Lil Stoney Workday/Playday

[Adurbin]

This is IMO the best local trail; minus bumpus of course, and I consider this to be my "home trail" as it is very close to my house, however, the laurels here are getting badly overgrown on the trail. Post up if you would be interested in a work-playday to clean some of them up.

[bansil]

I don't know about the laurels being overgrown,since 5 years ago you couldn't see the trail you just had to drive thru them :lol:

Seriously tho' before cutting/trimming it would be good to find out if the trail is on gov. property ie national forest,if it is it would be illegal to cut/trim etc w/o written permission.

Another note:

Does anyone have the VIN's to the vehicles there on the trail,I am planning on stopping by the sheriffs office and find out what process
is needed to dispose of said vehicles.

Maybe cut them up/haul them out and take to EHM.

The proceeds from that could possibly be donated to say toys for tots
on behalf of 4x4grace.........not sure how or even if that would work,not sure how 4x4grace works as a "business".

We would be willing to help,if we could get a couple small generators and then saw them up maybe,don't. know.

[Want2Wheel]

Gordon!!!

[BillM]

As far as Grace being a "business", it is not. We are not non profit either. Way too much paperwork for that. Of course there should be nothing wrong with giving the money in the groups name.

[Gubni]

I have hauled many out of different trails. The gov't is always happy to see them go. Once I get them to ashault I call the police and let them run the vin. Then remove the gas tank and tires and take them to scrap metal. Check my trailer build thread. I want to build a trailer just for this purpose.

[dogbluedrummer]

I'm in for helping with the clean up. Let's at least get the old rusted cars and broken glass picked up. Maybe we should make some directional and landmark signs as well. I will talk to my friend at the Forestry Dept about cutting back some limbs.

[Bluegill]

Aaron, I'd love to help - but it will have to be after the Fall Crawl in Harlan. And I've got to get my chainsaw fixed, it was a freebie - with no fuel line. :roll: We'd need to get written permission beforehand from Tracy at USFS, IIRC.

Gordon?

On the abandoned trail vehicles - that MUST be approached very carefully. Sure, it is a great thing to clean up junk off the trail - but if even one mistake is made in the whole process, we risk tarnishing 4x4Grace's name (and more importantly our Lord's). Any vehicle abandoned on USFS property must first be cleared with them. Then, and only if they (USFS) give written authorization, the local Sheriff's office can be contacted to run the VIN and get their authorization (they will most likely contact the owner listed in the DOT computer first). Lastly, but most importantly - if the owner is found & contacted - the final fate of that vehicle is their decision. If the vehicle has sat on the trail for a long time (as in years), the owner probably won't want it back. But you might find an owner that does want it back. Until the owner is either contacted or deemed unreachable by local law enforcement, the vehicle CANNOT leave USFS property legally.

See why we have to be careful about extracting abandoned trail wrecks?

[bansil]

On the abandoned trail vehicles - that MUST be approached very carefully. Sure, it is a great thing to clean up junk off the trail - but if even one mistake is made in the whole process, we risk tarnishing 4x4Grace's name (and more importantly our Lord's). Any vehicle abandoned on USFS property must first be cleared with them. Then, and only if they (USFS) give written authorization, the local Sheriff's office can be contacted to run the VIN and get their authorization (they will most likely contact the owner listed in the DOT computer first). Lastly, but most importantly - if the owner is found & contacted - the final fate of that vehicle is their decision. If the vehicle has sat on the trail for a long time (as in years), the owner probably won't want it back. But you might find an owner that does want it back. Until the owner is either contacted or deemed unreachable by local law enforcement, the vehicle CANNOT leave USFS property legally.

See why we have to be careful about extracting abandoned trail wrecks?


That is what we have run into before,good call

[Gordon]

Any vehicle removal must be coordinated with the FS. Bluegill captured the entire thought. These have been done before, and can be a win-win for everyone. The trails get cleaned up and Grace members can gain experience in recovery. Recovery can be complex and safety is foremost. An effort such as vehicle recovery must have a designated leader. The FS often has a low priority and/or ability to do it, especially on old, abandon vehicles. If it is a "current, perhaps stolen" vehicle, it is generally hands-off for us. (I just turned in one like that up at Bumpus when tjrockcrawler and I were up there a few weeks ago - burned out Yukon).

