Woodstock Launch Update

[mingram]

The US Forest Service started felling trees today! ~29 trees were marked for removal, but word is that even more than we had hoped for have been cut!

As a result, there will be felled trees that will block the current launch window so it will be an issue until the trees are bucked and removed. We're lining up a contractor to do that work since the trees are quite large.

Stay tuned for pictures!

Matt

[Ward Odenwald]

Matt,
Although its 4 days out, the forecasts are indicating that Friday will bring excellent HG flying conditions to Woodstock. Is launching a HG in straight-in, +15mph conditions a possibility or do the trees cover/obstruct the short runoff strip? Any input and photos as soon as possible will be appreciated.

“We’re lining up a contractor to do that work since the trees are quite large”, please provide us with more information. Is there any possibility that the trees can be cleared in days or is this revolting development going to drag on for weeks??

From a HG pilot’s perspective, that’s still reeling from the loss of one of our sites, shutting down WS for any length of time during the Spring - the start of our short XC season there, is equivalent to “pouring salt on our Highland wounds”!

Ward

[mingram]

I understand your anxiousness. We're free to do the bucking/moving ourselves, but we didn't think we had the man power. If anyone with a chainsaw is itching to go, speak up. The club chainsaw is available and currently in my possession. Perhaps there is only 1 or 2 trees that are actually in the way of a HG launch?

I don't have a clear picture of what's currently obstructing launch yet. Peter took some pictures of work in progress, but I don't have one of the finished result. I asked Peter for his assessment.

It was originally estimated that there would be about 5 trees to buck/remove. I imagine a contractor could take care of it in a few hours, but don't yet have an update as to who/when that work is schedule. I asked Patrick for an update.

I know you're excited as I am that the forest service cut down A TON of trees for FREE expanding our premier launch site making it safer for everyone right before the season heats up. It's a huge win for safer free flight in our region.

[mingram]

Peter is planning to go back later today or tomorrow to get pictures.

[mingram]

Per Peter: "Some big trees were downed right in the slot. They tried to have them fall to the side but with the rocks it was not always easy."

[mingram]

Patrick has a meeting with the contractors on Thursday.

[mingram]

FYI, this work has been planned for a long time, but the work was done at the Forest Service's convenience.

[krryerson]

This is great news and looking forward to a new/improved launch at Woodstock.
Thanks!
Knut

[mingram]

Pictures from Peter. Looks like the smaller stuff in the way could be cleared. Big logs that need to be cut up and moved to the side, we are requested not to roll anything down.

[mingram]

Individual pictures.

[thermalup]

It is noteworthy that the CHGPA has such a good relationship with the Forestry Service. I am curious to know the new planform shape (funnel section) of the revised slot and how this will affect incoming air in cross conditions. Maybe soon somebody will post an aerial view looking down. I have plans to visit in late April or early May ... hope to catch up with you guys then.

[silverwings]

Gary Smith with help is willing to help clear down trees enough on Friday to make it launchable for HG but he is not chain saw certified by the Forrest Service. Who is certified that we could get there then to assist on clearing the launch?

[mingram]

I'm certified, but have to work on Friday. I could do it Saturday, but looks like we'll have it professionally cleared by then. Gary Devan is certified, but not sure if he's available.

George Huffman mentioned, "If you contact the people who have firewood permits in the GWNF it will be gone overnight. Every tree we drop (theoretically) at Ediths Gap was cut up and hauled off by those guys."

Maybe a several people could move the big stuff out of the way for now?

[Ward Odenwald]

Matt, can you elaborate on your comment " looks like we'll have it professionally cleared by then". Does this mean that the felled trees will be cleared by Friday afternoon or at least those blocking the launch?

Ward

[mingram]

Not sure. Waiting to hear from Patrick on Thursday.

[jmcclave]

Fantastic news that The Forest Service has cleared 30 trees from Woodstock. The clearing of the trees at the base of launch make the site safer for all pilots. Special thanks to Patrick who worked with the forest service for years to get this done. The site should be flyable in a few days. I'm happy to pitch in over the next several months to improve the site after the initial set of trees are removed.

Jim

[Ward Odenwald]

Looking beyond the felled trees, Peter’s photos reveal a Safer Launch - the direct result of persistent, focused efforts by past and current CHGPA leaders.

Thank you!

Ward

[Eric]

Awesome! I just officially joined the club last night, and I'm waiting for John M. to throw me off the mountain. I can't wait to do my very first flight at Woodstock from what looks to be a much more inviting and less technical launch! Kudos to the club leadership, the Forest Service, and Woodstock for supporting the dream of free flight!

Eric

[Lostgriz]

Big thanks to all that had a hand in making this happen!

Cheers,

Matt

[mingram]

Update from Patrick at launch: "Contractor and myself are making good progress bucking & hauling trees at Woodstock. It will be 100% clear by tomorrow morning. "

[krryerson]

Whaoo! That is fantastic! Thanks so much!
Knut

[mingram]

Bacil reports that launch is CLEAR! He helped two people remove the wood from blocking launch for about an hour this morning.

[silverwings]

Pictures taken by Knut

[Joe Schad]

Thanks to everyone who is working the launch improvements. I am still out west but wondering if anyone is working on an LZ replacement close in to our previous LZ such as the field to the north of launch short of the pond or one along the river? Seems to me it is time for us to pool enough money to purchase an LZ to prevent complete loss of the site.

Heading back the end of June.

Joe

[krryerson]

If not buying, we could lease too. Knut