Trip Report: 2007 Guadalupe Mountains National Park

During October 28 - November 3, 2007, the CTTT returned six volunteers to the highest mountains in Texas to volunteer at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Trail Tamers worked drove from Austin to the Dog Canyon campground in the remote northern section of the park. Under direction of Jack Kincaid, the crew backpacked in to the Marcus campsite approximately 4 miles from Dog Canyon and set up camp.

The crew spent three hard days finishing the last section of a major re-route of the Bush Mountain Trail. As with any new trail construction, a lot of time was spent building the trail base and hauling dirt for the tread. The crew was able to enjoy hours crushing rocks and taking breaks by hauling dirt down the mountain.

Pictured left to right: Mike Rodgers, Wade Powell, Kevin Deiters, Devin Grobert, Allen Weber, and Bob Weglarz. Please note the nice new tread on the trail.

CTTT and Austin Parks Foundation Sign Agreement

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) executive director Charlie McCabe (left) and Trail Tamers president Pat Dixon (right) signed the agreements between the organizations to work together on trail building projects. Trail Tamers will provide crew leader oversight and technical assistance on these projects and APF will provide the promotion and volunteer resources. The agreement intends to help both organizations ease their administrative efforts and help achieve their missions. The first joint projects will be Oct 6 (Pease Park), Nov 17 (Country Club Creek) and Dec 1 (Red Bud Isle).

Trip Report: Continental Divide Trail in Carson National Forest N.M.

In August of 2007, eight Trail-tamers headed west to the Carson National Forest for the third time in four years. The objective: to complete the eight mile section of the Continental Divide Trail running from Lagunitas campground south past Olguin Mesa to FR 93. This is a section of the CDT that passes through roadless wilderness characterized by high hills, open meadows and lush forest of aspen and fir. Although lacking the “peaky” nature of the Colorado mountains to the north. At 10,000 feet altitude this area is plenty high enough to provide a mountain top experience. Wildlife sightings included, 4-elk, 2-mule deer, and a plethora of smaller furry and feathered creatures. Evening temperatures were in the 40’s and daytime highs ran into the upper 70’s. The food was plentiful and included many tasty treats so in spite of the hard work no on lost any weight.

Trip Report: Rocky Mountain National Park. 8/25/07-9/3/07

by Jerome Collins, Executive Director and project leader

We left the “Y” between Hwy 71 and 290 in Oak Hill about 7:00 with Jerome Collins, Jan Adler, John Brown, Martha Davies, Robert Gross, Christina Johnson, David Schneider, Bill Swaim, Andrew Waters and Mary Zeitler in the van. Donna Hoffman rode with Dave Schneider in the chuckwagon pickup. That afternoon, with Jerome Collins at the wheel, Dave’s pickup lost the tread off the driver side rear tire about 10 miles out of Levelland, TX. We had the spare put on there, but had to drive to the next town to buy a new tire. We spent the night in Raton, NM, arriving about 11pm.

Sunday, Donna Hoffman, Christine Johnson and Jerome Collins bought supplies at the Costco outside of Boulder, while the van went on to RNMP. The chuckwagon drove into the Moraine campground at Rocky Mountain National Park about 3pm to find everyone had arrived including Debbie and Ralph Ploeger from Grand Junction, CO; Bill Warren drove up earlier with Lori Montgomery; Judy McMillen and Joanne Parker drove directly from Dallas.

Donna Hoffman was camp cook. Returning veterans of prior RMNP-CTTT work trips were Jan Adler, Martha Davies, Christina Johnson, David Schneider, Bill Swaim, Jerome Collins, Mary Zeitler, Ralph and Debbie Ploeger.

Monday through Thursday, seventeen volunteers in four teams worked on four different trail projects in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) next to St.Vrain Creek under direction from Dan Ostrowski, NPS trail crew leader and his trail crew members.

One team, Ralph Ploeger, Bill Swaim, and Jan Adler, built a 6’x8’ timber bridge over a small stream after widening the bed. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeromecollins/sets/72157601941531063/

The Rock Crew: Bill Warren, John Brown, Martha Davies, Robert Gross and Andy Waters built a boulder stairway from the main trail to the riverbank. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeromecollins/sets/72157601953721545/

Christina Johnson, Mary Zeitler, Lori Montgomery, Judy McMillen and Joanne Parker blocked social trails and cleared a new path using a wench to uproot stumps.

