Trailblazing teens among those creating new recreation routes
From our weekly issue dated September 02, 2009
(From left) Paul Maldonado, Margaret Ruiz, Troy Starbuck, Sue Williams and Tyler Badger at the trailhead. (Photo by Zina Booth, I.V. News)
A trio of Illinois Valley teen-agers left their mark this summer, trailblazing throughout Illinois Valley.
Margaret Ruiz, Tyler Badger and Troy Starbuck worked through an eight-week stimulus package-funded program, digging out a 18-to-24 inch wide single-track trail bed and cutting brush in 100+ degree weather.
The young adults worked two days per week at Illinois River Forks State Park trailhead on Westside Road, creating new hiking and equestrian trails. During another couple of days per week, they also maintained trails near the Oregon Caves National Monument, in Takilma, and at the Bog Boardwalk off Eight Dollar Mtn. Road.
“Our three- or four-person crew achieved the same numbers as the other seven-man crews,” said Paul Maldonado, their Job Council crew leader, who taught them safety and responsibility.
“We had learning moments, identifying plants and medicinal herbs, and we had a game called ‘Identify the Poop’.” The team saw a bear one day; plus deer and grouse also have been spotted along the Nature trail.
“The best part of summer is looking back and seeing the trails that we actually made,” said Starbuck, a high school freshman.
Noted Maldonado, “The best part for me was seeing these three, the effort they put into this. I can tell they will be successful in whatever they do by the way they still worked in above 100-degree heat.”
Ruiz plans to attend college to study writing, and Badger intends to study construction and welding.
Carol Crawford, trailmaster, designed the routes, including the many rolling-crown switchbacks. She taught the crew proper building techniques so that rain will sheet off the trail rather than puddling or creating ruts.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Job Council crews from Grants Pass and Illinois Valley, volunteers from the public and members of the Sourdough Chapter, 2 miles of new trail have been constructed in the park and another 2 miles of trail flagged for construction,” said Sue Riegel Williams, project manager.
She added, “We are trying to get a winter crew so that we can complete the remainder of the trail going down to the West Fork of the Illinois River.
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“Major construction, like the paved driveways and the graded and rocked parking areas and interior drive, are being funded by a Recreational Trails Project grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept., and sponsored by Illinois Valley Community Development Organization.
“Other construction projects, including picnic tables, trail signage, bridges and a park kiosk, will be completed through volunteer hours.
“This new recreational site in Illinois Valley will offer approximately 10 miles of hiking and equestrian trails when completed and linked to the adjoining 200 acres of BLM land. The trails will bring people into dogwood tree forests, along paths which offer incredible views of Illinois Valley, and have many quiet places for picnics.”
Plans for 2010 include installation of a vault toilet, trail signs, and possibly point-of-interest plaques. Long-range goals include linking the Westside Forks Trails to Forks State Park and Glass Rail Outfit.
To volunteer help, contact Riegel Williams, viajerosranch2001@yahoo.com or phone 592-6921.
The new trailhead is located on Westside Road at the 3-mile marker. There are separate parking areas for cars and equestrian rigs.
Hikers and equestrians are encouraged to check out the trails currently open. Dogs are permitted, but must be on-leash. No bicycles or motorized vehicles are permitted.
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