Trail maintenance

During Covid-19 times the Wellfleet Conservation Trust has had to postpone many customary activities involving in person meetings. However, nature has its own schedule, which we have to follow.

Mike Fisher assessing the tree's predicament — Mike Fisher assessing the tree’s predicament

One issue that nature imposes is trail maintenance, especially when it impacts public safety. An example of this came when we received a report of a fallen tree on the trail at the Ralph and Dorothy Clover Conservation Area.

Stephen Bruce and Denny O'Connell throwing a rope over the fallen tree — Stephen Bruce and Denny O’Connell throwing a rope over the fallen tree

The tree had been broken in a windstorm. It was still in one piece, but twisted and partially cracked through. Most of it was jammed in place between two other trees. There did not appear to be an immediate danger, but it was clear that it could dislodge at some point and fall onto the trail.

On May 22, a small group of us went to the site armed with a new chainsaw, ropes, a come-along, loppers, work gloves, ear and eye protectors, and of course face masks. It took us about an hour, but we eventually took down the tree, and turned it into a safe lining for the trail.