NFCT-Waterway Work Trip-2015 Allagash Wilderness Waterway Campsite Access Improvement July and July 17-19

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1 NFCT-Waterway Work Trip-2015 Allagash Wilderness Waterway Campsite Access Improvement July and July Introduction: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) has been performing stewardship work in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) since In 2014 two NFCT interns performed a User Impact Survey of all AWW campsites. This survey work has helped identify the sites that need access improvement. In 2015 we will be sending two stewardship interns into the waterway for seven weeks to improve the campsite accesses that need the most work. Waterway Work Trip (WWT) volunteers will be joining them at two locations near Churchill Dam. Driving Directions and Meeting Location: Drive north, and then drive north some more. The Allagash is up there, but well worth the trip. Rich in history, lore, and beauty the Allagash has inspire many to make the pilgrimage to its waters and has been an amazing way to cap off a once in a lifetime adventure for many Through Paddlers. Entrance fees will be waived for those volunteering on the Campsite Access Improvement WWT. You will need to contact Walter (802) ext. 2 or walter@northernforestcanoetrail.org to relay which gate you plan to enter through. Many enter the Allagash Wilderness Waterway via Greenville, Maine. After Greenville you will enter the land of the logging road. Logging roads are graveled and have a tendency to be rough. Logging trucks have the right of way, so be sure to give them a wide berth. It is also wise to have a spare tire with you. Below are general directions to the Chamberlain Ranger Station meeting point (we recommend using more resources to plan your route: Google Map/GPS/Delorme Gazetteer): From Greenville: Travel 42 miles north on a road that is marked with several names (Main Street, Lily Bay Road, Golden Road) Turn left onto Telos Road and travel north for 23 miles Turn Right on to Umbazooksus Road, the Chamberlain Ranger Cabin will be 500 feet on your left. From Millinoket: Take the Golden Road north out of Millinocket for 28 miles Turn right on the Telos Road and travel north for 23 miles. Turn Right on to Umbazooksus Road, the Chamberlain Ranger Cabin will be 500 feet on your left.

2 We recommend using a Maine Gazetteer from Delorme, GPS, or similar location tools to keep you heading in the right direction. We can also work with all volunteers to develop a car pool or caravan if anyone is interested. Contact Walter Opuszynski (walter@northernforestcanoetrai.org or (802) x2) if you are having any trouble planning your route. Follow this link for a Google Map showing the project location. We will be meeting at the Chamberlain Ranger Station, then carvaning and carpooling to Churchil Dam. From Churchill Dam it will be a short paddle to the High Bank Campsite where the NFCT Stewardship Interns will already have a group camping area set up and ready for you to pitch your tent. Camping and Facilities: We will be staying at the campsite locations where the work will be performed. Sites will have ample space to pitch a tent. The NFCT will set up a group kitchen area. There will be a privy pit available on site a short walk from camp. It is recommended that you bring camping gear with you. If you have any camping gear needs please contact NFCT Trail Director, Walter Opuszynski at walter@northernforestcanoetrail.org or by dialing (802) x2, we may be able to lend you what you need. It is important to note that this is primitive camping and facilities are very limited. We will provide anti-bacterial gel and toilet paper, please bring all other sanitary items you may need. Food: The cost of this WWT goes towards purchasing food for the NFCT interns and volunteers. NFCT interns will prepare meals. Meals will range from dutch oven pizza to chocolate chip pancakes and everything in between. We will have ample drinking water available as well as a variety of powdered drink mixes. We will also have tea and coffee available. Please notify us of any food preferences/allergies. What to Bring: Personal camping gear (include rain gear, a tent, eating utensils, dishes, cup, flashlight, etc.) Work Gloves Water Bottle Paddling Gear (If you are interested in paddling opportunities) We will provide: Tools will be provided. Food will be provided by the NFCT (Please notify us of any food preferences/allergies) Paddling:

3 There will be group paddling opportunities weaved into the WWT, as well as time for solo pursuits at the end of the day. These will not be guided tours as our NFCT Interns are not trained as certified guides although they will have Wilderness First Aid Certification and open/fast water paddle skills and rescue training. We will decide as a group the nature of the group paddling opportunities. We can work as a group to create different paddles to meet people s abilities and comfort levels. If you have any paddling needs or questions please contact NFCT Trail Director, Walter: walter@northernforestcanoetrail.org (802) x2# Paddling opportunities will be focused on Churchill Lake and Chase Rapids. Chase Rapids is one of the most exhilarating stretches of water in the AWW. We will be able to do the rapids in unloaded boats with shuttle support. We will decide on exact locations once we get familiar with each other s skill level. Personal outings can be taken at the end of each day and we can help cater these to your skill level. WWT Project Description: Most access work will involve the installation of stone steps and armoring. This will require moving rock and soil in buckets, rolling larger stone with leverage bars, and possibly the use of come-a-longs and hoists. There may also be some light carpentry work available. Project materials and tools will be available on site, although may need to be moved from place to place. The NFCT Intern Crew will be fully equipped with any tools needed throughout the construction process. Paddling in to the project during the 2011 AWW Waterway Work Trip.

4 Paddling out to the 2011 AWW WWT project.

5 Allagash Wilderness Waterway Waterway Work Trip Schedule (Note: Schedule will be the same for July WWT) Friday July 10 1 PM: Please arrive at 1 pm. This should ensure that there is adequate time for you to paddle to the campsite, set-up your tent, and settle in before dinner. This will also allow us to finish any required paperwork and give you a campsite orientation so you can feel right at home! If you are running late please contact Walter at (802) There is no cell service at this site, but Walter will be able to use a satellite device to text updates to the field crew. 6 PM: Dinner will be served. Please let us know if you have any food requirements or allergies. If for some reason you will not make it for Friday s dinner, please let us know this as well. 7 PM: Take advantage of local paddling opportunities, tell tall tales around the campfire, or enjoy some firelight guitar playing! Saturday July 11 8 AM: Breakfast 9 AM: Work Projects 12 PM: Lunch 1 PM: Work Projects 5 PM: Break for Evening 6 PM: Dinner 7 PM: Evening activities/paddling Sunday July 12 8 AM: Breakfast 9 AM: Group Paddle 12 PM: Lunch 1 PM: Wrap-Up and Departure **Schedule and project descriptions may change. You will be notified as we get closer to the WWT if this happens** Please fill out and return all Waterway Work Trip Forms by June 2nd.

6 We will be meeting at the Chamberlain Ranger Station and traveling by vehicle to Churchill Dam. From Churchil Dam it is a short 1.25 mile paddle to High Bank Campsite.