[pct-l] mechanical clearing of trail

[JPL]

We have trained cross-cut crews in Shenandoah NP and they can do a job!  The 
other factor to consider is the impression on the public and wilderness 
opponents.  If wilderness advocates don't respect the "no machines" rule, 
then our arguments are undercut and the "anti's" will come in with why can't 
we use our machines (bicycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.).  Wilderness 
protection is not a one shot deal; those of us who are wilderness lovers 
need to be out there standing up every day!

-----Original Message----- 
From: Hank Magnuski
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2014 11:26 AM
To: Dan Welch
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] mechanical clearing of trail


Yes, cuts with a chain saw are faster than a hand saw and there is not much
difference in the results.

But the comparison shouldn't stop there. Most people would be surprised at 
how
effective a cross-cut crew can be vs. chain saw operators.

The chain sawyers seem to be constantly fiddling with their equipment, 
replacing
the chains, oiling them, sharpening them, gassing the saw. And the saws are 
so
much heavier to carry you usually need a pack animal to carry the saw and 
fuel
around.

A cross-cut crew can be in and out of an area while the chain saws are still
being unloaded from the mules.

That plus the smoke and noise and gas residue left by chain saws makes the
comparison a little more balanced.

Hank

p.s. Yes, I work with the Carsonora Crew maintaining the Dorothy Pass to 
Carson
Pass section of the PCT.




On Fri, 31 Jan 2014, Dan Welch wrote:

> I guess it depends on what you mean by "mechanically cleared".  If they 
> are
> bringing in bushwhackers, I see your point.  However, the difference in 
> end
> result between a chainsaw cut log vs a hand-operated cross cut log is a
> little more subtle.  I doubt most would ever know the difference...
>
> BTW - it sounds like you're personally involved in trail maintenance.
> Thanks for the work you do!
>
> Timberline
>
>
>
> <<  I've seen a lot of trail corridors that have been mechanically 
> cleared.
>
> They look like a 50-vehicle multi-lane car wreck. Tree limbs that look 
> like
> they've been hacked off with a baseball bat, debris everywhere.
>
> No thanks. That's not how I want to maintain my section of the trail.  >>
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