Now is the time
Are you interested in working with us on a long-term stewardship plan? Are you a land manager or other stakeholder who wants to work with us to get work done? Now is the time to start planning as we chart our next path.
Email gabe@siskiyoumountainclub.org or call 458-254-0657 now to start the discussion.
Certainty is a hot commodity these days, and we've got a little bit to share:
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SMC is postured for investment and growth, not for the sake of it, but because we've built the leadership and the systems to scale. We are especially intrigued by any opportunity to help manage recreation programs for entire units in lockstep with USDA Forest Service leadership.
- We are going to do everything we can to support the districts who are being impacted by cuts. This includes some developed recreation maintenance like servicing trailheads.
- We aren't going anywhere. SMC has strong financial footing and stronger leadership. The uncertainty has certainly brought on caution, but we've got a plan.
- We'll never let anyone take the fun out of our mission. This operation is driven by the energy of the youth.
With that, I want to give a big shout out to 2024 intern Brynn Chambers of Illinois. Brynn was a strong force on the crew, fulfilled her term successfully, and we stayed in touch.
Before-and-after on the Middle Fork Nat'l Rec Trail
After some freezing and thawing, Brynn just signed into a ranger position with Yellowstone National Park who will be lucky to have her. 
Volunteers brush out the Deep Gorge Trail
With that, the stats: January 1, 2025 - March 10, 2025
Field staff hours: 208
Volunteer hours: 634
Total miles maintained: 9.97
Program manager Trevor Meyer on the Osgood Ditch Trail
Our volunteer coordinator and program manager Trevor Meyer has coordinated work on the:
- 1/18-1/20 and 2/1: Middle Fork Applegate National Recreation Trail. The crew is bringing this arterial trail that leads into the Red Buttes back to life.
- 2/16 - 2/17: Kerby Flat & Deep Gorge Trails, Wild Rivers Ranger District. These popular trails that lead to the dreamy shores of the Wild & Scenic Illinois River.
- 3/1 - 3/2: Osgood Ditch & East Fork Illinois. The ditch trail is clear and in great shape and we were able to maintain a small section of the East Fork.
- 3/8-3/9: Shorty Noble and Illinois River National Recreation Trail. Shorty Noble Trail is clear, Illinois River Trail from Briggs Creek to Pine Flat still needs some work.
Volunteers clean house on the Osgood Ditch Trail