Leominster Sate?

[MassRider]

Was going to go out and ride this Sunday at Leo State. Has anyone been out there yet? Was curious as to the trail conditions after the beating the trees took from this winter.

[1adam12]

Can't speak to the state of downfalls, but (especially with rain today/tonight) it is still a little to early to be out on the trails. They will be very soft and easy to damage.

We're all feeling the pull to get out on the trails, but they need to dry out and harden up!

[Slappy]

Leo is drains really well. There's mud at the few usual spots, but overall trail surface conditions are good. But....the trails are a frikkin mess from the ice storm. Someone has done some cleanup on the trails that start on the north side of the lot already as well as a few other spots, but it's tough going for the most part.

I'm planning on heading over to the Rocky Pond lot tomorrow (Sat) am around 9 and going out to do some clean-up if anyone's into it. Will be concentrating on the loop between Paradise Alley and Wolf Rock Rd to start with.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/Leominster.gif

[MassRider]

Id be more than happy to help. What is permitted as far as tools that can be used (chainsaw?). Also, the weather looks as if its supposed to pour tomorrow.

[Slappy]

I hear the DCR is not too keen on the chainsaws (not that I imagine there'd be any sort of penalty for bringing one along), but looked like there'll be plenty to keep busy with just lopping and dragging stuff off the trail. Hopefully the rain keeps to a reasonable level. I'll pm you my cell #: if things are looking questionable gimme a yell and we'll make the call.

[Superbman]

I hear the DCR is not too keen on the chainsaws (not that I imagine there'd be any sort of penalty for bringing one along), but looked like there'll be plenty to keep busy with just lopping and dragging stuff off the trail. Hopefully the rain keeps to a reasonable level. I'll pm you my cell #: if things are looking questionable gimme a yell and we'll make the call.


Where did you here that, Slappy??? We'd be in a world of hurt without the trusty chainsaw (and we've used them side by side with park rangers)! And if leo is anything like what I saw at Hawley since the ice storm, your problem will be too few and not too many chainsaws.

Liam

[MassRider]

Sorry I was unable to get there Saturday morning. I went out Sunday with a riding buddy, and the trails closest to the parking lot looked good. We did run into a trail that was trashed though. I cant imagine the amount of work that has/will need to be done if they all look like this one. We did what we could as far as lugging branches, and in some cases entire trees off the trail. But at every turn there was more waiting. I applaud the work that has already been done. We will definitely need to schedule a day dedicated to just cleanup. I think we would be able to get a lot done with a day dedicated to just clean up. Leo State is home to a lot of riders and hikers. If we could get even 25% of the people who use it on a regular basis to show up, we would have quite the clean up crew. Is there a website we could post on to set this up to include everyone? Is there any special permission needed to do this as well?

[Slappy]

Where did you here that, Slappy??? We'd be in a world of hurt without the trusty chainsaw (and we've used them side by side with park rangers)!

Oh sure - and you probably want me to believe there's rangers out there that support their biggest user group and - god forbid - actually let you cut a new trail once or twice a decade instead suggesting you spend your time and money rebuilding the NEMBA bridges cause the snowmobilers complain they're not wide enough. :rolleyes:

Word came through out chapter Pres. Must be a liability thing. We (Stork, Alf and myself) did run into a ranger on our walk out and he seemed psyched to see us and had nothing to say about the saw, so we'll just go with it for now unless someone raises the issue.

I'll post something up later this week re: what's done so far and some plans for the near future. As far as seeing 25% of riders, I'd be happy if we saw a 10th of that a couple times a year.

[MassRider]

I can probably drag out 4-5 guys to help out. We will just need a few days notice.

[woodsguy]

Did you ever try and maybe use the destruction as leverage? Tell them you will only help clean up if they allow more trail building.

[Slappy]

Did you ever try and maybe use the destruction as leverage? Tell them you will only help clean up if they allow more trail building.

They'd probably just say 'fine' and close us out of all the singletrack again, the way it used to be. Sometimes I feel like someone over there is itching for an excuse. As it is, there's a large "Trails Closed" sign in the parking lot right now.

[MassRider]

Hey Slappy, i sent you a pm, give it a quick read when you can. Thx.