Trail creation from South Seep to High Road

TRAILS: 1.5 hours: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Roughed out a trail route to connect the South Seep to the trail from High Road in Eastern Wedge unit #5.

New trail creation – continued main trail through Eastern Wedge unit #5. Cut through the collapsed hemlock thicket on the south side of the South Seep, roughing out the final connection to the previously cleared trail coming from the south. Trying to keep the trail on the high side to avoid the dips into the stream ravines. Lots of low branch pruning on trees along the trail route.

Collapsed hemlock thicket along the trail route south of South Seep.

Evidence of an ice storm or snow loading event is everywhere in this unit: entire collapsed stands, individual leaners, broken tree tops and hanging branches. Will have to cut through the middle of this to create the trail. Plenty of cleanup in the rest of the unit once the trail is established.

Slashed trees and brush at the edge of the collapsed hemlock thicket.

End result of cutting through the downed trees: “carpet-bombing” the forest floor. The trail will run along the right side of the photo, at the foot of the old cedar stump. Looking back north through the area just completed, the individuated trees are clearly visible. It is much easier to walk around in this unit now.