A small group from the NMVFO returned to John F Kennedy Campground on the west side of the Manzano Mountains for an “add-on” project (not part of published schedule of trail projects) to cut even more downed trees blocking Trigo Canyon Trail. Another group of volunteers started at New Canyon Campground on the east side of the Manzanos to also clear downed trees, and we met somewhere near the middle at the overlook above Trigo Falls for lunch.
By splitting into two groups, we are able to stay under the group size set by the local Forest Service district for Covid19 precautions.
Here is a before-and-after of one thick rotten log.
And here was the view from lunch overlook.
The west side group (Nick, Mike, Dennis, and myself) cleared fifty trees from the trail, completing clearance to the overlook, and the east side group (Don, Jenny, Mike, and ??) did great work and had to hike higher and further. We look forward to clearing brush from the trail corridor when owl restrictions are lifted.
On each of the scouting trips and work events we have met hikers and backpackers, so we are gratified to see the trail being used.