2009 Border Route Trail Clearing

[bwca]

From the Border Route Trail Association's web site:

We welcome you to join us on a Spring 2009 trail clearing trip on the Border Route Trail.

We provide training for novices, but US Forest Service certification is needed for two person cross-cut saws and chain saws. The trip costs are tax deductible and include transportation to and from the Twin Cities and all food except for dinner on the way up and back.

There would be a reduced cost for those providing their own transportation. Great scenery, excellent food, and fine company plus you get to feel really good about helping to keep the BRT open.

Registration information
To sign up, please complete and mail in the registration form ( and Participant's agreement ) with your payment.
http://borderroutetrail.org/pdfs/BRTSpring09Flier.pdf

Please direct all questions about availability and the registration process to Ed Solstad , Mechanized Trip Coordinator, 612-822-0569, or John Garbe , Wilderness Trip Coordinator, 612-807-3379, or through our contact form:
http://borderroutetrail.org/html/contact.php

Trip Descriptions

Chain Saw and Brush Cutter Familiarization and Practice Apr. 4

Cost: Free

For those wishing to become involved in Border Route Trail maintenance outside of the BWCAW, we're offering a chain saw and brushcutter familiarization and practice session. This trip is suitable for beginners with no prior experience required. You'll learn the basics of how to use and care for our chain saws and brush cutters so that you'll be ready for the spring USFS chain saw certification not to mention the spring trail maintenance trips.

We'll meet at 3701 Pillsbury Ave. So., Mpls at 9:30 a.m. and head on over to a spot just south of Nugget Lake Park near Plum City, WI. Wear normal hiking clothing appropriate for whatever the weather might be. Bring a bag lunch and a pair of leather work gloves. The Border Route Trail Association will provide everything else - transportation, chain saws and brushcutters, safety gear, etc. You can expect to get back to the Twin Cities between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Ed Solstad • 612-822-0569 | John E. • 952-941-4040

US Forest Service Crosscut and Chain Saw Certification Apr. 18 or 19

Cost: Free

The U.S. Forest Service requires that those using Crosscut Saws and Chain Saws on USFS property be certified in their use. In practice that means that those of us that plan on using this equipment on Border Route Trail maintenance trips and other trips on National Forest lands require certification. While certification is not required to participate in a trip it gives you greater options in what you may want to do on the trip. Attending the course will also be of benefit to those that have a need to use a saw for personal use. By making you aware of potential hazards, it may even save you from serious injury or loss of life. The Superior Hiking Trail Association has picked up the cost of building rental, the USFS will provide cross cut saws, and the Border Route Trail Association will provide chain saws and safety equipment.

You should wear weather appropriate hiking clothing, the highest top hiking boots that you have, and a pair of leather work gloves. Note: You may become certified in both Crosscut and Chain Saws by attending both days. Class starts at 8:00 a.m. both days. There will be a lunch break - bring a bag lunch or grab quick-food. Expect to finish up no later than 4:30 p.m.

Location: Campground Visitor Center Building, Bunker Hills Regional Park, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, Andover, MN 55304. To sign up: Send an e-mail to John Elliott including the following: Name. Phone #. Crosscut saw, Chain Saw, or Both. Initial certification or Renewal. Saturday, 4/19 or Sunday 4/20.

USFS Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course - Student's Guidebook



McFarland Lake (#1) May 7 - 10

Cost: $65

Drive to McFarland Lake Thursday night and set up camp at the McFarland campground. Hike and clear trail Friday and Saturday, returning home Sunday.



McFarland / East Pike (#2) May 7 - 10

Cost: $65

Drive to McFarland Lake Thursday night and camp. Canoe in to a BWCAW campsite Friday morning and set up camp. Clear trail Friday and Saturday, returning home Sunday.



Pine / Pike Ridge (#3) May 14 - 18

Cost: $65

Drive to McFarland Lake Thursday night and camp. Friday canoe to camp site on Pine lake and set up camp with trip #4. Access trail by canoe and clear trail Friday through Sunday. Canoe out on Monday and return home.



Pine / Pike Ridge (#4) May 14 - 25

Cost: $110

Drive up to McFarland Lake and camp there Thursday night. Friday canoe to camp site on Pine lake and set up camp with trip #3. Access trail by canoe and clear trail through week, joined by trip #5 on Friday. Canoe out on Monday and return home.



Pine / Pike Ridge (#5) May 21 - 25

Cost: $65

Drive to McFarland Lake Thursday night and camp. Friday canoe to camp site on Pine lake and join trip #4. Access trail by canoe and clear trail Friday through Sunday. Canoe out on Monday and return home.



