Last weekend, over a half dozen BHA volunteers spent the weekend in the backcountry of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness to make much-needed improvements to the Helmet Pass Trail.
Volunteers met early Friday morning to meet Forest Service staff, who loaded their food, gear, and tools onto horses for the five mile trek to basecamp at the base of The Helmet and Sphinx Mountain.
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Once camp was set up, the group hiked up to the pass to check the trail conditions for the weekend's work. Saturday was spent on steep hillside, among a rainbow of wildflowers, swinging pick axes and pulaskis to repair damaged trail tread for safe passage by hikers and horseback riders. Many things can damage trail tread over time including landslides, uprooted trees, poor drainage, and foot and horse traffic. Several downed trees were also removed from the trail.
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Sunday, after an early wake up call before sunrise, volunteers enjoyed glassing up a large group of mountain goats on Sphinx Mountain before getting to work where they left off. The group redid the tread on nearly a mile of trail, braving the sun, flies, and strenuous work.
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This project is part of our two-year effort to improve trails across the state in collaboration with the Forest Service, and thanks to the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. A special thanks to Gastro Gnome who provided delicious dehydrated provisions for volunteers and Timberline Ace Hardware for donating gloves and tools.
Interested in joining us next time? Sign up for stewardship-related email alerts here or browse upcoming events here.
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The voice for Montana's wild public lands, waters and wildlife