Kuskanax Mountain Cedar Step Blocks July 25
The Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) crew lead by Martin arrived on July 24 to start the Kuskanax Mountain Trail South cedar step block project. Martin, Mitch and Daniel (in pictures) returned on Thursday, July 25 and had placed all of the 37 blocks left for them in the cache at the second viewpoint by mid-day. They will finish anchoring the blocks with rebar, back filling and grooming the trail around the blocks by the end of the day. A second load of blocks will be flown up to a cache at the first, lower viewpoint, for whenever the crew is able to return to finish the lower part of the trail. Bob T. checked on their progress and liked how the blocks help stabilize the steep, sandy slope and made climbing and descending easier.
Hot Springs Log Crossing Tread Mesh July 23
Bob T and a visiting friend/volunteer completed a trial application of galvanized mesh to the treads of one of the log crossings nearest the Alexander Road TrailHead. Many of the 30 or so crossings on the trail become very slippery and treacherous when wet. The plan is to apply traction mesh to all the crossings by the end of the season.
Cedar Grove Access Open July 23
The Kuskanax FSR leading to the Cedar Grove Trail has re-opened for the rest of the year after a successful Mountain Caribou calving program for the spring of 2024. Four male and one female calves were born. Thanks to everyone who helped keep the mothers calm and safe by respecting the road closure during the critical gestation and calving time.
Trails Tools Organized July 15
Jamie D and Bob T ordered wall organizers, built a chainsaw lock cabinet, and installed rails, bins and hooks at our storage shed. It is nice to have our stuff off the gravel floor and neatly hung and shelved.
Hot Springs Trail Access Signs July 15
The Nakusp Hot Springs Trailhead access route from Alexander Road was hard find and follow, with a group of hikers lead by NACTS volunteers recently having difficulty finding the TH. There are three intersections or Ys after leaving the asphalt, and a wrong turn can send you off to remote and potentially dangerous cutblocks. We found one sign post broken at the base and leaning against a tree at the first junction, and the direction missing entirely from the third. They have now been properly erected or replaced. Thanks to Brian W for helping out.
Kuskanax Step Blocks on the Mountain July 12
Mark H slung 37 cedar step blocks and rebar to the second Kuskanax Mountain South viewpoint at 1650 m n Thursday morning July 12. Michele N and Bob T hiked up the next day to unload the block and retrieve the net. Everything is ready for the Recreation Sites and Trails BC student work crew to start rebuilding the trail below on July 24 to 26!
Clearing Kuskanax Mountain Trail S July 10
Frank K and Bob T spent the morning clearing deadfall on the Kuskanax Mountain Trail from the Trailhead above Vickie’s View up to the radio tower. Some of the biggest fallen trees were blocking the two lower viewpoints. They also marked a drop site for the cedar blocks and rebar that Mark H will fly up later this week between his forest fire assignments. Thanks to the CBT and NACFOR for supporting the rebuilding of the Kuskanax South Trail steps.
CEDAR STEP-BLOCK DROP ZONE
Kuskanax Mtn Step Blocks ready to sling July 9
Bob T cut and drilled 37 cedar blocks to be used to rebuild switchback corners on the Kuskanax Mountain South trail. Frank K joined him to stack the blocks and cut rebar in a cargo net at the High Terrain hangar. Bob & Frank will hike the south trail on the 10th to select and mark the drop zone. Mark H is now busy fighting fires but will find an opportunity to sling the blocks on an early morning over the next week. A Recreation Sites and Trail BC student work crew will arrive on July 24th to begin installing the blocks on the most eroded sections of the trail.
Kuskanax Mountain Summit Checkup July 7
Bob T and Corinne T bumped up Turner Road and climbed the north Kuskanax Trail to check out conditions for a planned (and now cancelled due to helicopter unavailability) VIP dedication event later in the week. The road was passable but very rough but the trail was in great condition other than a lot of snow on the ridge below the summit. Another week of hot weather should take care of most of it!
New Saddle Mountain Trail Signs July 6
Barb C and Bob T cleared deadfall and brush on the Saddle Mountain access road and installed new direction signs at the upper and lower parking lots and trail intersection. A new kiosk with an updated map will be erected at the lower parking lot latter this summer but for now the new signs should help keep hikers stay on the right trail. Thanks to Barb C for designing and ordering the new signs, and to BC Timber Sales for funding our 2024 signage project.
