Guaje Ridge trail work completed

Update from Lynn Bjorklund of USFS and Southwest Nordic Ski Club:

Trail work on the upper half of Guaje Ridge trail from Mitchell Trail to Pipeline Road has been completed (for now).  It certainly isn’t perfect, but we are trying to get the most accomplished with the funding.  All those awful locusts have been cleared, the trail widened in spots, a minor reroute constructed, and drainage features added or improved.  Check it out and let me know (comment here) what you think.  This is OUR [due to cost share agreement between USFS and SWNSC] contract with volunteers making it possible, so feedback on how we are spending the money is solicited.  Reineke, our contractor, will be off on another job this next week.  Then the week of Sept 24, they will be back and starting reconstruction of north Mitchell Trail to what used to be Guaje Reservoir.  Next on the agenda in October will be work on the Pajarito Nordic Ski Trails.  We have to wait until after the first frost to protect the Jemez Mtn Salamanders, and we will need a cultural survey clearance that is scheduled for the first week in October.  So, if all goes on schedule, perhaps the second or third week of October we will get the work done up there that will be directed by Clay. Depending on weather and soil conditions, work on reconstruction of the trail up Guaje Canyon may get started.  Once the soils freeze up, then trail work will be over for the year, but the Nordic Ski Club will then be picking up on volunteer hours that will help fund work starting next Spring.