Trail Crew

 

Medicine Bow Rail Trail Trail Crew

A small group of volunteers began working along the Medicine Bow Rail Trail beginning in 2016 after noting that the route was in dire need of repair and maintenance.  The group realized that U.S. Forest Service staff were unable to spend enough time and effort on the trail to keep it in good shape.  These volunteers stepped up efforts to gradually help maintain, repair and restore the pathway.  The non-profit organization Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail was formed in 2018 to provide a more organized effort to maintain the Rail Trail.

A number of volunteers are Section Leaders, where they take on the upkeep of a specific section of the Rail Trail and visit it regularly through the summer and fall.

Improvements completed by the Trail Crew by the end of 2022 include:

Maintenance:

  • Clearing downed trees is on-going and never-ending.
  • Repairing and replacing traffic control signs when needed.
  • Replacing maps and information boards at numerous trailheads.
  • Thoroughly cleaned the Lake Owen caboose – before it went up in smoke during the Mullen Fire in 2020.
  • Replaced damaged bollards at several entrance points.
  • Removed encroaching small pine trees sprouting from the trail base.
  • Erecting barricades and “non-motorized only” signs along the trail where ATV encroachment on to the trail is a concern.
  • Repair poor drainage on section damaged by Lake Owen Fire.
Dave at workImprovements:
  • Replace the fence at the Pelton Creek Trailhead.
  • Replace a portion of the fence at the Vienna Trailhead.
  • Create and print pocket-sized trail maps.
  • Build and distribute map canisters at all trailheads.
  • Build map holders for various business outlets.
  • Establish Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail non-profit organization.
  • Create website to provide Rail Trail information and maps.
  • Meet regularly with USFS personnel to update and coordinate efforts.