Adopter Spotlight

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.

April 2010 Adopter Spotlight—John Cramm—co-adopter of Mile 179.2 to 181.0 (FR 94 to MM 181 plus Flatside Pinnacle Spur Trail)

John has been involved in FoOT since 2004 with membership in the Dreaded FoOT Patrol, work parties and trail adoptions.  John is probably most famous for being on trail blazing probation.  It is a well-known fact that at one time John was accused and found guilty of improper blazing techniques.  He was on probation for probably about a year during which time he was totally rehabilitated and is now a known trail blazing expert.  He’s also pretty good with a weed-eater machine.

Since FoOT’s inception in 2004, Ouachita Mountain Hikers (OMH) has spent nine days a year maintaining the Flatside Wilderness area from FR 124 to FR 94, a total of 10.4 miles of the Ouachita Trail.  Their commitment to and diligence with this section of the trail are exemplary! 

Club member Glen McClain is the "task master" who organizes the work load as

"Adopter Spotlight", a column by FoOT VP for recruitment Loretta Melancon (photo), features FoOT volunteers and their accomplishments. 

Of course, Friends of the Ouachita Trail highly values all of our volunteers and their incredible efforts to maintain and improve the Ouachita Trail.   Dedicated FoOT volunteers log 1000's of hours each year working on the OT, for the most part without any outside recognition.   We hope this new 'column' will at least begin to provide some of the recognition that our volunteers so deserve.  

In 2004, the Arkadelphia Hikers adopted 3.5miles of trail from Hwy 7 east to Sugar Creek in Section 7.  Since then, they have remained diligent with their maintenance and received many kudos from grateful hikers over the years who enjoy the fruits of their labors.  These volunteers often check the Trail Condition Report or check in with FoOT to see what un-adopted areas need work.  During this past year, members Sue Ehrgood and Bettye Wallace, decided to adopt an orphan in Section 5 that had been neglected for some time and needed lots of TLC.  They are currently installing some mile markers and doing some blazing in various areas on the trail.      The FoOT wants to recognize their commitment and efforts on the OT by telling you some interesting highlights about this dynamic duo!     (click photo for larger version)