[Path-list] FW: Lynn Camp Creek crossing

[skynomish at aol.com]

Hi Everyone,
Made it to WA state safely, but was a long day on the 'move' day. 
I wanted to provide a recap of last month's outing and camping in the Lynn Camp Creek area.  Camping on location for the volunteer weekend was the bomb!  Marion, Ed and I were anywhere from 5 minutes to a max of 15 minutes walk to the work areas from camp.  At the end of the day, we went back to camp and chilled for awhile and then went back to do a little more work.  I highly recommend that should the club move forward with either repairs on the bridge or relocation, those so inclined should back pack in and set up camp.  It is absolutely beautiful back in there.  The woods are the view.  Hiking north past Knot Maul shelter, you begin to walk with the sounds of the creek.  In April, we had trilliums.  The ground cedar as you get closer to the rustic bridge is lovely.  The primo camping spot has a sweet fire pit surrounded by sitting rocks.  What a great way to participate in a PATH volunteer weekend and the memories made.  And, you'll get a lot more done by cutting out the commute time to and from the work site.
Anyway, something for the group to consider when you move forward with the next project down in Lynn Camp Creek.  It was such a rewarding weekend for me personally and sorry that I didn't do those outings more often.
Take care,
Karen



------ Original Message ------From: "Jim Houck via Path-list" <path-list at path-at.org>To: "Josh Kloehn" <jkloehn at appalachiantrail.org>Cc: "path-list at path-at.org" <path-list at path-at.org>Sent: 5/2/2021 11:50:30 AMSubject: [Path-list] FW: Lynn Camp Creek crossing 
    From: Josh Kloehn
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2021 9:57 AM
To: Jim Houck; path-list at path-at.org
Subject: RE: Lynn Camp Creek crossing & cattle guard.  Let me know how I can support both of these, Jim.   On Lynn Camp bridge – I understand the apprehension around a ford instead of a bridge. We’ve all probably hiked on trails out west or in other places that lack bridges. It’s a hassle to either get your shoes/boots wet or take them off and put on water/camp shoes, and there is added risk for hikers and folks who are crossing a ford need to take more time to navigate across safely. I’m coming from the point of looking at different types of creeks and crossings and which are more allowable and safer vs those with more inherent risk. The Kennebec and James River’s are extremes and those we need to provide a bridge or ferry; the Lick Creek and some of the hairy Maine unbridged crossings, in my mind, are on the edge and in the end are too unsafe in high water conditions to provide just a ford. To me the Lynn Camp and Comers Creek crossings are in the sweet spot where the risk and hazards involved can be mitigated and outside of storm flow can be crossed easily via a wet crossing. Just my point of view.  As you mentioned, Jim, if we keep the bridge work needs to be done in the near and not-so-near future. The immediate need to shore up the railing structure will definitely require manpower to rip and replace, and any future replacement of the abutment or the entire bridge will require substantial funding.   I guess with both of these projects we need to keep in mind what’s best for the Trail and it’s character, user safety, efficient use of resources – both $$$ and volunteer, etc. I don’t have all the answers, and want to come to solutions that we all agree on. Let me know how I and ATC can support the conversations and projects – no matter where we end up on both.    Josh KloehnResource ManagerAppalachian Trail ConservancyCentral & SW Virginia Regional Office
416 Campbell Ave SW, Suite 101
Roanoke, VA 24016
Phone: 540-904-4391
Cell: 406-860-8371jkloehn at appalachiantrail.orgwww.appalachiantrail.org    From: Jim Houck <houckjw at bellsouth.net> 
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 12:56 PM
To: path-list at path-at.org
Cc: Josh Kloehn <jkloehn at appalachiantrail.org>
Subject: Lynn Camp Creek crossing & cattle guard.
More discussion needed?Chris mentioned he did not like wet water Crossings, unless unavoidable.We could replace the handrail on the existing Lynn Camp Creek Bridge but that would be a lot of work.And it would take us a lot of weekends to complete.Then the end abutments would need work in the not to near future.We have an older membership now and we've got to consider that when taking on larger projects.  The Lynn Camp Creek Crossing could go either way also. Foot bridge or ford.I'd vote for ford on this one as it would be a more unique, rustic solution, & a whole lot easier.  Jim   On April-16, 2021.Josh Kloehn(ATC), Jim Houck, Ron Hudnell, Morris Yule & David Atkinson looked over the handrail & came to the conclusion it all needs replacing.When pushing left & right on the Handrail, it is somewhat sturdy.When Josh pushed forward & back, parallel with the bridge, it was quite evident the railing was near the end of it’s life.We discussed new handrail on one side only(this is allowed by FS). We decided this was the best option.Much discussion/concerns about carrying materials & tools  in.We also noted the deterioration of some of the abutment timbers on the north end of the bridge.Although the stringers & deck appear to be solid, the abutment timbers may not last long(5 years, a guess).Meaning more work in the near future. As a last option we looked up stream for a crossing.Sure enough, there is an old woods road 100’ upstream from the bridge.After closer looking, I believe this is the old AT, used prior to the bridge being built(around 1984).This woods road drops down to the creek level & most likely was a ford across the creek.It also connected to the existing AT, about 300’ south of the existing bridge.& connects back into the existing AT, 100’ north of the bridge.Basically a loop around the bridge. This is a “Wilderness Study Area”, so a ford would be appropriate. Plan is to open the old road as the new AT(quite easy).4 or 5 people, 1 day.  & close the bridge.We need to make temporary controlled passage(to minimize stream bank erosion) for hikers to enter & exit the stream. Possibly large rocks. There are quite a few in the area.The creek is about 20’ wide & water probably would not get deeper than 18”. It was about 6” to 9” deep on April 16th. After bridge is closed, remove handrail, remove hardware from rails & post & move rails & post to the camping area for firewood.Remove the decking & stack at a location for removal.The 2 existing stringers would be cut into lengths to act as stream bank protector where hikers ford the creek, Combined with rock steps. Josh, we need to let FS know our plans; Erik Taylor, Drew India & the 2 FS men on the April-8th zoom meeting.I don’t expect any objections, nor NEPA, etc.Same for ATC. Josh, PATH Board & other PATH members included here, Any Questions, comments, concerns ?? I’m hoping to start work on this in August & work in September & October, as needed, so as to finish this yearEd Martin & his crew, along with Rich & Sue Freeman are asked to be leaders on this project. Jim HouckClub President & Trail SupervisorPiedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers(PATH)  The mission of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. To become a member, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.appalachiantrail.org.  
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