VWA Willow Creek Restoration Project
Project Update
June 27, 2004

On June 11, 2004, VWA members escorted Los Padres National Forest Zone Archeologist, Brenda Reed, into the Hobbit claim site to familiarize Brenda with the area and secure final approval to begin bagging the modern trash left on the claim. The following day, a crew of VWA volunteers began bagging the trash at the Hobbit claim. By day's end they had filled over 70 bags of trash and stockpiled them for future transport from the wilderness. While the baggers were busy at the Hobbit, several other VWA volunteers set up the Tyrolean traverse at the McGranahan site for a test run. The traverse performed as expected and some improvements were devised that will be implemented prior to its use on the export weekend of July 30 through August 1.

On Saturday, June 19th, a crew of eight VWA volunteers returned to the Hobbit and filled and stockpiled an additional 55 bags of trash. They also assembled 12 backpack loads of larger metal trash items that will be strapped directly to pack frames for transport out of the wilderness. The following Saturday, June 26th, eight members of the VWA Trail Crew performed needed trail work on the main trails between the trash stockpiles and the trailhead in preparation for the big export weekend scheduled for July 30 through August 1.

Check the VWA calendar for a listing of future Willow Creek Cleanup Project outings and/or fill out the project response form if you wish to volunteer.

Rami and Mike clean up the Black Fir Claim

Dave and Mike setting up the traverse

Bagging Crew after a day at the Hobbit

Heather, Julia and Sara Beth ponder bagged trash

Awesome Dawson moving bags

Ed, Holly and Linda take a break