4/24-5/1/04: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

April 24-May 1, 2004
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas - by Derly Rivera

Nine CTTT members volunteered for the service trip to Shady Lake Campground in the Ouachita National Forest. After driving 460 miles, we arrived Saturday afternoon, the 24th. We went about pitching tents, setting up the kitchen tent, and clearing up the immediate area. The crew enjoyed dinner and settled in for the night. Shady Lake Campground is an old campground that has several historical sites. The stone bridge, the pavilion, walkways and other improvements were constructed by the CCC in 1938 and are considered artifacts. Thus, an archeological evaluation of historical buildings and sites should occur prior to any restoration. If restored, then the restoration work should look like the original, using materials of that era or duplicates if at all possible. Because of this situation, a few work projects were delayed until a full evaluation of the sites can be completed by the archeologist. Still, there was plenty of work for us.

We began working on Sunday in the "bone yard" where we demolished two sheds, cleaned and stored dimension lumber. We also had a controlled burn for rotten lumber and other debris. The entire bone yard was cleaned and secured.

From Monday through Thursday, different CTTT teams repaired stone work using cement and mortar, repaired benches, poured a cement pad, installed a picnic table and made the entire area handicapped accessible. Other members cleared trails using gas powered weed eaters and blowers. Lopping shears and axes were also used to clear a mountain trail. Different projects required few workers while others required more members in work crews.

Friday was our "off" day. Some went hiking, others stayed in camp, and a few went fishing. We had a "Mexican Fiesta" dinner that evening for our guests, the Park Rangers and supervisors. We completed preparations for our departure the next day just before heavy rains began at around 9:00 PM. We left the next morning, in the rain of course.

Overall, the CTTT crew completed over 300 man-hours of volunteer work. We would like to return next year. A big "thank you" to the crew; George, Rocky, Ray, Chuck, Janette, Bo, John, and Earl.