RATC worked with a contractor to perform maintenance work using heavy equipment on the Catawba Mountain Fire Road near McAfee Knob from November 10-20. During this work, a portion of the Fire Road was closed to hikers for safety. The project is now complete and the entire Fire Road is reopened to hikers.
This project stabilized and improved the Fire Road for emergency vehicles and hikers. The road surface was reshaped, rocky areas were padded, culverts were reclaimed, and more than 50 broad-based drainage dips were constructed to divert water off of the roadway to reduce erosion. During the project, a total of 17 RATC volunteers served as Safety Guards, contributing more than 425 hours of effort over 10 workdays.
RATC appreciates the patience and understanding of all area hikers during this significant club-funded project (total value >$25,000), and the support of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
End of Project, Back at VA-311 on Thursday, November 20.
L to R: RATC volunteers Dario and Goose, contractor Scott, NPS Ranger Brian, and RATC Project Lead Pete. Background: Skidsteer and Mini-Excavator.Contractor in skidsteer builds broad-based drainage dip on Fire Road with RATC Safety Guard in background.RATC volunteer Safety Guard crew on Thursday, November 13.
L to R: Dave, Goose, Dario, Diana, Lee, Pete.RATC volunteers Ryan (ridgerunner) and Tom (safety guard) with first time visitor Matthew at A.T. crossing of Fire Road, 1.3 miles south of McAfee Knob.Recovered culvert on Fire Road. RATC volunteer Dario at inlet on right, volunteer Jim in outlet on left, contractor in skidsteer building new drainage dip in background.RATC volunteers recover old culvert with stone headwall on Fire Road by hand.Contractor in skidsteer builds broad-based drainage dip on steep section of Fire Road.Contractor in mini-excavator builds broad-based drainage dip with RATC Project Leader in foreground.
