Groups celebrate day with trail project

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, the Sandpoint Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests partnered with the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and the National Forest Foundation to complete the final stretch of the Scotchman Peak Trail (Forest Service Trail No. 65) reroute.

Volunteers spent two days cutting back brush and digging a new section of trail to reduce the grade of the very steep and highly erosive section of the trail. Twenty-nine volunteers, including eight students from Sandpoint High School, joined efforts to put the finishing touches on the new trail segment.

“The Scotchman Peak Trail 65 reroute makes the beginning of the hike more welcoming, provides more views early on and gives some relief to the knees and legs on the return,” said Phil Hough, Friends of Scotchman Peaks executive director. The trail was officially re-opened for hikers on September 24, and hiker were immediately expressing their gratitude, shouting out “thank you” to the volunteers as they navigated the improved route. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests also appreciates the work that was completed, and the dedication and commitment to the popular trail by volunteers and the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

National Public Lands Day is designed to educate American about the environment and natural resources, the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands, build partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America’s public lands, and to improve public lands for outdoor recreation with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.