Milo McIver State Park Trail Party – Benchmade

Crew Leader: Pat K, Elaine K.

Hike Distance: 1mile total

Elevation Gain: 100′

Hike Intensity: Low

Work Intensity: Moderate

Project Overview:

The Viewpoint Trail was built in 2016-2017 by TKO volunteers. This 2200′ long trail connects the upper and lower sections of the state park. In spring, this trail (like most other Northwest Trails) is in need of annual spring maintenance. We will be brushing back vegetation, evaluating and improving any drainage issues that have occurred over the winter, and generally getting the trail ready for spring and summer hikers.

Hiking information:

Depending on the size of the group, we may either start from the top or the bottom of this trail and move along its length to do the work described above. The trail surface is well established, and total elevation change is about 100′.

What to expect:

We will be using trail tools such as grubbing tools to move dirt and gravel, pruning saws and loppers to brush back vegetation (including blackberries). You will be instructed in the correct and safe use of all tools in the pre-event safety talk.

You should plan to participate in this trail party for its entirety. For safYou should plan to participate in this trail party for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

COVID-19 Information:

Beginning April 15th, 2023 TKO will discontinue the requirement for event participants to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Participants will not be required to wear masks for outdoor activities. We do ask that you continue to respect those who prefer to wear a mask by maintaining appropriate distancing and wearing a mask when working in close proximity with someone who’s choosing to mask up. If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please contact our Executive Director (steve.kruger@trailkeepersoforegon.org) or Stewardship Manager (lindsay.mcintosh@trailkeepersoforegon.org).

Please help us keep our community safe and healthy by staying home and joining us another time if you have any symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

What to bring:

• Lunch
• Plenty of water
• Snacks
• Gloves if you have them (loaner gloves available) We will be removing blackberries so leather gloves are a good idea if you have them.
• Bring eye protection if you don’t wear glasses and if you have it available. Loaner safety glasses are available.

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are not recommended and may not be allowed.)
• Work gloves (loaner gloves available)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants.
• Rain gear, insulating layers, sun protection, etc. as appropriate for the weather
• TKO will supply hard hats and safety glasses

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times from 1853 – 1871. We are privileged to be here today and we express gratitude to these tribes and their descendents for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues that include racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.

Directions:

Directions will be supplied to registrants via email 48 hours before event