The Greenbrier Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest proposes several activities to restore native red spruce-northern hardwood ecosystems on the Mower Tract on Cheat and Shavers Mountains within the Shavers Fork watershed. These activities will also improve watershed conditions and wildlife habitat, and increase sustainable recreation opportunities within the project area. The project area includes 33,994 acres located approximately 5 miles northwest of Durbin, in Randolph and Pocahontas Counties, West Virginia.
This area is heavily influenced by timber production activities and surface mining prior to federal acquisition. The project proposes a suite of restoration activities on coal mine benches (1,126 acres), including soil decompaction (site preparation for planting and deep ripping), wetland creation, woody material loading, and native species planting. These activities would emphasize red spruce restoration and include some early successional habitat (ESH) plantings of aspen and other wildlife beneficial species. As these ESH areas mature through natural forest development processes, they would return to the red spruce-northern hardwood-dominant forest type historically found within the project area.
To improve recreational opportunities throughout the project area, the development of a sustainable trail network on existing woods roads and new connector trails (78 miles) is proposed. Nine trailheads would be developed to provide access to the trail system. Motorized access would also be improved by constructing a 0.79 mile connector road between NFS Roads 227B and 227C and general road maintenance along these roads.
Volunteers are being recruited to work alongside Forest Service staff and contracted trail construction professionals to learn multi-purpose trail construction techniques including design and construction techniques for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails and gain insight into what is required of Forest Service trail staff as well as requirements for working for a contracted trail construction company. Volunteers are currently being recruited for the month of October, 2018 when an American Conservation Experience Construction Crew (U.S. Forest Service Partner) will be onsite at the Mower Tract constructing new trails.
Learning Opportunities
1). Introduction to the U.S. Forest Service and Employment Opportunities
2). Trail Standards and Specifications
3). Trail Layout and Design
4). Trail Construction and Maintenance
5). Trail Issues, Concerns, and Solutions
6). User Conflicts
7). The Importance of Volunteers and Partnerships in Trail Management
Benefits of Volunteering
1). Giving Back to Your Public Lands
2). Being part of a constructing a new and Trail System
3). Working in a beautiful area on the Monongahela National Forest
4). Resume Builder and Great Learning Experience
5). Talking Career Opportunities with U.S. Forest Service Employees
Volunteers will arrive at the Outdoor Rec Center by 6:30am and will return to campus around 8pm. Volunteers must wear pants, hiking boots, bring a small day pack with snacks, lunch, and a rain jacket. You must bring at least a 1/2 gallon of drinking.
If you have questions you may contact Adventure WV VISTA Brynn at brbenson@mail.wvu.edu or Doug Arbogast at douglas.arbogast@mail.wvu.edu