Dave Schneider and Jerome Collins worked on a short, badly eroded section of the upper falls trail. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeromecollins/sets/72157601902770957/

Friday morning we all repaired fence around Bear Lake. We hiked up to Dream Lake for lunch. In the afternoon, everyone hauled dry aggregate uphill from Bear Lake past Nymph Lake to Dream Lake trail, since dirt is scarce at higher altitudes and mules or helicopters are expensive transportation for dirt. The job took a lot out of us and by 3PM, we were done.

Saturday was a free day. We broke camp, loaded the chuck wagon and took off for sightseeing, shopping, and lazing around camp. That evening Judy and Joanne, Andy and Robert, John, Chris, Donna, Dave and Jerome enjoyed a dinner in Estes Park. Amanda Laban, Adopt-A-Trail/Trainings Coordinator with Continental Divide Trail Alliance and her friend, joined us for the meal.

We did not refuel in Estes Park. We left Sunday morning at 7:40 a.m.and arrived about 11:30 p.m. in Lubbock, Texas. Eager to get back to Austin, we left about 6 a.m. Monday, Labor Day, to arrive in Austin about 3:30 p.m. Jerome and Mary Zeitler cleaned out the van and turned it in the next morning.

With grateful appreciation of the hardworking, easygoing crew of 2007, respectfully submitted by, Jerome Collins, Executive Director.

Thanks from Davis Mountains Preserve

Lynda,

You've been on my call list since last week but I've been out of the office all week and am about to run out the door again. Thanks so much for making the trip out. Please pass our thanks on to all the CTTT who made the trip out. You guys did an awesome job out here! We'd love to have you out again.

I don't know what y'alls schedule is for the summer and fall but I'd like to have y'all out again to do some more work on the Limpia Chute. Let me know if this will work and we can talk about dates and schedules.

Thanks again for all y'alls help. I'm glad everybody could make the trip out.

Colin Shackelford
Davis Mountains Director of Stewardship

The Nature Conservancy
West Texas Programs
Mail: PO Box 2078
Ship: 109 N State St, Suite 4
Fort Davis, TX 79734

Mailing Address

Our mailing address is:

Central Texas Trail Tamers
PO Box 12045 Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711-2045
Phone: 512-394-9998

About Us

About Us

We are a group of ready volunteers from the general public of Central Texas and beyond who donate our time and effort to build and maintain hike & bike trails, including ADA accessible trails.

Our mission is to relieve some of the burdens faced by government agencies who oversee our public parks, preserves and forests by working on approved trail construction and maintenance projects that enhance public access to and enjoyment of these special places.

We operate as a Texas 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation governed by a nine member board of directors who serve without pay.

Administrative fees, including cost of a quarterly newsletter, are covered by our annual membership dues of $25 ($40/family), which are tax-deductible. A small participation fee (usually $75 or less) is charged for most long-distance projects. No fee is charged for local projects.

Camping is our usual form of lodging but sometimes the host agency provides sleeping and cooking facilities. We provide all food for long-distance projects and meals are cooked by our volunteers.

We are a reputable, non-political organization with a proven track record and anyone *18 or older can participate. (*Younger participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)

This is a great way to work on meaningful and rewarding projects in an outdoor setting and have a good time as well. What better way to give something back for all the joy that trails provide!

Ethics Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Ethics Policy is to ensure that persons conduct themselves in an ethical manner in order to promote the harmony and welfare of all participants.

Ethics

The following shall apply:

➢ All activities shall be conducted in accordance with leave no trace practices.
➢ Persons shall act in an ethical manner at all CTTT activities.
➢ A participant acting in an unethical manner that undermines the welfare of themselves and/or others, as determined by the Crew Leader, shall be asked to leave the activity and may be required to do so at his (or her) own expense. The Crew Leader will, if necessary, contact the local law enforcement authorities to enforce this policy.

Fiscal Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Fiscal Policy is to provide a minimum level of protection against the financial hazards associated with the operation of the corporation. This is not intended to be a substitute for liability insurance.

Checking Account

The checking account will be administered by the Executive Committee in accordance with Article 6 of the Bylaws.

Reserve Account

A reserve account will be maintained to provide a reserve to be used in event of catastrophic loss to tools and equipment. Allocation of funds from the reserve may only be appropriated by resolution of the Board of Directors. Checks drawn on the reserve account shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President of the corporation.

