Forestry Crew Weeks Five and Six

            The Forestry Crew just wrapped up our fifth and sixth weeks of hitch, and they were ones for the books! Our fifth week took us back to the Seed Orchard, where we continued clearing the Douglas fir stand. Returning to the Seed Orchard gave us a deeper appreciation for the work we had already put into the project, and we spent time reminiscing on where we started all those weeks ago. We cleared several rows that had once been so thick with saplings and brush that we couldn’t walk between the trees. Now, visitors can enjoy wide open spaces. Hopefully, the USFS can restart operations in the Seed Orchard soon and our hard work will go toward planting new trees.

            For our sixth week, we transitioned into a hiking-centric hitch with a trip to Crystal Lake. After maneuvering our way up the rough road, we set up camp near the trailhead and spent our days hiking and clearing brush. Due to a bridge blowout several years ago, the Crystal Lake trail has become severely overgrown, so we had our work cut out for us. With a steady and determined pace, we cleared several miles of trail, although some brushy sections remain.

            On Wednesday, we took a break from lopping, sawing, and brushing to hike to the lake and take in the trail’s crowning views. The upper section of the trail was steep and unforgiving, but we took it slow and arrived in the sprawling meadows and lakeshore that afternoon.

            Taking in the alpine scenery—wildflowers dotting the grass, boulders and streams lacing the landscape, and a clear lake sitting serenely at the base of forested hills—gave us all renewed energy. While it was at times an adventure to navigate the brush and intense hills, we agreed that the lake was well worth the hike.

            For the Crew, next week at Circle Peak will be their final hitch. For myself, this past week was my last with GPI, and it proved to be a great one with its jaw-dropping views, good company, fascinating educational programs from the Crew, and countless memories. Send the Crew well wishes for their final week, and thanks for reading!

Crew members discovering a school of tadpoles in Crystal Lake’s shallow water.

 Keathley P.B., Forestry Crew Intern