ODNR has been busy last year and early this year with significant maintenance projects to improve the trail. The projects included dead tree felling, culvert clearing, and cutback of over-growth restricting clearance on the trail.
There were two efforts launched last year to “clear the canopy.” This activity cuts back overhead and trailside branches and limbs to not only ease passage for typical trail users but also to provide clearance for maintenance and emergency vehicles. These efforts were assisted and supported by several volunteers from The Friends group. ODNR also enlisted the help and support of local townships and ODOT, who brought in their large articulated-arm brush hogging equipment for additional canopy and trailside clearing.
An estimated 200+ dead trees were cut down over a period from late last year into this year. ODNR fired up their chain saws and cut the dead trees down. Volunteers assisted by trimming away branches and helping move the logs and debris off the trail and berm. ODNR also brought along a chipper to help reduce some of the branches from the felled trees and other large brush piles along the trail.
In another effort, ODNR brought in a small excavator to clear and dig out several clogged or partially clogged culverts. This is a time-consuming effort as the excavated material needs to be hauled away to a remote site. This critical task keeps the culverts from backing up and flooding the trail with mud and debris during storms.
Unfortunately, none of these efforts are one-and-done activities. Mother Nature wants our trail back, and maintaining control to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trail is an ongoing battle.
Many thanks to ODNR and their workers along with the volunteers who supported these activities.
April 2022
Tom McCray
