As part of the 16th annual National Public Lands Day, the Bureau of Land Management's Shoshone Field Office is looking for volunteers to help with trail work in Hailey on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26.
While the official Public Lands Day falls on Saturday, with 120,000 expected to participate in restoration, the Shoshone office is offering residents of the Wood River Valley two days to help in order to accommodate those taking part in the popular Baldy Hill Climb, also on Sept. 26.
Volunteers should meet on either day at the Croy Creek Trailhead, 3.5 miles west of Hailey off Croy Creek Road. The work will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Shoshone Field Office has been communicating with local trail users for the past several years to build more single-track trails west of Hailey.
According to a press release from the BLM's Twin Falls District Office, a contractor was hired this summer to construct 12.5 miles of new trail. While the majority of the construction is complete, some finishing touches are needed before the trails can be opened.
"Work will consist of defining the lower edge of the trail tread by strategically placing sagebrush that was removed during construction alongside the trail's edge," said BLM spokeswoman Heather Tiel-Nelson in the press release. "This is fun, easy work that will allow people to see the new construction."
Tiel-Nelson said the trail will remain soft and susceptible to major damage until it can be compacted by rain or snow.
The BLM recommends that volunteers wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats and sturdy shoes or boots, as well as sunscreen.
Beverages and gloves will be provided, and volunteers on Public Lands Day are rewarded with coupons for free entry into federal public land areas that have entrance fees.
For more information about the event, contact John Kurtz, outdoor recreation manager for the Shoshone Field Office, at 208-732-7296.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
