Davy Crockett ADA Trail Dedication

Davy Crockett National Forest ADA Trail Dedication
June 5, 2004

Eleven years ago, Alan Weber our founder read an article stating that the national parks were having difficulty maintaining their trial systems do to lack of people power. So he called Rocky Mountain National Park and asked if he got a bunch of volunteers together and came up there to help address this problem, would they be interested. Obviously the answerer was "yes". So he placed an ad in the Austin newspaper. Over 100 people responded and eventually 3-dozen total strangers headed off to the Park in September of 1993 on what would be come the first event for the Central Texas Trail Tamers.


Since that time, 100's of CTTT events have taken place at numerous agency locations in several states and 1 foreign country. Currently CTTT supplies over 3000 hours annually of volunteer labor directly tied to trial construction and maintenance. Prior to serving as President, I sat on the Board of Directors and recall the day we discussed the project we are here to recognize. The Trail Tamers had never attempted a multi-year project and there was some concern being a relatively small volunteer outfit. But we had several dedicated members that really enjoyed coming to the Davy Crockett National Forest who spoke very highly of the hosts they dealt with. So, we took the plunge and some 3 years later we are here recognize their efforts.

I attended the first event when the trailhead was constructed. Since that time several people have participated representing virtually every demographic segment imaginable. From teenagers to WW2 veterans, students, teachers, dentist, lawyers, engineers and plumbers. People from all over the US and several other countries as well. In short, the Central Texas Trail Tamer volunteers represent a cross section of populace who all came together to provide for the betterment of others. So I am happy to accept this dedication on behalf of the Central Texas Trail Tamers, not because it is a milestone for the organization but because this project it an example of everything that is right with America! I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff of the Davy Crockett National Forest. Your efforts make it possible for all of us to enjoy this precious natural asset and they are sincerely appreciated.

By Dave DeGroot, 2004 CTTT President

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.

3/7-13/04: Big Bend Ranch State Park

March 7-13, 2004
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas - by Bill Kemp
As we left early Sunday morning, the weather forecast called for a week of mild temperatures and sunny skies. Little did we know what was in store for us. After a 10 hour trip, we arrived and set up the camp next to the lodge. Our site offered several picnic tables and grills, a large fire ring with wood provided, a water spigot and electricity from the lodge. Hot showers were available at the nearby visitor center. This was hardly roughing it!

Our task was to convert the nature trail (one mile including some roads) from the horse trail that it was into the easily traveled "people path" that it is now. We looked over the job and decided we could complete it early and hopefully move on to the Horsetrap hike and bike trail. The task involved removing rocks from the trail, building numerous steps, grade dips and waterbars and, in the flat stretches, building rock cairns. Luckily, we brought our rock carriers because we really needed them. By Wednesday evening, we only had about 20 ft. to go. That evening, we saw a double rainbow and a gorgeous sunset. When we awoke on Thursday, a big storm was brewing. Several lightening strikes convinced us to stay in camp awhile. Then, the rain started. It poured! It wasn't until the afternoon that we could walk the trail and make a few modifications to our work. We left the 20 ft. for another time.

Ranger Bill Broyles, who worked with us all week, offered to show us some pictographs on Friday. It rained often during the night and the fog was low when we got up Friday morning. It was raining lightly but we still took the hike. Given the low visibility and continuing rain, we decided to leave after the hike. After 40 minutes of driving out on the gravel road through another downpour, we came to a wash that now had a river flowing through it. We hadn't even noticed it on the way in. Across the wash was Tony Gallego, park manager, who was also waiting for the waters to recede. After about an hour, he was able to drive his truck through. He called the park headquarters and learned that the second wash we would have to cross was much worse. After waiting over two hours, we were advised to turn around and stay at the park another evening. Tony was kind enough to let us stay in the lodge and use the kitchen facilities.

During the week, we learned the names of many desert plants. The variety of cactus was amazing. We also hiked to the Cinco Tinajas, which are 5 pools of water located in depressions carved out of the rock in a canyon. The highlight of our meals was Pan Poached Salmon Picata. Thanks to all our participants: Alex Arreguin, Frances Fehribach, Gretchen Gann, Gerry and Marlene Heiling, Paul Johnson, Dick Meyer, Sylvia Powell and Bill Kemp (crew leader).

2/12-16/04: Davy Crockett National Forest

February 12-16, 2004
Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas - by George Boemerman
The weather forecast was not good for the forest area--wet and cold with possible snow. However, a group of stout-hearted Trail Tamers decided to withstand the elements and get some work done. Ray Fore, Rocky Nelson, Terence Donovan, David Justice, Chuck Lundstedt and George Boemerman arrived early Thursday, set up camp and on Friday pre-positioned the materials needed to repair two bridges and build a third from scratch. Forest Service personnel, Merlinda Schory and a new member, Chris Bishop, led us to the work sites at the far north end of the Four C Trail and worked right along with us. That evening Bob Weglarz arrived and, at 2:30 in the morning, in the rain, Kyle Herzog and Jennifer arrived from Austin (real tigers) and set up camp.
Saturday morning was wet so we all congregated at the covered pavilion for breakfast and watched one of the most picturesque snowfalls on Ratcliff Lake. By 10:30am the weather dried up a bit and we went to work. We completed a good day of bridge building and repairing, then returned to the pavilion. The campground hosts, Ralph and Ruth Neilson, were there with extra firewood and had a good fire in the fireplace waiting for us. We enjoyed a great Saturday nite feast. Rocky Nelson fried up a good sized turkey, Merlinda provided a Mississippi Mud cake and sweet potato pie, Ray Fore and Bob Weglarz made big salads, and George Boemerman baked a peach cobbler in a dutch oven. Considering the cold, wet environment, the roaring campfire and rich food were most welcome! Great discussions around the campfire added to our evening.
Sunday was bright and clear. We finished our projects about 4pm and returned to the pavilion to fry up a second turkey and eat the leftovers, and we continued our fireside discussion. As agreed by the Forest Service personnel, that concluded our work project and on Monday we packed up and headed home. It was another fine Trail Tamers expedition to Davy Crockett National Forest. However, it was missing a key element. Pearlie Green is still on active duty with the Army Reserves. We miss her and wish her God Speed!

1/31/04 Acacia Preserve Trip Report

January 31, 2004
Acacia Preserve, Texas - by Lynda DeGroot

After postponing this project due to heavy rains, everything was great just one week later! Ten Trail Tamers met at the Side Saddle Cafe in Dripping Springs and convoyed to the preserve where we were met by the owner, Nancy Moore. After a brief discussion about what she wanted us to do, we grabbed our tools and set about clearing as much cedar as we possibly could, but we sure could have used a chain saw or two! At any rate, with nothing more than bow saws, folding handsaws and loppers, we managed to cut, drag and stack cedar limbs in dozens of huge piles. (Nancy is in the process of trying to remove much of the cedar in order to allow native grasses to re-establish themselves. She's helping this along by scattering as much seed by hand as possible.)
After taking a quick lunch break, we finished up, rounded up the tools and at about 2:30 pm we headed out with Nancy in the lead. She took us to a place where we were able to access Dead Man's Hole without having to hike all the way. This new access point brought us to the top of the grotto where the waterfall goes over into the pool below. It was beautiful! If you know what Hamilton Pool looks like, this is almost a twin but much more pristine! What a great treat and wonderful way to end a hard day's work.