Clearwater East (#6) May 14 - 17

Cost: $65

Drive to Clearwater Lodge Thursday night. Friday canoe to camp site on Clearwater lake (about 4 miles) and set up camp. Access trail by canoe and clear trail Friday and Saturday. Canoe out on Sunday and return home.



Clearwater Central (#7) May 21 - 25

Cost: $65

Drive to Clearwater Lodge Thursday night. Friday canoe to camp site on Clearwater lake and set up camp. Access trail by canoe and clear trail Friday through Sunday. Canoe out on Monday and return home.



Clearwater East (#8) May 21 - 25

Cost: $65

Drive to Clearwater Lodge Thursday night. Friday canoe to camp site on Clearwater lake and set up camp. Access trail by canoe and clear trail Friday through Sunday. Canoe out on Monday and return home.



Pigeon River (#9) May 7 - 10

Cost: $65

Highlights will include scenic vistas from the bluffs overlooking South Fowl Lake and the Royal River valleys, great food, plus the chance to see wildlife such as loons, black bear, moose, and fox. This is a great opportunity to experience some of the best scenery in the Upper Midwest and at the same time feel good about giving something back for all of the times when you've hiked or skied on well maintained trails.

We'll do a minor alignment correction on the hill leading out of McFarland Lake plus a maintenance sweep from Mcfarland Lake east to the South Fowl Lake Access Trail. While we'll be using chain saws and power brush cutters for the cutting there will be plenty of opportunities such as throwing brush and deadfall pieces, flagging, etc. for those preferring to keep their distance from the power equipment.

We'll be camping at the Otter Lake trailhead. Great food, camaraderie that can't be surpassed, plus your total trip costs qualify as a tax deductible charitable contribution. This is a service trip therefore you need not be a current Rover member to participate. Please contact the trip coordinator for a copy of the registration form, itinerary, and packing list or for the answers to any trip questions which you may have.



Pigeon River (#10) May 7 - 17

Cost: $90

This will be a week-long trip run in conjunction with weekend trips at the beginning and end. Highlights will include scenic vistas from the bluffs overlooking South Fowl Lake and the Royal River valleys, great food, plus the chance to see wildlife such as loons, black bear, moose, and fox. This is a great opportunity to experience some of the best scenery in the Upper Midwest and at the same time feel good about giving something back for all of the times when you've hiked or skied on well maintained trails.

On the first weekend we'll join the weekend crew in doing a minor alignment correction on the hill leading out of McFarland Lake and a maintenance sweep from Mcfarland Lake east to the South Fowl Lake Access Trail. During the week we'll scout out a possible trail realignment on the South Fowl Bluffs and do a maintenance sweep from the South Fowl access trail to the Otter Lake Access Trail. On the second weekend we'll help the weekend crew with a maintenance sweep from Otter Lake eastward to the junction with the Superior Hiking Trail. While we'll be using chain saws and power brush cutters for the cutting, there will be plenty of opportunities such as throwing brush and deadfall pieces, flagging, etc. for those preferring to keep their distance from the power equipment.

We'll be camping at the Otter Lake trailhead. Great food, camaraderie that can't be surpassed, plus your total trip costs qualify as a tax deductible charitable contribution. This is a service trip therefore you need not be a current Rover member to participate. Please contact the trip coordinator for a copy of the registration form, itinerary, and packing list or for the answers to any trip questions which you may have.



Pigeon River (#11) May 14 - 17

Cost: $65

Highlights will include scenic vistas from the bluffs overlooking South Fowl Lake and the Royal River valleys, great food, plus the chance to see wildlife such as loons, black bear, moose, and fox. This is a great opportunity to experience some of the best scenery in the Upper Midwest and at the same time feel good about giving something back for all of the times when you've hiked or skied on well maintained trails.

We'll do a maintenance sweep from Otter Lake eastward to the junction with the Superior Hiking Trail. While we'll be using chain saws and power brush cutters for the cutting, there will be plenty of opportunities such as throwing brush and deadfall pieces, flagging, etc. for those preferring to keep their distance from the power equipment.

We'll be camping at the Otter Lake trailhead. Great food, camaraderie that can't be surpassed, plus your total trip costs qualify as a tax deductible charitable contribution. This is a service trip therefore you need not be a current Rover member to participate. Please contact the trip coordinator for a copy of the registration form, itinerary, and packing list or for the answers to any trip questions which you may have.