Bridger-Teton and partners improve Wyoming Range trail
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
June 8, 2012
BIG PINEY - The Bridger-Teton National Forest has improved trail conditions and recreation use near South Piney Road, west of Big Piney, Wyoming, thanks to a generous donation from Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Corporation.
Encana USA donated 200 feet of used metal pipe that was repurposed for a specialized gate to allow sustainable pedestrian and equestrian recreation in an otherwise eroded, unstable and deteriorated area of the Forest. This gate was made possible through the partnership between the Forest, the Big Piney Vocational Technology School, and the local Big Piney Boy Scouts of America chapter.
"The high school students from the Vo-Tech school were amazing to work with," said Recreation Technician Tray Hall. "Those students have tremendous welding skills and really produced a professional product for the benefit of our public," he said. "This partnership provides a great opportunity for the high school students, because they are receiving experience in real world applications and can feel that they have a part in building up their local Forest," Hall continued.
The gate was designed to discourage motorized vehicles from utilizing that area of the Forest. "The area was closed to motorized use in the early 1990’s" said Hall. Directing the use to the non-motorized activities will bring the Forest into compliance with its Travel Management Plan.
The gate was installed by the local youth from the Boy Scouts of America. "These young men came out and placed the gate, mixed the concrete and worked hard alongside of the Forest employees," said Hall. "They were of great service to the Forest and their efforts will result in positive, lasting impacts on the land," he said.
According to Hall, Encana USA was instrumental in getting this project off the ground. "It was Josh Sorenson and Greg Schamber from Encana that thought of us as their neighbors and offered us the pipe in the first place," he said. "We loved being able to reuse something and ultimately benefit all of our users with the cooperation of a few of our partners." "Projects like these demonstrate how all of us can lend a hand to help make our National Forest even better."
Encana USA Surface and Reclamation Specialist Josh Sorenson, who previously worked for the Forest Service as a rangeland management specialist, recognizes the importance of travel management. "We, too, have employees who appreciate federal lands, and it’s great to know we contributed to help maintain these lands. Providing designated trails for hiking, horseback riding, or ATVs and OHVs allows us all to continue to enjoy the resources Wyoming offers."
|