Insurance Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Insurance Policy is to provide a minimum level of protection against the hazards associated with the performance of CTTT activities. Insurance coverage only applies with respect to registered volunteers. This is not intended to be a substitute for personal health insurance.

Insurance

The following levels of insurance shall be maintained.

$25,000 - Medical Indemnity for members participating on LRT’s
$500,000 – Vehicle Liability
$1,000,000 – Volunteer Liability

Leadership Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Leadership Policy is to ensure that persons with sufficient skill sets are available to lead participants in a safe and effective manner.

Leadership

A Crew Leader shall supervise all Local Work Days and Long Range Trips. Crew Leaders shall act as the representative of the Board and shall have the authority to enforce the Policies, Procedures and guidelines as may be established from time to time.

Crew Leader Qualifications

Unless otherwise determined by the Executive Committee, to be qualified as a Crew Leader for a CTTT work activity, one must meet the following minimum specifications.
➢ Must have participated in 1-LRT or 3-LWD’s
➢ Must have completed Crew Leader training
➢ Must be approved by the Board
➢ Must comply with all CTTT Policies and Procedures

Membership Policy

Purpose

Central Texas Trail Tamers (CTTT) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a Board of Directors in accordance with the Bylaws. Membership dues are added to the general operating account to partially offset administrative expenses. The membership policy is being set forth to insure the tranquility, health, safety and well being of members of the Central Texas Trail Tamers and provide a means to generate the revenue necessary to sustain a growing organization.

Definitions

Dues – fees payable in $US; in the amount assessed by the Board to qualify for membership.
Term – time frame for which payment of dues qualifies one for membership.
Member in good standing – person whose membership dues are current and whose fiduciary and/or supervisory conduct while in a CTTT sanctioned activity is not under review by the board.

Revocation – suspension of membership privileges.

Requirements

Single Member - open to all persons having reached the age of 18.

Family member – Same as a member

Student member - open to all persons having reached the age of 16 but less than 25.

Life member – open to all persons having reached the age of 25 and make a 1-time dues payment, or granted by the Board to a person in recognition of an extended career of service above and beyond the ordinary.

Benefits

*Subject to the terms of the Policies, Procedures & Guidelines documents, only members in good standing are eligible to:
a. Participate in Long Range Trips (LRT’s)
*Subject to the terms of the Policies, Procedures & Guidelines documents, only members in good standing, except Student Members are eligible to:
b. Be considered for the Board of Directors
c. Chair a committee
d. Be a crew leader
*Membership is not required for Local Work Days (LWD’s), or participation in general meetings
*Members will receive the regularly published newsletter, “Pathfinder”.
*Members may, from time to time, receive collateral benefits (e.g. discounts & reduced fees) from other organizations that CTTT may become associated with from time to time.

Dues

Single member - $25/year.

Family member – $40/year

Student member - $5/year

Life member – $500/life unless the Board grants such status in which case there is no charge.

Term

Single, Family, Student Membership will be valid for the fiscal year in which dues are paid. Dues paid after October 1st will qualify one for membership during the balance of that fiscal year and the next.

Life Membership will be valid for the fiscal year in which dues are paid (or status is conferred by the Board) until death or revocation. Life membership is not transferable.

Repercussions

Persons whose conduct does not comply with the terms set forth in the Policies, Procedures & Guidelines may have their membership revoked by the Board. Such persons have the right to review the minutes of the Board meeting in which such a determination was made if such request is made in accordance with the Bylaws. After reviewing said minutes such persons may petition the Board for a review hearing.
In the case of Revocation of membership, dues will be forfeited.
Persons whose membership has been revoked may apply to the Board for reinstatement after a period of one (1) year.
Persons whose membership term has expired relinquish all the rights, privileges, and benefits of membership.

Organization Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Organization Policy is to describe the organizational structure of CTTT including the Board, officers and the committees.

Board Members

Board members are selected at-large. Traditionally there has been no Chairperson of the Board and the President, who is a member of the Board, chairs all functions. It is also tradition that the Vice President be a member of the Board.

Officers

The Board elects officers. As stated above the President and Vice President are traditionally Board members. The Secretary and Treasurer are often not Board members. All officers report to the Board, having duties as defined by the Bylaws.

Executive Committee

As provided for in the Bylaws, the Board has created an Executive Committee. Membership of this 3-person committee is the President, Vice president and an Executive Director appointed by the Board.

Standing Committee

By resolution of the Board, Standing Committees have been created that exist until disbanded by Board action. The Board appoints standing Committee chairpersons.