General, minor trimming has been done as we wheel, ie a limb down across the trail, minor stuff. A general "cut back lots of stuff" would have to be coordinated with the FS. I don't recall us ever doing anything more than a casual limb or two type stuff, on our own. I am not sure the FS would want "non-trained" tree trimmers doing a large job. There are only a few sections, nearer the top, that I would say could use some work.

The general trash, bottles, cans, tires etc we just collect as we go and are able. No permission required to clean up that type of trash. This is stuff not natural to the trails. Vegetation/over-growth is natural.

Tony, if you know someone, that'd be great if you'd contact them. No VINs have been recorded to my knowledge. The only new vehicle out there is the one before Pinto Hill. The Pinto, Ford, and Dodge are old news.

Any marking of trails should be coordinated with FS, ie nailing a sign to a tree, etc.

I believe that November would be a suitable time.

Side Note - When we were up at Dennis Cove a month or two ago, I had called FS on that old Bronco hulk. Was not able to secure a go-ahead. No particular reason, either. These vehicles are a touchy thing, for sure.

[tjrockcrawler]

I'm game for some trash pick up. Open bed vehicle would be best. Just bag it/throw it and move on. I would say the earlier the better. Once the leaves have fallen, it will be harder to spot the trash.

[Gubni]

Sounds like you guys have a good plan.

[Want2Wheel]

Thank You. Dennis Cove will be another cleanup sometine.

[Bluegill]

I'm game for some trash pick up. Open bed vehicle would be best. Just bag it/throw it and move on. I would say the earlier the better. Once the leaves have fallen, it will be harder to spot the trash.

I'm always up for that too, and my FSJ has a HUGE area behind the front seats with the rear seat removed (more cubic feet than my DD pickup's bed) - it's a budget beater so I don't mind collecting trash back there. :wink:

[MikeP]

I would not mind in helping i have a ford 150 bed can hold alot :smokin:

[Jazzman31]

Gordon I agree with you on the trimming part. I have had the pleasure or the headache, working with FS. They are very picky about certain things, especially dealing with trimming. Because of the fire hazard that is creates. The dead limbs dry out and then one cigar, match, spark, and the whole area can go up in flames real quick, and trust me any firefighter who has dealt with FS on fires, they are not to happy. So sadly enough, we will have to deal with the limbs. Now for the cars I dont have a clue, the trash go crazy, fill many trucks with it. But thats my expreience.

[Derrickalda]

just shoot it full of holes so it will rust away quicker

isn't that the tennessean way

haha

[Gubni]

just shoot it full of holes so it will rust away quicker

isn't that the tennessean way

haha


Yee-Haw

[BJack]

Little Stoney is a Forest Service access road. I would definately call the local office (unicoi) and ask them. They might take it the wrong way if they happen upon you with chainsaws in the woods.

[Adurbin]

Lord knows I dont want to do anything thats not legit. Who would one need to speak with to make this a go?? Is there someone specific that we would need to contact??

[Gordon]

Sounded like Tony knew someone. If that doesn't work out in a day or two, I've got names and numbers and will make the contact.

[Adurbin]

Sounds good. Thanks Gordon

[dogbluedrummer]

I just spoke with my friend at FS. He said some of the trail is in private land - most of it is below the Hilton (shack). As such, he would like us to provide GPS coordinates for the cars and along the trail route. That will help them determine the jurisdiction issues. Trimming is okay as long as we don't use chain saws. He suggested we contact Mark Robinson at the Unicoi FS office to register as volunteers. This should be done for the entire 4x4 Grace group under out leader's name (Gordon?). Also, we can plan the work day, cutting rules, car removal, etc. Mark's number is 735-1514.

