•  American Hiking Society focuses work on the Shafer / South LaBarge trails

The lunch was brief for the trail crew on this July day and it was back to work for nine volunteers restoring the trails of the southern Bridger-Teton (B-T) National Forest.  They had traveled from around the U.S. to give of their time and labor to trail restoration in the Kemmerer Ranger District.

Chad McCoy and Peggy Reins, a married couple form Niles Illinois,  served as crew leaders on the Schafer and South LaBarge Creek Trails projects.

They had left the Chicago suburbs, like they do most summers, to help with American Hiking Society assignments across the country. This time their work took them to the B-T’s Kemmerer Ranger Distriict.

Their work focused clearing the trail and directing it through areas that served a variety of backcountry users.

“We are re-routing through a wet meadow to keep the trail up on higher ground where it’s dry so the hikers, bikers, and horsemen can make their way through more easily,” McCoy explained.

Reins pointed out the mountain bikers were already enjoying the trail on the morning their trail crew had started their work. “We have already had mountain bikers on the trail who have enjoyed the experience,” Reins noted.

McCoy and Reins enjoy these cross-country assignments. “We love the American Hiking Society, which has admission to  make America’s trails available for more people,” Peggy explained. “We are committed to their mission.”

She added, “Chad and I have traveled all over the United States and have had the privilege of experiencing so many different areas of this country.”

Looking at her crew and the surrounding southern Bridger-Teton, she offered, “By working on this we hope that more people can get out and enjoy the beauty of this area. It is so gorgeous. We are just so privileged…to be here.”

Chad was in quick with agreement, “The area is breathtakingly beautiful. For a flatlander from near Chicago to see this is somewhat overwhelming but very enjoyable.”

Kemmerer District Ranger Adam Calkins and some of his crew accompanied the volunteer to work site on this summer day. They were acknowledged for their attention to given to the volunteers.

“Working with the host, the Bridger-Teton Kemmerer Ranger District, they have been fabulous,” said Chad. “The whole office has been wonderful, treating us very well. The support  is great!”

Acknowledging a list of names from the Kemmerer District who have helped welcome the volunteers, he said, “The whole crew, a crew of nine, have thoroughly enjoyed the work. They have rolled up their sleeves and are loving it.”

Peggy added her compliments. “I am so impressed with the Kemmerer District staff. When they talk about this area being the jewel of the Bridger-Teton. We agree with that!”

She continued, “Part of the reason, it because of the [Kemmerer] staff that commits so much of their lives to making a place people want to visit. “

Chad concluded, “It has been a wonderful experience. The people are wonderful beautiful people and the area is just breathtakingly beautiful.”