Summer trail season kicks off

With the change in seasons comes a change in outdoor recreation. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) presented its annual Summer Trails Kickoff event Saturday at Big Eddy's. FSPW and other organizations including Backcountry Horsemen, Wild Montana and Cube Iron-Cataract Coalition invited residents to Big Eddy's Backyard for the event.

Phil Hough, executive director of FSPW, said they wanted people to come and learn about the different organizations and volunteer opportunities. "We want to get information to current supporters as well as new people to the area," Hough stated. He added that the annual event coincides with National Trails Day, the first Saturday in June. FSPW completed a trail-clearing project on Friday on the Star Peak Trail, and celebrated National Trails Day with the Big Eddy's event on Saturday. The first 50 patrons received a ticket for a free taco from Big Eddy's new taco truck. Participants were also treated to cross-cut saw demonstrations.

Doug Ferrell with Cube Iron-Cataract Coalition stated the group is working to keep the forest the way it is, and that they get a great response from Thompson Falls residents.

FSPW has 20 field day projects planned for the summer, including trail hikes. For more information, go to http://www.scotchmanpeaks.org.