Mc Caslin Campground trail repair help Nov 13-15

[mudhunter]

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Olson [mailto:jolsonfvhs@wildblue.net]
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 7:47 PM
To: mccaslin@cybrzn.com
Subject: Jeff Olson


Hello Smiths

I stopped in tonight but nobody was home.

I am sending this e-mail to shed some light on so many rumors that are floating around in regards to Mc Caslin Campgrounds and trails closing down.

Could you please let me know what is happening? Who is involved? (DNR-NFS-......etc...) Are you closed down?
If you are closed down, why? Is there anything I/we can do to help?

Jeff Olson


Hi Jeff,
Yes, the trails are closed down for now. The DNR is involved as we understand some of the 40's are in Forest Crop. We haven't found out yet which 40's they are and we are waiting to see what they
say about the trails. Also, the DNR told the Trust Co. ( who is in charge of the Dumke property now) that there is some violations in regard to ruts in the roads due to ATV's and trucks running the trails.
Mike is back there now smoothing out some of the trails and ruts. Some of the ruts were made by the loggers when they logged the property but until we find out what the siuation is for sure we have
shut down the trails. Hopefully we will be able to open at least some of them again soon but it all depends. As soon as we find out what's what we will let you know.

Edith Smith

Thank you Edith

I have access to heavy equipment such as skidstear, backhoe, bulldozer, etc......
Remember I only live 30 minuets away and If I can help in any way at all PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
I can get large groups of people with shovels also.
ALL OF US ARE WANTING TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP YOU

Jeff Olson
715-587-3341

Ok, I have updated news for those seriously interested in helping out:

Hi Jeff,
I just talked to Mike and he and Paul both said if anyone wants to come and help repair the roads they are welcome to come any time. If anyone wants to come and camp this weekend we will have
free camping for them and also we would have a free lunch of sloppy joes or something.

Ediith Smith

I have been in contact with them and if you want to come up to help out Please P.M. me (or post here) so I can let Edith know how many to expect

Update: 11/11/09-9:16PM
With limited communication to the party's that are not directly involved, the consensus is that the DNR is looking into the logging that was done there, some of it may have been done when it was still in the forest crop management system.
Main access roads have been rutted up and in need of repair.

What to bring (shovels, dozers, skidstears, work gloves, chains for dragging big rocks and logs, dump trailer)
Looking to be filling in ruts and blocking off some areas with boulders, etc.......
(The plow lift hydraulics on Gillian's Jeep can pick up a good size bolder )
They have some campers with heat

Update: 11/12/09-2:46 PM (added to at 10:06PM)
I just got back from Mc Caslin and got the game plan.
1. There will be campers with heat to use
2. The bathroom and showers are working
3. The cabin will sleep 4 I think
4. Bring the rigs if you can and lots of chains,
5. We will start at 9ish on Sat.
6. Channel 14 Or call me
7. They will provide lunch for us (not sure what yet)

The plan for this weekend will be gathering rocks/boulders/logs to a central location.
If you cant bring the rig thats fine too, we will be teaming up to move some of the bigger ones.
(we will see who can pull the biggest rock ...how does Tim Allen do it...ar ar ar ar ?)

UPDATE 11/13/09-8:30 A.M.
FACTS:
1. It was a voluntary shut down by the Smiths to assess the situation and gather information.
2. The DNR was there and stated to the Trust holders that some roads were in violation due to ruts. (I read the letter that the Smiths received from the trust holder).
3. The Smiths are working on a plan to close/repair areas that need attention and create a trail maintenance plan.
4. The owners and Trust holders have both given the Smiths permission for such closures/repairs and have reassured them that they have permission to recreate on said land.
5. 11 40s=440 acres are still in the original Forest Crop Plan (Yes it still exists due to contrary beliefs)
6. The DNR was looking at those (Forest Crop) acres for some reason.
7. Mc Caslin will reopen when they feel that adequate progress has been made.
8. Winter runs will be allowed (when everything is frozen) generally Jan.1st
9. Some trails may be closed off until repairs are made and some may be closed for good


I WILL KEEP THIS FIRST POST UPDATED WITH THOSE THAT WILL BE THERE TO HELP

1. Mudhunter + Both Rigs
2. xjwoody + Rig
3. Jesse James
4. SDH
5. Scoutnjosh maybe Sunday
6. Zach571 + Rig
7. wrangler22

[85fr16]

Are you going to work on it all day on Friday? I could make it on Friday I think, the weekend is shot for me.

[xjwoody]

In. Let me know what is needed.

[jakeWI]

What days are you thinking and what help is needed?

[Jesse-James]

I'd like to come up there for it, but sub-freezing camping is not feasible for me.

[Going4BrokeOffroad]

our weekend is booked too ...pulling a motor saturday morning..offroad meeting saturday night for the club and sunday helpin dad cut firewood before he leaves for work again

[89eliminator]

damn, too short of notice for this weekend. great grandmas 102nd birthday party saturday.

[Orion]

Damnit! This weekend is fully booked for me. If they plan any other weekends after this one, be sure to let us know Mudhunter!!!

[Zach571]

I'd like to come up there for it, but sub-freezing camping is not feasible for me.

It'll be warmer this weekend than it was for the Mini Golf run. I'm going to try and get up there.

Zach571

[Jesse-James]

I'd like to come up there for it, but sub-freezing camping is not feasible for me.

It'll be warmer this weekend than it was for the Mini Golf run. I'm going to try and get up there.

Zach571

I didn't camp that weekend either. No money for a cabin this time around. Think the Smith's could hook us up with the cabin ot a trailer Sat night?

[jolivergraham]

I'm out of the country, otherwise I'd make the trip. Sorry. Another time!

[Scout-n-Josh]

I'm going to make some calls today and see if I can round up some guys to come help this weekend. I have to work Sat until 3pm, so Sunday would be the day that we would come up or at the least I would come up. The Scout is going to have to stay home(fuel tank started leaking on the seam last Sun), but I could get a 4-wheeler and bring a shovel.

[xjwoody]

I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon and staying the weekend. Josh, come up after work Saturday and hang by the fire. Then you can help Sunday.

[Scout-n-Josh]

I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon and staying the weekend. Josh, come up after work Saturday and hang by the fire. Then you can help Sunday.

I'd love to come up Sat evening, however, 1.) I don't think the wife would let that fly, 2.) I want to be in good condition on Sunday. If I come up Sat night I don't think I'd be in any condition to work on Sun. LOL!!
Actually, I will see what I can do to come up Sat evening. Where would I stay Sat night? Camper? Tent? A big hole in the ground? In a tree? Under a rock?

[xjwoody]

I believe the smiths are trying to get a camper or two ready with some heat for help that shows up. Possibly the cabin also. If needed, I will bring my in-laws 31ft. camper up there for more room. I plan on having a few drinks Saturday night but not enough to kick my ass come Sunday morning. Too much work to do.