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

We have a winner for the May "Blue Blazes" contest! Mike Sims was the first to guess mile marker 196.5. the long, skinny, scary bridge over Red Bluff Creek. There were other correct guesses, but Mike's was the first.   Check out the mystery photo for June!

Just a little FYI to let everyone know that quite sometime ago FoOT began the process of replacing the very dark blue blazes on eastern end of the Ouachita Trail from the USFS Boundary east of Hwy 9 to Pinnacle Mountain State Park with the lighter color of blue paint (aka Timber Marker Blue) that is on the entire trail. Much of the trail on the eastern end has been re-blazed with the new lighter color of blue.  We have also attempted to correct some of the over-blazing that had accumulated over the years.  This way the trail is more of a

May 27, 2010:    The trail re-route at Ouachita Pinnacle-Milepost 147-is almost complete. We need to do some sidehilling, and removal of the dirt berm in one section and a few minor items. With enough help we hope to finish this project totally on this day. We will ask a couple of people to spot check and lop the entire ¾ mile (there should not be much to do) and then return to join in the dirt work.

There is always a breeze blowing up on Blue Mountain so we should be OK and everyone can just work at their own pace.  We do plan work some after lunch and let the heat index be our guide. Otherwise you are free to leave

A Trail Re-Route Dream Come True

May 2010:    The long-awaited re-route of the trail up at Ouachita Pinnacle (Mile 147 on the trail) has finally happened and the trail is open and ready for use.  This project was accomplished with funds from the Recreational Trails Fund from the Arkansas Highway Department.  There have been three work parties that have accomplished a tremendous amount of work and the trail is absolutely beautiful.   There is a full view of Lake Ouachita----that is one big lake!

Tales from the Trail
By Kris McMillen, Director of Maintenance for FoOT

FoOT District Captains Program:
Ned Skoog is our newest District Captain—well he’s not real new; just sort of new.  Ned manages Sections 8 and part of 9 to the Forest Boundary.  This is all located on the Jessieville/Winona Ranger District of the Ouachita National Forest.  Ned is employed at Bodycote K-Tech as an engineer and production manager.  He is a president of Hot Springs Friends of the Park which currently focuses on expanding greenway trails and/or bike lanes in the HS area.  Ned and wife, Kay, live in Hot Springs, AR.  I asked Ned to tell me