Trail maintenance questions

[anotheraznguy]

Since i didnt really see anything recent, what are your thoughts on trail maintenance. For instance, if there if a fallen log, do you guys take out the axes and chop it down then drag it off to the side of the trail? For low hanging branches and brush sticking out on the side do you guys clear it or is that a big no-no. I want to tread lightly but at the same time i dont want dents on my roof. Just trying to determine best practices.

 

[ASNOBODY]

I usually carry a few sticks of dynamite to clear anything and everything, even if it's not in my way.

Kidding…but seriously, I'll do the absolute minimum to make a trail passable and not create too much damage. While I don't necessarily want to damage my truck, I'd rather get some scratches than create lasting damage to a living thing or make it look like humans have stumbled through carelessly…unless of course there is a potential said object could really be dangerous for me or others, or be legitimately blocking a safe passage.

To answer, yes, I'll chainsaw a log if it's too big to move in one piece but I probably wont chop any low hanging limbs.

 

[britz]

We follow the same NF rules for collecting firewood by permit, we cut a path and make sure there are no piles left in the road, just set on the side. If the tree crosses water, or we have to trample wet areas, we leave it alone on that side. The Fed crews who do trailwork around our cabin do the same, and its a win-win, as many folks drive up and buck logs for firewood, the area cleans up rather well.

This years snow in Idaho had an incredible amount of blowdown, so several passes were made since the lead was breaking heavy trail many times.

 

[Neil Q Smith]

I believe in leaving the trail as you found it, as much as possible.
Its what they teach here in Norway / Scandinavia.

However, if there is a road blockage due to landslide, tree fall, etc. then its fair game to make adjustments.
That is allowed over here, as many roads and trails do experience frequent landslides.

Below is a photo from end 2016 in Iceland, when we encountered a rock fall landslide across our road.
(No, I wasn't strong enough to move the boulder !!!)



You can see the extent of this road damage (1:30 into the film) in the YouTube Video we released on this day trip called "Mountain Solitude"

Typically these landslides are quickly dealt with, and the road / trail relatively quickly reopened.
Authorities are well set up for this action over here.

Use the winch to pull the blockage out of the way (boulder or tree) if mounted / stored on / in the vehicle at the time.
However, we are not allowed to drive with winches mounted on normal roads in Norway - that's the law unfortunately.
So you have to have the winch in the back, and mount it when the occasion demands.

I agree that some tree branches can grow over the road / trail and impact the vehicle.
In these case, we tend to cut as little as possible, and rather drive through slowly and carefully.
If the condition is bad, its good to report it the authorities, who should make the necessary adjustments.

We all impact the environment, whatever we do.
So it good to minimise our impact here, wherever possible.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

I keep the same mindset I have with mountain bike trails. Minimize my impact. I try to not go when it's sloppy or create new trail. I move debris out of the way if I can. I also try to not widen the trail by picking the center line versus the fastest or best line which might cut corners.

 

[F4T XJ]

I do the very minimum to make it safe for me to pass.

 

[khorsa]

If a log is in the road and it can be driven over, I drive over it. If not, then we move it whether in one piece or cut up into multiple pieces. Small branches and undergrowth we leave and just drive through it, if it is a large branch then we lift it or remove it. Totally situational. I will drive off-center on a track if it is a boggy area and the tracks are already super deep, if not, we just go through the mud. Besides, we like mud.

 

[HEYElliott]

Depending on the severity and the circumstances I may go to different lengths to make a trail passable.

If its a main trail I will clean it for myself and others, chop trees, fill holes etc.
If its a side trail thats used purely for fun and doesnt lead to a campsite or anything I will take some pinstriping and maybe a smack to the skidplate.