Giving back to the Wise shelter area.

**Doctari** · 07-21-2009, 19:38

I have been thinking about this for a few weeks:

I know it’s a few weeks off (OK, months

) but I think this will take some planning. As next year will be the fourth year we have been there, is there anything we can do in the way of trail or shelter maintenance at / near the Wise shelter while we are up there?
As I can carry it, especially if there is snow, I’m bringing a bag of mulch (or 2) for the privy (It’s used to “Flush” the privy).
Some suggestions / thoughts:
Cordless drill with accessories & LARGE hooks for pack hanging.
A NEW Broom to leave in the shelter.
TP (& a water proof box?) to leave in the privy.
A shovel to clean out the fire pit & some muscle to rebuild / straighten out the rocks around the pit. Likely, before we build a fire in it. I’m bringing 2 or 3 VERY heavy-duty garbage bags for the trip back to the car, so we can put all the trash that has been burned over the years in & carry it out. Ill also try to remember a few heavy-duty bags for our stuff & stuff other hikers left.

The several times I have been, I saw there is a roughly ¼ mile stretch of the AT South (about 1 mile) of the shelter that is very wet, but would only take a few people with shovels 30 minutes to clear out the water bars & dry the trail.

Something to think about as you are enduring the heat of summer waiting for good weather like at Mt Rogers in January.

**stormcrow** · 07-21-2009, 20:28

Originally Posted by Doctari

I have been thinking about this for a few weeks:

I know it’s a few weeks off (OK, months

) but I think this will take some planning. As next year will be the fourth year we have been there, is there anything we can do in the way of trail or shelter maintenance at / near the Wise shelter while we are up there?
As I can carry it, especially if there is snow, I’m bringing a bag of mulch (or 2) for the privy (It’s used to “Flush” the privy).
Some suggestions / thoughts:
Cordless drill with accessories & LARGE hooks for pack hanging.
A NEW Broom to leave in the shelter.
TP (& a water proof box?) to leave in the privy.
A shovel to clean out the fire pit & some muscle to rebuild / straighten out the rocks around the pit. Likely, before we build a fire in it. I’m bringing 2 or 3 VERY heavy-duty garbage bags for the trip back to the car, so we can put all the trash that has been burned over the years in & carry it out. Ill also try to remember a few heavy-duty bags for our stuff & stuff other hikers left.

The several times I have been, I saw there is a roughly ¼ mile stretch of the AT South (about 1 mile) of the shelter that is very wet, but would only take a few people with shovels 30 minutes to clear out the water bars & dry the trail.

Something to think about as you are enduring the heat of summer waiting for good weather like at Mt Rogers in January.

I think it is a great idea Doctari. Count me in to do whatever I can!

**slowhike** · 07-22-2009, 12:53

Yep, they all sound like good suggestions to me. And with a group like the HF group, I think we could accomplish quite a bit on Sat.
Good idea.

**headchange4u** · 07-23-2009, 10:56

That's one way to make hammocks more welcome at state parks. Great idea Doctari. Count me in for whatever.

**HappyCamper** · 07-23-2009, 10:58

Great idea, great thread. Not sure if I'll be back this year. A last minute decision on my part, depends on roads and weather. If I make it, I'd like to help out too.

**NCPatrick** · 07-23-2009, 12:04

I'd be up for that as well. Great idea.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-23-2009, 12:08

Does this need to be cleared through the ridgerunners or the sponsoring club? I think it's a great idea.

**Peter_pan** · 07-23-2009, 12:49

Doctari,

Sounds like a great plan.....Hmmmm, maybe there should be free gear raffle tickets for those who participate....

Pan

**Doctari** · 07-23-2009, 17:31

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Does this need to be cleared through the ridgerunners or the sponsoring club? I think it's a great idea.

Yea, I was beginning to wonder thatmyself. I suppose that we can check on that as it gets closer.

Anyone know who is involved. As in you could call / write them & say something like: "Hey Bill, we want to spruce up the AT & the Wise shelter, is that OK with your group?"

Originally Posted by Peter_pan

Doctari,

Sounds like a great plan.....Hmmmm, maybe there should be free gear raffle tickets for those who participate....

Pan

Thanks Jack! That would be great!!

Anyone have any more Ideas for things to do Maintanence wise?

**Ramblinrev** · 07-23-2009, 17:59

Originally Posted by Doctari

Yea, I was beginning to wonder thatmyself. I suppose that we can check on that as it gets closer.

Anyone know who is involved. As in you could call / write them & say something like: "Hey Bill, we want to spruce up the AT & the Wise shelter, is that OK with your group?"

I want to reword my original comment. I am wondering if this should be _coordinated_ with the sponsoring club. I know up here in PA every trail club that does trail maintenance would jump at the chance to have a bunch of burly folk descend on the trail and "get 'er done". There is always more than enough to do. However, they also have their own schedule and "to do" lists. I'm sure there would be plenty to keep people busy but it makes sense to me to make the effort count toward the total plan for betterment of the trail.

I don't know which trail club sponsors that section of trail but I'll betcha someone on Whiteblaze does, or could find out in a big hurry.