(5.27.10) Operation Access

Operation Access Ruby Mountains has begun. The barbed wire revolution effectively sequestered the Ruby Mountians--a magnificent E-W mountain range in eastern Nevada--from the public. While some may contend that the mountains are now protected from the rampages of humans, I would argue that they are a state and national resource to be enjoyed. These snow crusted peaks turn red at sunrise and sunset, rightly earning the name of "the Rubies". Private ranch land surrounds the range, prohibiting public access to the national forest within. Our friend Sue, the sustainable rancher, has led a successful bid in the community and with the Forest Service to build 40 miles of trail into the heart of Ruby wilderness. Two NCC crews, including my own, are contracted to work on the first 10 miles of this trail which will connect 11 canyons, skirting through the Rubies. It is a phenomenal project.

Our preliminary walk through of what will be known as the Secret-Lamoille (LAH-moyle) brought us to amazing vistas of the Lamoille Valley, the Ruby mountains, and the remnants of cultural history of the area. And that was only in the first 3 miles. We are literally the first crews and members of the public to venture on a large scale into this area. In addition to this privilege, we are joined by various community crews. The BLM HotShots asked to hike their chainsaws four miles and clear corridor for us (umm...YES!). One Forest Service summer trail crew will camp and work with us. Two convict crews cleared corridor to the snow line this week. A community trail day in two weeks will give our crews the opportunity to display our considerable progress and train volunteers in trail building. The Secret-Lamoille project will double the length of trails available to the public in Elko county. Needless to say this is a paradigm shift in outdoorsmanship for the community and we are excited to play a significant role in the muscle power of the project.

Oh, and to make things even better, we are camping on Sue's ranch. A brook winds its way through the field, scattered aspen protect us from rain and sun alike. The cows and horses greet us in the morning and the deer provide nightly entertainment. It is going to be a beautiful summer.