Wompatuck Trail Maintenance June 19th

[wannabee]

A second trail maintenance day has been scheduled for June 19th (Father's Day) at Wompatuck State Park. The first one (May 8) was an outstanding success, only two workers showed up in the rain. A group of the usual 'Sunday riders' did ride and did locate downed trees that needed cutting by the park staff, so all was not lost.
The trails are in a so-so status. This would be a good time to get them spruced up for the upcoming summer crowds and the upcoming Harpoon Adventure Series in August.
Usual starting time is 8:30 am. Getting there around 8 will allow time to get organized, greet old friends, and secure your bikes in a locked building for the afternoon ride.
Paul Peaslee will be our 'guiding light' again. He will surely have something for everybody to do. Come and help out at Wompatuck, June 19th.

[Geoff G.]

I'll be there again, last time we didn't really get that much done because of the rain, we just marked the down trees, and only did the left side. There are many more on the right side. What are we going to do on the 19th? It probably isn't cutting back or picking up blow downs, because we're not bringing the bikes till afterwards. so, I'm guessing that it's a larger project, like a bridge, or something like that. I've got a few things in mind that need sprucing up, but I'm not sure if they'd be approved.

[wannabee]

I have no idea what Paul has up his sleeve.
As of 2 weeks ago when I last talked with the Park Supv., Steve Gammon mentioned that the money for the bridge had not been released yet. A 230 foot bridge will take big bucks, lots of wood, lots of pilings dug, lots of concrete poured and a lot of hands. If it can be done, Paul is the one to do it.
If you (or others) find problems on the Wompatuck trails, I'd suggest contacting Steve Gammon, Park Supv. He's the one making a list right now of trail stuff that needs fixing. You can also stop in at the campground office and leave a note for him there.
For the present time, during the weekdays, you may want to stay clear of the area around the buildings that are being demolished. They should be taped off, somehow. The trails in that area can be looked at after the contractor has done his thing, for safety sake.
Good to finally meet you at Blue Hills MTB Day. Hope to see you on the 19th.

[Geoff G.]

oh yeah, I went there this weekend, and there were hundreds of little plastic bins whith dirt in them placed under various trees in the park. Doesn anyone know what they are?

[wannabee]

I had to drop off some extra maps at the campground today, so I asked the same question. Supposedly, the multitude of plastic bins with 'dirt' in them is part of a study being performed on the 'winter moth' problem.
A couple of years ago, DCR did a similiar study. DCR just recently released some specially 'engineered' flies that are supposed to help control the winter moth infestation. Now DCR wants to have another study, similiar to the first, to see if the flies have had any effect on the winter moth population.
I thought that they wouldn't see any results until 2006.
Maybe just a 'bench mark' study.

[wannabee]

HOT OFF THE WIRE.......Just got an email from Steve Gammon, Park Supv. of Wompatuck. I had asked him what was planned for next Sunday (June 19th) trail maintenance. Steve had one word...."cutbacks, cutbacks, cutbacks, and even more cutbacks. Many faceslappers (those branches just at face level)".
It looks like it's time to break out those trusty hand clippers, hand prunners, and hand saws. Bring your bike, too.
If a large enough group shows up, we could break into several smaller groups, and cover more territory if we're on bikcycles.
A roving chain saw crew might be organized by Steve and/or Paul to hit the real nasty stuff.
Remember, lunch at noon.
Rain (drizzle) or shine. Monsoon type rain will probably cancel. If cancelled, either check here (NEMBA/forums/events) or call the park at 781-749-7160. A message will be left with the campground phone person for NEMBA Trail Maintenance.
The place: Wompatuck State Park, Hingham
The date: June 19, 2005 (Sunday - Father's Day)
Time: 8:30am kickoff (arrive 8:00am ish). Lunch at noon.
Remember to bring bug spray, eye protection and work gloves.

[SteveC]

I will be there. After the kids and wife feed me a good breakfast, that is.......Cant stay to ride right after, but...
I may ride later in the day. Later, like 4 or 5......? anyone up for that?
SC

[wannabee]

I believe that there is a 'family' ride sponsored by the'new' Park interpretor, from 11am - 1 pm, out of the 'transfer bulding' site. Bring the whole family, make a day of it.

[Geoff G.]

I will not be able to make an apearence, I have to work.