Governing Documents

By law the Articles of Incorporation are the supreme governing document. Subservient to that are the Bylaws, Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines. In each case the successor may not supercede the former.

Attachments

A graphical depiction of this policy is attached.

Participation Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Participation Policy is to ensure that well-meaning people are not exposed to bad situations

Participation

Participation shall be open to all adults having reached the age of 18, subject to approval by the Crew Leader, and as provided for by the Policies of CTTT.
For their own safety, participants must meet the following minimum requirements.

1) Must be in the physical condition appropriate for the level of activity planned.
2) Must be willing to comply with all CTTT policies, procedures and guidelines.
3) Must be willing to sign the liability release and complete the medical information forms.

Policy on Illegal Substances, Drugs and Alcoholic Beverages

• Purpose
➢ The purpose of establishing a policy on drugs and alcoholic beverages is to insure that the tranquility, health, safety and well being of members of the Central Texas Trail Tamers (CTTT) is not jeopardized by wrongful acts of non-thinking individuals.
• Definitions
➢ Prohibited Activities - activities that shall not be conducted during a CTTT sanctioned activity.
➢ Regulated Activities - activities that may take place if done so in accordance with prevailing laws, medical advice and after having been disclosed to the CTTT leader.
• Prohibited Activities
➢ Purchase, possession, transportation, use, transfer or sale of any illegal substance.
➢ Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the job or work period as specified by the crew leader.
➢ Use of public funds including sponsorship contributions, activity fees, grants or other donations to purchase alcoholic beverages.
➢ Consumption of alcoholic beverages during the eight-hour period prior to operations of vehicle or machinery. Designated non-drinking drivers will be assigned to drive to and from functions where alcoholic beverages are served.
• Regulated Activities
➢ Possession and use of prescriptions drugs during and immediately prior to participation in any project must be in accordance with the prescription and disclosed to the group leader and his medical representative.
➢ Possession and use of a non-prescription drug will be at the discretion of the user, but disclosure to the group leader and his medical representative is encouraged. In cases where proper usage may impair coordination or cause drowsiness, disclosure is required.
➢ Use of tobacco products is permitted but the health and safety of non-users shall prevail. Smoking may be prohibited entirely in certain areas and at times of high fire hazard.
➢ Possession, transportation, display and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall conform to the rules established by the authority having jurisdiction over the project, i.e. National Park Service, U.S. forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Texas Parks and Wildlife, etc.
➢ Private consumption during non-duty hours is permitted if not otherwise prohibited up to eight hours prior to the start of the work period.
➢ Public consumption of alcoholic beverages after the work period shall be at the discretion of the CTTT group leader. Each individual is responsible for his/her behavior and shall not infringe on the rights of others to enjoy the peace and serenity of the area.
• Repercussions
➢ Violation of this policy and/or disregard for the spirit and intent of this policy shall result in termination of an individual's privilege to participate in current and future CTTT projects.
➢ Participants acting in a manner that is unsafe to themselves and/or others shall be asked to leave the activity and may be required to do so at their own expense. The CTTT Leader will, if necessary contact the local authorities to enforce this policy.

Safety Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Safety Policy is to ensure that persons conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger themselves or other participants.

Safety

The following shall apply:

➢ First aid kits shall be maintained by CTTT and be present at all LWD and LRT’s.
➢ To ensue the safety of all participants, the buddy system should be used.
➢ The Drug and Alcohol Policy shall be in force at all CTTT activities.
➢ Participants acting in a manner that is unsafe to themselves and/or others, as determined by the Crew Leader, shall be asked to leave the activity and may be required to do so at his (or her) own expense. The Crew Leader will, if necessary contact the local law enforcement authorities to enforce this policy.

Crew Leader Training Procedure

Mission

A Training program will be established to maintain a cadre of Crew Leaders who will oversee CTTT activities to ensure: 1) the effective use and protection of natural resources, and 2) the safety of all volunteers.

Duration

Crew Leader training will typically involve (1) Saturday or multiple evening sessions.

Participation

Crew Leader training is open to all members as stipulated in the CTTT Leadership Policies. A fee established by the Technical Committee may be assessed to cover the cost of training materials.

Organization

Training shall be presided over by the Technical Committee and be staffed as follows.

1. Training Coordinator – schedules and coordinates all training classes. Procures training materials and facilities.
2. Instructor – conducts training sessions.
3. Participants – typically six per class per instructor.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum requirements for certification as a CTTT Crew Leader are participation in four sessions of classroom instruction.

