by Matt Konkle
Torque Managing Editor
When you suddenly become lost on public land or in off-road recreation areas, nothing is more frustration than not being able to figure your way out of the mess.
Sure, you may be able to use GPS on your smartphone or vehicle infotainment system, but depending on the area, that may not be working quite right — or updated enough to make sense.
Well, during the latest Quadratec 50-for-50 Trail Improvement Initiative, signage improvement was top priority.
This one took place in the White Mountain National Forest at the Deer Hill Mineral Collection area near Stow, Maine.
Eight volunteers all helped replace three mini-kiosks, and installed newly-built and painted signage for the area. Additionally, volunteers split into three groups to clear brush from a collection area perimeter, filled boundry holes with boulders and brush, and relocated a foot path to the mineral area from a poor drainage location.
In all, besides the new kiosks and signage, volunteers improved four miles of trail and removed 10 pounds of trash during the operation.
“Building new ‘birdhouse’ kiosks to showcase the map location and regulations for the Deer Hill Mineral Area was an interesting task,” said Quadratec Trail Boss and Ridgeback Guide Service Owner Ron Harrington. “I took extra time to make them more weather resistant and durable than they were before because they’re out in the elements. Knowing that my contribution to the project will be seen by everyone visiting the site and directing mineral seekers to their destinations for many years to come was a deep and humbling experience.”
This White Mountain Signage Improvement Project was the 11th of 50 trail and public land restoration events that Quadratec will help sponsor in each state by the end of 2023.
So far, through its supported projects, the 50-for-50 Stewardship Grant has accumulated 4,516 volunteer hours with a total value of $134,672, pulled away 78,155 pounds of trash and improved 452 miles of trail.
Quadratec’s ’50-for-50’ stewardship grant fund helps project managers pay for equipment, fees, volunteer support, food, fuel, signage and other miscellaneous costs.
Quadratec has been a supporting partner of Tread Lightly! for more than 20 years, and a longtime fundraiser for Tread Lightly!’s stewardship programs. The company has also promoted Tread Lightly! and other trail restoration efforts through its Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ program.
Clubs and individuals are required to be active, supporting members of Tread Lightly! to be eligible to apply for ’50-for-50’ grant funding. To learn more about the Quadratec ’50-for-50 program, visit Quadratec's 50 for 50 Trails Stewardship Grant Initiative.
Related Articles:
Quadratec, Tread Lightly ’50-for-50’ Trail Cleanup — Coal Township, Pennsylvania
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50’ Public Land Cleanup — Lansing, West Virginia
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50' Cleanup — Brooksville, Florida
