Nesmith Point Trail Work Party

Please be at the John B Yeon Trailhead by about 8:15 AM so we can start our safety briefing promptly. We will plan to be back at the parking lot by 3:30pm

Crew Leaders: Peter Reagan

Max Size of Crew: 12

Hike Distance: up to 6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: (in ft) up to 2800 ft.

Hike Difficulty: Hard

Work Difficulty: Moderate

Work Description: Clearing of rubble and debris and then trail reconstruction

Hiking information:What to expect:

Nesmith Point at 3880 feet is the highest viewpoint directly ovelooking the Gorge. The 4.2 mile trail to the summit is relentlessly steep but beautiful. It has been closed since the Eagle Creek Fire, but the first 2 miles has recently been significantly worked on though there are still several switchback corners that need help, and more isolated areas of necessary tread improvement. The mid section of the trail, between 2000 ft and 2800 feet is still in rough shape but all of it has been scouted. It needs much rock and debris clearance and then substantial tread repair, mainly in a very rocky, steep environment; there are also several switchback corners that need clearing and restoration. We may do quite a bit of rock wall construction , especially in the switchbacks. We will be using brushing tools, pick mattocks and grubbers mainly, as well as rock tools

You will be asked to electronically sign the e-waiver for this event and perform a self-assessment health screening within the 24 hours proceeding the event. The crew leader for this event will verify that you have done both of these requirements at the trailhead before the party begins. Your pre-event emails will contain further details and links for both of these requirements.

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

What to bring:

• Lunch
• Plenty of water
• Snacks
• Gloves if you have them (loaner gloves available)

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are NOT allowed!)
• Work gloves (loaner gloves available)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants.
• Rain gear as appropriate for the weather
• TKO will supply hard hats and safety glasses

Directions

Meet in John B Yeon Trailhead, exit 84 at Ainsworth, drive east about 3 miles. Please plan to arrive by about 8:15 so we can get started promptly by 8:30 AM. We will aim to be back at the parking lot by 3:30 PM pm.

COVID-19 Procedures **Please follow all civil authority restrictions for your community. **

In accordance with civil authority restrictions and land manager requirements for safety considerations, the following policies are currently in place:

• All volunteers will watch in the TKO COVID-19 Safety Lab, a broad safety orientation of TKO Safety Policy & Procedures for a COVID-19 Environment. Link will be provided in your registration confirmation.

• All volunteers must administer a health self-evaluation prior to attending in-person volunteer events (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

• All volunteers will read and sign the TKO Volunteer Waiver updated for COVID-19 for release and indemnity of TKO and the land manager partner. Link will be provided in your registration confirmation.

• Volunteers must bring their own gloves, cloth masks, hand sanitizer, and hardhat.

• Tools will be sanitized prior to the event, and will not be shared throughout the day.

• No carpools will be arranged by TKO for the time being.

For a complete list of Covid specific safety measures, see our safety manual, available here.

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 & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

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 & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups 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, or socioeconomic status.

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