Some more spring (trail) cleaning Sat May 26, 7:00 Levee 1

[Brad C]

On Saturday May 26, we will continue a general clean up of the WRT.

Due to the mild winter (fourth warmest on record nationwide) the growing season started early. Sections of the WRT are already growing in so corridor clearing has to start early this year too.

Steve K. will have the DR mower to chop up what is growing on the ground.

We need people with clippers or loppers to get the face slappers and such. Maybe some weed eaters to get in the places the DR can't.

This time we will meet at the levee 1 trail entrance. This is the first parking area and trail entrance east of Catch'em Lake. A cut will be made along each side of the trail to maintain a 4-5 foot corridor with extra attention on the inside of curves to provide improved sight lines for trail users.

Who knows, a grill and frosty beverages could appear after the work.

This trail day is being done with the approval (and encouragement) of Shelby Farms management. Sweat equity pays off.

[rich_k]

One section that needs trimming is the Blue between WG and 5-points. The over-growth is mostly grass and weeds and not too much privet. A couple of strong weed wackers could probably cut this entire section in 3-4 hours. This would open up the blind corners in the really nice (read fast), twisty sections in the middle of this portion of the trail.

[SteveK]

Rich,
Could the DR handle that section?
After work this week until dark sound reasonable?

[rich_k]

The DR would be perfect! That section has been pretty well cleared of privet in the past and now is mostly overgrown with grass and weeds. The gnarlyist section is closest to 5-points. Maybe take the Yellow to the cross-over and cut from there.

Let me know if/when you're up for this--I'll fire up my mighty Echo weed wacker. (I do want to ride a lot this week, though).

[SteveK]

Rich,
You let me know when you want to do this. I need you to guide me to the areas that need the work.

[rich_k]

Wednesday after work? I could make it to the WG trailhead by ~5:30 pm. Does that work for you?

[SteveK]

Yep, I'll be there.

[Brad C]

Update. An earlier start time, 7:00, for Saturday May 26. The predicted high temperature for Saturday is 96. That is 14 degrees above the normal high at the Agricenter station for the date of 82. Get in and get out before we melt.

BTW, I looked it up on NWS. If we hit the 96 it will be a new record high for the date.

[SteveK]

I concur with the earlier start time. (High of 96 degrees; That’s a new definition of sweat equity!)

I rode the WRT last night and confirmed the tree is still down on the southern end of levee #3. If we start at levee #3 and work west we have less than ¾ of a mile before we get to the section that we left off last Saturday. BTW the sand pits are “horrendous” in that section, I see no easy solution!

Brad would you alert Robert that Dr K and I will be doing some “TLC” on the blue trail between Walnut Grove trailhead and the “Five Points” bridge tomorrow after work (starting 5:30 PM).

[Brad C]

I met the old Simplex crew for lunch at Flying Saucer today. (I get to drink a beer while they watch and drink tea.) The park rangers also had lunch there today. (It is double punch Tuesday on the free lunch card.) I talked to Drew for a while.

The Bobcat was supplied by the dealer as a one time tryout. Drew said they put about 5 hours on the machine in various settings around the park. In wide open areas it did quite well but was way too big for any tight spaces. Also it was so heavy that it could really tear the ground up if not very careful with it.

I will let the rangers know you guys are working Wed. evening.

[flyerdrew21]

I'll show up on Saturday for a couple hours. I get off work at the airport about 6:40a or so... so maybe a few mins late, but I'll be there with a weedwacker and loppers again.

-Drew
901.628.1412
.
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[rich_k]

Let's try for a strong turnout Saturday morning.

Some sections of the WRTs are in excellent shape, but others still need work. With one more busy morning of clearing, the main routes from WG to GTwn will be clear for a few months.

From Levee 1, I suggest clearing the White to 5-points, the Blue to Levee 2, and the Yellow to Levee 2. Depending on turnout, the Blue from the split from the White (near 5-points) through the forest is pretty dense with privet and could be cleared.

Bring weed wackers, clippers, loppers, and hand saws.

[SteveK]

If I can add to Rick’s plan; the 3 passages across the “gas line” is getting choked with tall grass again.

If I have time and energy I’ll try to knock that grass down with my DR bush hog.

We need to set priorities at the 7AM meeting place.

[Memphis Driver]

Thank you very much, guys! I felt So bad riding by you guys working so hard this morning but I only had an hour before I had to hit the road to go out of town. Tony and I will for sure help the next time- poppy

[rich_k]

No worries but duly noted.

Trails are riding FAST now! Got out a while ago for a GL to Gtwn loop.