USFS's request for Woodstock Launch Details

[Dan T]

When I last spoke with the USFS on the subject of improving the Woodstock launch, they informed me that they didn't have a clear understand of what we wanted to do there. They specifically asked for drawings in more detail than the sketches that had previously been provided to them. If we are serious about improving the slot there we are going to have to do this. I need someone who has some experience or connections in this area to raise their hand and volunteer to either do it or arrange to get it done.

I wasn't here for the Pulpit pad project but it is self evident that it was done right and at a very fair price. Perhaps we contact the Contractor who did that work and have him walk the launch site and recommend an appropriate and feasible course of action? Then submit that to the USFS.

A good start might be to rough measure the actual and desired dimensions of the launch area and to fairly precisely measure the existing slope angle. A 100' tape measure, a camera and two people should suffice for measuring the dimensions that we have and want. There are several ways to get slope measurements ranging from a string level and tape measure, to a transit level and a 25' rod. Obviously the cruder the tools the rougher the estimate. I can rough out the measurements with the simple tools that I have and one additional volunteer. I can also handle either end of a more sophisticated slope survey but I don't own any of that equipment. If any of you have access to better equipment, I think it would be very beneficial. Knowing the true slope at Woodstock is important to determining what really needs to be done there.

If we are going to do this we need some volunteers. Please step up and let us know what you can contribute.

Dan

[Ward Odenwald]

Dan, I’m willing and eager to help. Being a Biologist, I’m qualified to hold the measuring tape and provide “go-for-services” but eager just the same. Earlier forum discussions by others have revealed the talent and expertise to get it done. If they are in, I’ll help the best that I can. Ward

[jmcclave]

My father and one of my brothers are civil engineers who have a small firm up in New York. If we have no other option, I can take one of them out to Woodstock on their next trip to D.C. and have them survey the site and draw up some drawings based on the bluestone fill approach at the Pulpit. Based on my first visit to Woodstock the weekend before last, retaining wall(s) will also be required.

Let me know if I should do some arm twisting.

Jim

[Dan T]

We need someone with the passion and persistence of a Janni to take on the slot maintenance/improvement initiative at Woodstock. The person who had previously volunteered for that position had to withdraw on account of a job change.

The club needs to decide what it wants to do at Woodstock. The person volunteering to lead the effort should pull together a team of individuals who are willing to lead the initiative then request any necessary funds for materials once they have agreed on the scope of the task.

I recently learned that the Woodstock launch is on the USFS's books as an approved "recreational activity." This differs from the "special use permit" approach used by the Shenandoah National Park. It is less formal. If the team selects one of the more modest of the previously suggested maintenance/improvement proposals, i.e. one that does not require us to use mechanical equipment, this effort would appear to be already permitted as part of our routine maintenance activities.

Any volunteers?