Can I clear blowdowns in the Nat'l Forest?

[lobolator]

I live in the middle of the White Mtns and the recent wind storm has strewn the trails I ride with blow downs. I clear the smaller trees that are like clotheslines or too high to clear on the bike but...there are now some giant trees in the trail that only the best trials guys could clear...can I hual out my chainsaw to clear them? Do I need to talk to my local NEMBA chapter and have them get in touch with the ranger station first? What is the protocol? I tried searching but didn't find what I was lookin for. I would like to do it before I have to snowshoe a 6 mile loop to do it.
Thanks

[radair]

Where are you located?

Technically, the Forest Service requires that you be chain saw certified to work in the NF. Their course is 2 or 3 days long so people have been known to do chain saw work without having taken it. I think they also want you to get a maintenance permit before doing anything; gov't red tape, you know. The easiest thing would be to call the district office. If you do 24 hrs. per year (pretty easy to get if you do some 3-hr. riding/pruning sessions) they will reward you with a USFS parking pass. Hmmm, $25 value, that's just about a buck an hour for your efforts. :D

White Mountains NEMBA has a volunteer services agreement with the Forest Service for specific trails in the eastern Whites, near Conway. If you're in this area, I can let you know which trails, help is always welcome. Let's go for a ride, too.

[lobolator]

That's what I was afraid of...red tape! I live near the Rob Brook trails...they are my backyard sorta.
Would love to go for a ride.
Just went for a clearing ride today...no chainsaw, just a little folding pull saw. Unfortunately for my knees, ran into a blow down on an uphill on my ss.
Good news is most of the hunters are gone, still wearing ORANGE though.

[radair]

Sent you a PM - most of the Rob Brook Trails we have approval to maintain. There must be tons of stuff down after the winds of the past couple weeks.

I think rifle season for deer begins Wednesday. Watch out for those stray bullets.

[hogboy]

man up and use an axe. no problem.

bring a whetstone,sharpen it properly... it'll go fast.


I use only hatchets, handsaws, and axes for blowdowns. no power
tools allowed for me...not taking the easy way. everyone
else can do that...

[radair]

man up and use an axe. no problem.

bring a whetstone,sharpen it properly... it'll go fast.


I use only hatchets, handsaws, and axes for blowdowns. no power
tools allowed for me...not taking the easy way. everyone
else can do that...

Hahaha, each to his own, but half of the 50 or 60 trees I've chainsawed out the past two weekends would still be there if I was using an axe. I've cut plenty with a folding saw, but it would be folly to take on everything with hand tools.

Ben, good ride today.

[Scott O]

[QUOTE=hogboy;142285] no power
tools allowed for me..[QUOTE]

crayons and plastic safety scissors would be good for you too

[peterdbikes]

I have read hatchets are one of the most dangerous tools to use. Seems like having one hand free to hold the wood gets a lot of people in trouble.

[BigMac]

rh