Trail Maintenance in the Time of COVID-19

While we really enjoy meeting as a group to maintain or build soft-surface trails in central Arkansas, we realize the importance of social and physical distancing even when outdoors. Until we get the all clear from the CDC and local leaders, we will curtail all social gatherings for our membership. This includes work parties, group rides/runs and socials. Yep, it's a bummer.

We hope you are still able to get out and responsibly use the trails in the area. That said, Spring is here and this is a major time for trail maintenance. Spring rains have brought new growth and the return of face slappers, dropped branches on the trails, water issues that need repair and more. So how do we do this?

You Can Still Help!

We've come up with a solution to trail maintenance this year. We call it the, "I saw something that needed to be done so I did it technique." How this works is simple, just follow these rules:

1. When you go for a hike, run, or bike ride on a local* natural surface trail, throw some tools in the car or put some nippers in your day/hydration pack.
2. Look for fairly easy fixes that need to be done to make the experience on the trail better. (see below for details on the kind of work to do)
3. Return and fix it. 
4. Report what you did to CATA so we have your volunteer hours represented. (see below on how to report)

* By local, we mean Little Rock, North Little Rock, Bryant, Pulaski County Parks and Camp Robinson trails. Only go if the park is open.

What Kind of Work Can You Do?

Let's not get crazy here. There is no need to build new bridges, reroutes, or features. If you see a bridge or other feature in need of major repair (it appears unsafe) let us know. 

You can:

• Use a weed eater,
• Rake,
• Use nippers or loppers,
• Use a hand saw to cut larger limbs that may have fallen on the trail (Only members with current Sawyer Certification may use chainsaws in any of these places. If you are considering using a chainsaw in a local park, you must contact park management first.)
• Add a nick to help drain a wet spot

You should always to remember to wear proper protective gear like gloves and and goggles. 

Once you are done, please send an email to centralartrail@gmail.com with the following information:

• First and Last Name of Volunteer(s)
• What work was completed
• What park the work was performed in (It's nice to know a specific trail)
• How many hours were worked by each volunteer. Please include travel time to do the work.
• Take pictures and be a hero on CATA social media. Send your photos along with the above information.

THANKS!

We look forward to this being over and getting back to our regular Socials, Work Parties, and Group Rides, Runs, Hikes. Please be safe.

If you have any questions about this process or anything about Central Arkansas Trail Alliance, please email us at centralartrail@gmail.com