FoOT news

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

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!

Kris has posted photos from the 2009 Western End Extravaganza (WEE).    Check them out in the photo gallery.

…..And A Good Time Was Had by All

FoOT Members:

The Western End Extravaganza is a vivid memory now.  We came, we saw, we conquered.  In some of the most rugged, steep, and beautiful country you have ever seen we accomplished extreme tasks. 

All but one day was absolutely gorgeous weather.  But even on the not so good weather day we prevailed. The good weather helped us move along with our projects of building 2 new bridges, completing tons of tread renovation projects (the dirt and rocks were flying), removing the old rotten and installing the new shiny trail signs, blazing where no man has gone before (at least that’s how some of us felt roaming around in the boulder fields without any trail markings), chainsawing Miles 0 to 20 with Billy McMillen and Bo Lea carrying two chainsaws for 3 days, lopping, removing limbs and debris. 

An e-mail was sent 10/27/2009 to all FoOT members with instructions for a) membership renewal, b) registering for the FoOT annual meeting (Nov 21st) and c) voting for FoOT directors.

If you are a FoOT member and did not receive these forms, please email footfriendsot [dot] org asap.

We have received the sad news that long-time FoOT member, Ken Schultz, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2009. 

Ken was a loyal DFP member and keeper of the blazing paint and materials.  Ken was always available to help with trail maintenance.  We are going to miss Ken being on the trails with us.  He was a special person -- always jovial and lots of fun. 

His memorial service is Friday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 103 Ponferrada Way, Hot Springs Village, AR.