Heads up about a ground nest.
WTA has had work parties out on the 140 Access Rd/Homestead section of this trail 24, 25 & 27 Jun working on clearing brush from the stock corridor (8' wide x 10' high), improving the tread (widening and reducing the out slope/"tilt" of the tread), and realigning a section where a 4' diameter log had fell across the trail corridor, leaving only 7' above the trail, and the off trail end more than 10' above the ground.
We made significant progress in brushing and tread improvements, and finished the realignment. There is still a lot of work remaining, but all 3 volunteer crews did a great job on what was done.
On the 27th one of the tread improvement crews disturbed a GROUND NEST of either bees or hornets (the crew didn't hang around to figure out which one.) In the attached picture, which is just over a half mile from the trailhead, look for the section of tread not worked (its still grassy as compared to the wider tread before and after that spot). You can see the big log over the trail just below.
At the end of the day we were able to quickly walk by the spot and only a couple of us were "closely inspected/buzzed".
Comments
catwoman on Lower South Fork Skokomish River
I’ve been on this trail a lot but what is the “stock corridor“?
Posted by:
catwoman on Jul 04, 2023 09:08 AM
"Stock corridor"
Thanks for your question!
We maintain trails for the largest trail user according to Forest Service standards, which on the Lower South Fork Skokomish trail is stock (horse). The Forest Service has designated this trail for hiker, bicycle and stock use. The corridor is the area around the tread (walking surface): 8' wide x 10' high for stock.
For hiker only trails, the corridor is 6' wide x 8' high.
Posted by:
Charlie Romine on Jul 06, 2023 07:49 AM