We have a winner for the June "Blue Blazes" contest! Sid Wood was the first to guess Big Bear Shelter. There were other correct guesses, but Sid's was the first.   Check out the mystery photo for August!

July 12, 2010 - There is an article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette today about the closing of trails in Queen Wilhelmina State Part for several weeks due to bear activity (mama bear and cubs).  The Ouachita Trail passes through here and QWSP trail closings will affect hikers on the OT during this period.  

[Publication:Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Date:Jul 12, 2010; Section: ActiveStyle; Page Number:25]

July 2010 Adopter Spotlight shines on Brian Stephens of Tulsa, OK, adopter of Mile 5.8 to 8.0—Forest Road #6010 to Deadman’s Gap in Oklahoma.

Brian has been on board the FoOT ship almost since Day One.  He has participated in numerous group work parties.  Most recently he participated in the entire Western End Extravaganza and then on June 19th drove 528 miles round trip to work in 98-105 degree heat for a one day project in Section 9 on the eastern end of the trail.

Brian regularly maintains his own section of trail and often keeps FoOT up to date on situations he encounters on the trail in various areas.  He has recruited other adopters, including the Oklahoma City Outdoor Network Club.  Brian is an avid hiker and a member of OKCON and Green Country Outdoor Club and participates in the clubs’ work days on the trail.  This good FoOT member has gone above and beyond for trail projects on many occasions like the time his truck got stuck in the Upper Kiamichi River ford off FR 6031 while completing the placement of the new Mile Markers on the trail in Oklahoma.

Tales from the Trail

By Kris McMillen, Director of Maintenance for FoOT

FoOT District Captains Program

Todd Henne is our District Captain for Section 5—Mile 94.5 to 121.7—Big Brushy Campground to Hwy 27 Trailhead.  He is also a FoOT Board member.  Todd and wife, Susie, live in Plainview, AR where they have a farm and veterinary clinic.  Todd is, of course, an extraordinary mountain biker who is always working for the Ouachita Trail and the Womble Trail. 

Todd and Big Dummy, the trail maintenance miracle (photo, right).

Re-route at Ouachita Pinnacle

On June 2 a trail crew of about 10 went to Ouachita Pinnacle (Mile 147) and completed the finishing work on the trail re-route.  It is absolutely beautiful up there.  It was about 10 degrees cooler up there than it was down the mountain.  We had a great day with lunch provided by FoOT and served under a shade tree by E.J. Pangle and John Symons.  If you have not seen this new section of trail, it is worth the trip up there.  Many thanks to those who helped with this re-route. Section adopted by Jeff Stone.

The June 19th trail crew prepared a temporary re-routed trail around the Long Scary Bridge over Red Bluff Creek at Mile 196.3.  The bridge is no longer usable.

When you approach the deer camp cabin area near Red Bluff Creek, you should go off the trail to the "driveway" at the cabin, go down the driveway in front of the cabin to the gravel road, turn left on the road, cross the bridge, then look to your left for the new temporary trail which will take you to the regular trail.  We hope to place directional signage soon.

Plans are a-FoOT for construction of several new bridges and boardwalks on the eastern end of the Ouachita Trail.  Jim Langford of Arkansas State Parks has asked for some preliminary work in preparation for the projects.  This fall Jim will be bringing in his crew plus an AmeriCorps Team.  FoOT will be assisting in all phases of these projects.  We will begin the prelim work at the Long Scary Bridge over Red Bluff Creek now.  We will do