Middle Fork Trip a Success!

Eight OTG volunteers spent 4 memorable days camping and working on the Middle Fork Trail in the Uncompahgre Wilderness, with pack horse support by the US Forest Service. The crew cleared down trees, replaced a wood post and sign on the high pass to the East Fork drainage, and repaired eroded sections of trail. Summer wildflowers were spectacular, and rain mostly held off until late in the day when the group could relax under a tarp back in camp.

OTG has scheduled nearly twice as many overnight work trips this summer as in the past.  This increased capacity is due to an increase in trained volunteer trail crew leaders.  Earlier this summer, OTG provided its members a Trail Crew Leader Training course, using modules from the Outdoor Stewardship Institute. This training increased the number of OTG crew leaders, allowing more frequent work outings.  

OTG's backcountry trips are unique in that they are often supported by pack horses donated by either the USFS or local outfitters.  These horses carry volunteers' camping gear to a beautiful camp located along the trail.  The volunteers must only carry their daypack and tools as they work their way along the trail to camp.  Although rain was part of the Middle Fork evenings, most evenings in camp are spent around the campfire sharing stories and forming new friendships.