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April 2, 2009

Volunteers key to trails, more wanted

Submitted by the Conasauga Ranger District

Trails don’t just happen. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment from people who care about their natural resources. The Conasauga Ranger District based in Chatsworth considers itself very fortunate to have just such people.

Twenty Chattahoochee National Forest volunteers from nearby Dalton and Varnell and from as far away as Atlanta, Douglasville, Chattanooga and Chickamauga participated in a trail maintenance work project recently. Their task was to maintain erosion control structures on the Panther Creek Trail in the Cohutta Wilderness. The volunteers were treated to a beautiful view of the wilderness from the top of Panther Creek Falls.

“I continue to be amazed by the dedication of the Team Conasauga volunteers,” said district ranger Michele Jones. “We applaud their efforts and appreciate their help. Our trails are some of the best maintained in the Southeast thanks to these outstanding individuals.”

A volunteer trail project is scheduled for each month. According to recreation manager Larry Thomas, “Our award-winning volunteer program has been going strong since 1990. We have hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and motorized trail users all involved and working side by side. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, but they all share a love of the outdoors and a desire to give something back.”

“So what does it take to be a Forest Service volunteer? Just a positive attitude. No experience is necessary and there is no obligation. We’ll provide you with all the tools and training you’ll need. We have a fun time, it’s satisfying work and an added advantage is you will gain an insider’s view to the 300 miles of trail in our area,” Thomas said.

For more information about the Forest Service volunteer program or to sign up, call (706) 695-6736 or e-mail elang@fs.fed.us.

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