified Forest Service volunteer sawyers. Along with other WPBCH members they have volunteered over 1,200 hours clearing trails and replacing trail signage over the past four years," said Errecart, who volunteered his time during the two-week clean-up.

Some of the main goals of the Forest Service trail program are to preserve recreational opportunities, promote public safety and backcountry access, trail maintenance and trail rehabilitation. Big Hole Lookout is a popular destination due to its easy access and nice views of the Mission, Cabinet, Bitterroot and Swan mountain ranges, Errecart said.

The YCC and MCC crews worked removing trees that had fallen, filling in root and stump holes and retreading portions of the trail back to its original width, reducing hazards. The project spanned 14 days. The crews were surprised with a pizza lunch toward the end of the project, with pizzas provided by the WHPBCH.