Youth group helps maintain Kanab’s Cottonwood Trail

On Wednesday evening, June 30, approximately 30 young people and parents from the Kanab Creek and Ranchos LDS Wards joined Adopt-A-Trail volunteers to assist in the maintenance of the Cottonwood Trail in the Ranchos.

Photo by Sue Johnston.

Dan Gunn, Bureau of Land Management Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Kanab Field Office, provided an explanation of the uses and safe handling of various types of trail maintenance equipment. Then, the youth, ages 12-18 carried rakes, shovels and trash bags to assist Adopt-A-Trail volunteers Paul Garvey and Jim and Sue Johnston in the clean-up effort.

In addition to cleaning the trail of loose rocks, the students were instructed in basic trail maintenance and construction of water bars to avoid further trail erosion. The Cottonwood Trail in the Ranchos is designated for hiking and equestrian use only. Trail users must pick up after their pets and keep them under their control at all times.

The Adopt-A-Trail program was initiated to actively involve community members in the maintenance and construction of recreational trails managed by the BLM Kanab Field Office. The primary purpose of the program is to provide for visitor safety and enjoyment along with resource protection through periodic trail patrols, needs assessments and maintenance work. The current program covers all single-track trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use in the area.

For more information, please visit Adopt-A-Trail Kanab on Facebook or contact Sue Johnston at sjonthebeatenpath@yahoo.com.