Frank84
09-16-2014, 03:49 PM
2014 marks the 12th year of doing trail maintenance in Ringwood State Park, NJ. We've hauled out hundreds of pounds of garbage, junked cars, and all sorts of weird items that people have dragged into the woods. We've spent hours and hours clearing back branches and removing fallen trees from the trails after Hurricane Sandy. But the work isn't done and lucky for us there is still plenty to do and keep us busy in the park.
Saturday, December 6th will be the next event and it may end up being a little different than past ones. At this point, they are going on year 2 of pipeline construction that essentially divides the park in half and blocks access for most of where we need to go. Originally, my understanding was that construction was supposed to last 4 months but things always seem to take longer than planned. Depending on the state of construction, we may not be able to go to the areas we normally visit. If that is the case the park has agreed to grant us access to an area of Norvin Green State Forest that they patrol and manage. This forest is on the opposite side of town and should provide us with plenty of trail clearing and garbage removal opportunities.
No matter where we end up, you'll get plenty of time driving in low range on trails not normally accessible to the public for 4x4 use. When we started these events, the trails were generally suited for most any rover and even scratches were a rare thing. I must warn you that this is no longer the case. The trails have gradually eroded and become more challenging over the years. You are guaranteed to scratch your paint - especially if we end up in Norvin Green. If you have been to Rausch, I'd say that 90% of the trail mileage will be a Green rating and 10% will be Blue. Problem is you can't just skip the Blue parts.
If you've never been before, feel free to ask questions.
Details:
When: Saturday, December 6th. Meet at 8:45 am and depart for trails at 9:00am. We generally finish up around 5pm but I can't guarantee a time so don't make evening plans. Also, there is no way to find us mid-day and it will be difficult to navigate back out of the trails on your own early.
Where: Meet up at the park office to sign volunteer forms. 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ.
What to bring: Dress for being outside all day, rain or shine or snow. (If the weather is truly terrible, I might postpone) At least 3/4 tank of fuel. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty to rehydrate with (NO Alcohol). A few garbage bags, work gloves, branch clippers, bow saw. A chainsaw may be a good idea if you have one, but I will let everyone know when the date nears what the plan is for fallen tree clearing.
Saturday, December 6th will be the next event and it may end up being a little different than past ones. At this point, they are going on year 2 of pipeline construction that essentially divides the park in half and blocks access for most of where we need to go. Originally, my understanding was that construction was supposed to last 4 months but things always seem to take longer than planned. Depending on the state of construction, we may not be able to go to the areas we normally visit. If that is the case the park has agreed to grant us access to an area of Norvin Green State Forest that they patrol and manage. This forest is on the opposite side of town and should provide us with plenty of trail clearing and garbage removal opportunities.
No matter where we end up, you'll get plenty of time driving in low range on trails not normally accessible to the public for 4x4 use. When we started these events, the trails were generally suited for most any rover and even scratches were a rare thing. I must warn you that this is no longer the case. The trails have gradually eroded and become more challenging over the years. You are guaranteed to scratch your paint - especially if we end up in Norvin Green. If you have been to Rausch, I'd say that 90% of the trail mileage will be a Green rating and 10% will be Blue. Problem is you can't just skip the Blue parts.
If you've never been before, feel free to ask questions.
Details:
When: Saturday, December 6th. Meet at 8:45 am and depart for trails at 9:00am. We generally finish up around 5pm but I can't guarantee a time so don't make evening plans. Also, there is no way to find us mid-day and it will be difficult to navigate back out of the trails on your own early.
Where: Meet up at the park office to sign volunteer forms. 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ.
What to bring: Dress for being outside all day, rain or shine or snow. (If the weather is truly terrible, I might postpone) At least 3/4 tank of fuel. Bring lunch, snacks, and plenty to rehydrate with (NO Alcohol). A few garbage bags, work gloves, branch clippers, bow saw. A chainsaw may be a good idea if you have one, but I will let everyone know when the date nears what the plan is for fallen tree clearing.