Recommended schedule for 1-day classroom instruction is as follows:

Time Event Contents

8AM Registration Personal contact information, medical release form, coffee and doughnuts

8:30 Introduction
Instructor information and personal history

8:35 Session 1
CTTT History Foundation, pictures of past events, letters of commendation

8:45 Session 2
Trail design Techniques and review of reference materials

10:15 Break

10:30 Techniques continued

12:00 Lunch

1PM Session 3
Crew leadership
Basic techniques

2:30 Break

2:45 Session 4
Policy review Review of CTTT Policies, Procedures & Guidelines

5:00 Adjourn


Crew Leader Trainee should complete First Aid training in one of the following approved programs

1) Red Cross
2) Firefighters
3) EMT
4) SWEAT

Participation in programs deemed equivalent by the Board (e.g. VOC Crew Leader training) may also be considered sufficient if approved by the Board. Technical Committee may also nominate Crew Leaders for consideration by the Board based on their experience and knowledge. A majority vote is required to confer the certification of Crew Leader.

Instructors

Technical Committee will nominate Instructors for consideration by the Board based on their experience and knowledge. A majority vote is required to confer the certification of Instructor.

Trip Report: Glen Canyon Trail Project – Bullfrog, Utah (March 2007) By Lynda DeGroot

Saturday morning, March 24th, nine excited Trail Tamers from central Texas set off on a new adventure to Bullfrog, Utah on the upper reaches of Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Two members from Grand Junction, Colorado met us at the site. By mid-Sunday afternoon everyone was present and accounted for. We Texans made good time even though we stopped to see a few sights along the way.

We were invited to Utah by Justin Glasgow, Interpretive Officer for Glen Canyon NRA, who heard about us from John Heiner, Chief Interpretive Officer at Fort Davis National Historic Site in west Texas. Justin was based at Fort Davis for a while and trained by John who showed him the trail work done by Trail Tamers over the years! When Justin moved on to Bullfrog, Utah, the first thing he noticed was the lack of trails in the area and, now that Lake Powell is 103ft. below its normal level, many people have been asking about hiking opportunities. That’s when he contacted us to see if we would consider coming out there to utilize our expertise!

What a great opportunity to see a different kind of place! Working in red sandy soil was a lot different than working in a forest, or our own Texas hill country, but I think we did a darned good job. Numerous rock cairns were built to define a trail on the undulating red rock hills, and a new trail was cut into the side of a large hill leading up to the top where you could look out over Lake Powell. A large and unique cairn was built by Raylene & Mary to mark the spot. Some of us moved heavy rocks to mark the trail entrance near the parking area (thank goodness for those rock cradles!). We then fixed a social trail created by people following an old cow path. We decided it was best to leave it where it was, so we added a series of about 15-20 check dams from the bottom all the way to the top of the hill and pulled in the sides of this deeply rutted “trail” to fill in behind them. This leveled it out nicely and made it look more like a trail!

When we finished those trails, Justin asked if we would mind looking at another area several miles away, just off the famous Burr Trail...a 68 mile winding, mostly gravel road connecting Bullfrog to Boulder, Utah through the beautiful painted rock country of Capitol Reef National Park, Waterpocket Fold and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This area actually lists a 3-mile round trip trail in a park service booklet but the trail was seldom used because it was nearly impossible to find! So, we spent our last two days building a series of large rock cairns to guide people to a place at the end of the trail called Pedestal Alley where there are numerous huge pedestal rocks in various sizes & shapes.

The weather went from being a bit chilly on the first day but warmed up nicely and then the winds blew in on the second day and nearly sandblasted us. When they subsided, we managed to get more done but later in the week, it began to get colder and on our last workday, it started drizzling. At least we had a nice, warm house to go back to…compliments of the Park Service!
At the end of our time there…Justin presented each of us with numerous items to show his appreciation. In all, we contributed nearly 300 hours of volunteer labor and put in over two dozen rock cairns plus 15-20 check dams.

On our way back home to Texas, I used my National Park Pass to treat my passengers to a side trip to Arches, Canyonlands & Mesa Verde National Parks. What a wonderful trip this was! My thanks to Raylene Welch & Bob Weglarz, Debbie Galloway, Mary Zeitler, Sharon Highnote, Chris Argyros, Bo Bosarge, Ralph & Debbie Ploeger, and my dear sister, Shirley Harlow.