Join us for the annual Walamootkin Forest Service Work Party Weekend! We have again coordinated with the Forest Service to offer a group service camp trip in the fall. Similar to last year at this time, we will be working with the Wenatchee National Forest District on trails and campgrounds near Lake Wenatchee in the Cascades. The Washington Trails Association have been doing a lot of work in the upper parts of the drainage, but they knew we were looking for a project and left the stuff close to the trailhead for us!  Time to open up some long-neglected trails with a lot of Scoutpower!

Scouts will be formed into crews based on experience and endurance. Order of the Arrow members and other experienced Scouts will lead crews to complete tasks assigned by USFS Rangers who will work hand-in-hand with us. We will also have a big multi-unit campfire and campfire program, and (of course) STREET TACOS!!  Check with your unit and sign up for what should be a great fall weekend of service, fellowship, and fun!

When: October 4-6, 2024 (Main work party begins at 8:30am on Oct 5th. Other times that weekend can be arranged. Camping is available both Friday and Saturday nights.)

Where: White River Falls (main) and Grasshopper Meadows (backup). They’re only about a mile apart and both right on the VERY pretty White River.

What: De-brushing and trail clearing operations along several trails.

Cost: $5 to OA to cover street taco costs (units will sort out other food and transport costs on their own)

Coordinator: Joe Ryan, 814-404-8506, joe.ryan@pnnl.gov

Work Details: We will be helping the recovery of two lost trails – White River Trail and Indian Creek Trail.  Both trails have been targeted by the WTA for restoration, but the WTA crews have focused more on blowdowns far up each valley and left the de-brushing closer to the trailhead to us.  The following map shows where and how much attention is needed: 2024 Work Party CALTOPO. From the trailhead, Indian Creek Trail needs moderate brushing for about the first 1.2 miles and will likely be the focus for the less-experienced scouts.  Advanced teams will work on the heavy brushing needed on the White River Trail intermittently from miles 1-3. We will be shuttling groups to the trailhead, but it’s only 1 (WR Falls) or 2 (Grasshopper Meadows) miles from camp.

Tools: Loppers, brush whips, and small hand saws will be best for the work we’re doing.  Please bring those from home if you have them, although some will be provided by the forest service (including some grubbing tools for getting duff and debris off the trail for each crew). They also plan to give out some reflective vests and hard hats, but I don’t think they have enough for everyone.  Put your name on your tools (duct tape works great)!

Make sure you wear hiking boots, bring work gloves, dress in layers, and bring some sunscreen!

Food: Saturday dinner will be steak or chicken street tacos!  Aside from that, your unit is responsible for all meals, especially including trail lunches.  We are having a potluck dessert Saturday, so win your unit bragging rights by having the best sweet treats!

Other: We will be taking a group photo as we finish Saturday’s brush work.  Please at least stay for that if you can!

FAQ for trip:

1. Do volunteers go there by troop, or meet somewhere and go up together?

>> Travel will be organized by unit.  Some local transportation (1-3 miles) is required to get crews to their location or trailhead in the morning.

2. What work is expected?  Will my 11 years old new scouts able to handle it?  Or should I focus on 1st class and high (possible OA candidates)

>> We will have service opportunities for all ages.  Older scouts will work in areas that require significant hikes and heavier clearing activities.  Younger scouts will be assigned closer to the trailhead.  Very young scouts can focus on cleaning and prepping the campgrounds along the valley.

3. Do scouts need to camp? Where and when will we be camping?

>> The FS Rangers are reserving spots at White River Falls (main) and Grasshopper Meadows (backup) campsites, both a bit over 3 hours from the Tri Cities.  Scouts don’t need to camp, but we would like people to be available at 8:30am on Saturday to join the main work crew. If a crew has special timing needs, that can easily be accommodated.  There will be a large multi-unit dinner and campfire program on Saturday night!

4. What are the plans for meals?

>>  Dinner (street tacos!) will be provided Saturday night and we will have a dessert (dutch oven?) potluck.  All other meals (especially trail lunch) are the responsibility of each unit.

5. Are there water sources at camp and at work site?

>> There are no water sources at either camp, but both have river access if you really want to filter.  Each unit should plan on bringing enough water for use.

6. Bathroom? Shower at camp?

>> Pit latrines are available at both camps, but none have showers.

7.  Do you need adult volunteers at work site?  Campsite?

>> Yes.  It would be best if each crew had at least two adults, although that may not be necessary for all and perhaps there will be two “crews” managed by a set of adult volunteers.  A couple of adults willing to hold down the fort at camp might be nice!

8. What kind of transportation (truck, van, car) do you need for transferring scouts and trail trash ?

>> Some trucks might be handy, but certainly not a huge number.  A couple of vans might be very nice to transport crews to trail positions.