I will be happy to make initial contact with Mark and get the ball rolling. Who is our leader? Baaa, baaaaaa (sound of a lost sheep)......

[tjrockcrawler]

I just spoke with my friend at FS. He said some of the trail is in private land - most of it is below the Hilton (shack). As such, he would like us to provide GPS coordinates for the cars and along the trail route. That will help them determine the jurisdiction issues. Trimming is okay as long as we don't use chain saws. He suggested we contact Mark Robinson at the Unicoi FS office to register as volunteers. This should be done for the entire 4x4 Grace group under out leader's name (Gordon?). Also, we can plan the work day, cutting rules, car removal, etc. Mark's number is 735-1514.

I will be happy to make initial contact with Mark and get the ball rolling. Who is our leader? Baaa, baaaaaa (sound of a lost sheep)......

I am new to Grace and still learning its inner workings, but I would say....and correct me if I am wrong.....

Grace doesn't really have one "leader" per say, but rather a Board of Directors. Any group project under the Grace name/sponsorship, I assume would need the BoD ok. I would say that Adurbin would assume role as project coordinator, once a clear "plan of attack" so to speak was ok'd by the BoD.

[Gordon]

I'll take the lead and give a call to Mark. I have all the GPS data, so no problem with that, either. Give me a day or two.

On a general note - anyone can post up an event in either section. If posted under the "Grace Events", the event is lead by a supporter, or if complex, a member of the BOD will usually step up, not as to take it over, but to offer leadership & support. It is customary that we offer a blessing at the beginning of each Grace event.

Everyone's ideas and thoughts are important. So, please do offer them. Generally, the more experienced folks, on any given subject and/or trail, will lead and make every effort to share their knowledge with anyone interested.

We view our efforts as the Lord's work, with our help in carrying it out. As you all may have noticed, we stay away from lots of rules and regs - The Word of the Lord is all that is needed.

These few paragraphs capture it. http://www.4x4grace.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=6001

[dogbluedrummer]

Thanks Gordon.

As I understand it, you will get us set up as volunteers and work with FS to understand all the rules regarding cutting, cars, land use, etc, and will develop the overall plan.

Aaron (adurbin) will cordinate the clean up effort on daily basis - secureing volunteers, dates, times, and execution of the overall plan.

That looks like a great division of labor! Let's get rolling!

[Gubni]

This sounds great. They may even be willing to tell us about other trails and suggest cleanups that we can do in the future.

[dogbluedrummer]

Yea, my friend was telling me about a section of Bumpus Cove that is relatively unknown. It's along the ridgeline, very picturesque, and not too hard of a ride......once you get there. I will find out more details.....

[Gubni]

Yea, my friend was telling me about a section of Bumpus Cove that is relatively unknown. It's along the ridgeline, very picturesque, and not too hard of a ride......once you get there. I will find out more details.....

That's probably what we call California Plains.

[tjrockcrawler]

Tony, this may be what your friend was referring to....
check out the trail report and pics


http://www.4x4grace.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7530

[Gordon]

Yea, my friend was telling me about a section of Bumpus Cove that is relatively unknown. It's along the ridgeline, very picturesque, and not too hard of a ride......once you get there. I will find out more details.....

Tony, there's more up there than what Raines and I checked out a few weeks ago. I want to go back in the next month or so. I'll start a thread on it, maybe you'd like to join in.

[dogbluedrummer]

I'm in!

Hey Raines, did you get doors with that Heep? I have yet to see them on your rig! :lol:

[tjrockcrawler]

I'm in!

Hey Raines, did you get doors with that Heep? I have yet to see them on your rig! :lol:

lol yeah I did, I refuse to use them above 50 degress. Aaron mentioned that you had some soft top windows? I need the sides and rear in black obviously. PM me if still have them and want to get rid of them.

[Adurbin]

So, whats the status on the Forestry Service' oking this??

[Gordon]

I have been trying to reach Mark, he was out due to a personal issue and should be available this week. Stay tuned.

[rghyland]

Maybe if we drive through there again we can clear some more of the branchs. :lol: