Ozark Trail Assoc. Mega-Events “Get ‘Er Done!”

Story by: Guest Contributor

First posted on 04-02-2008

Twice a year, in early fall and late spring, the hills are alive…with the sound of Ozark Trail Association (OTA) volunteers at one of the group’s popular “mega events.” Established in 2003, the OTA is the Ozark Trail’s largest volunteer organization, dedicated to helping build, maintain and promote a long-distance multi-use trail through the backcountry of the Missouri Ozarks. To date, over 350 miles have been completed, yet many more miles are needed to complete a through-trail from the St. Louis area southwestward to Arkansas.

For the 125 to 140 volunteers who gather each spring and fall, these OTA mega-events are a highlight of the trailbuilding and maintenance season. Listen in as one of these events gets underway.

The sights and sounds of nature (and enthusiastic volunteers) abound. The forecast is for blue skies with temperatures near 80, yet the morning is sweater-cool. The season is vague. Change is in the air. “We’re going to build one and a half miles of trail today,” explains Greg Echele to the large group gathered at the campground. Echele is a board member of the Ozark Trail Association and organizer of the day’s event. “In November 2005, we completed a critical trail segment that opened up the longest backcountry through-trail in the central Midwest, over 200 miles!” The crowd eagerly applauds and is soon on its way, breaking into twelve crews who will tackle separate portions of trail.

These OTA mega-events are open to all ages and abilities. Whole families, including children and dogs are welcome. (Some areas require leashes.) Not all the work is strenuous and first timers are trained in proper tool techniques and safety.

Today’s construction is just southeast of Bixby in Iron County, on a ridge above Neals Creek in a remote section of the Mark Twain National Forest. The ground has more rocks than dirt, and Crew Manager John Roth knows the volunteers have their work cut out for them.
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“It’s a brutal route,” says Roth. “We come off the ridge and cut right down the hillside to Neals Creek, ten-percent grade with a switchback half-way.” Roth is an eight-year veteran of trail building, and peppers his speech with trail lingo. “You’ve got rock, then more rock. The backslope and treadwork will be tough.”

Roth then explains that the “tread” is the flat portion of trail you walk or ride on, a relatively horizontal path that is cut into the steep hillside in an L-shape. The uphill side of the trail is then shaved back to allow water to sheet across the tread to prevent trail erosion. It’s tough work, but the volunteers faithfully chip away, and by 11:30 almost three quarters of a mile of trail is complete. Lunch is delivered to the crews, courtesy of one of the event’s sponsors. The break is welcome, yet enthusiasm runs high. A group of college students poses for a picture, a father and son from Chicago exchange stories and a couple from Arkansas compliment their proud children. Too many smiles hide the hard work they’ve done.

The crews redeploy after lunch with increased vigor, and by 2:30 PM they’ve doubled their morning’s work. Roth radios to the crew leaders, telling them to head back to camp for the evening barbecue, bonfire and entertainment. The fun and fellowship is important too!

Roth then walks the completed trail with Paul Nazarenko of the U.S. Forest Service, at one point stopping to laugh out loud. “This,” he says, “is incredible. It’s fantastic.” He laughs again, then heads back to camp.

Smaller work parties and maintenance outings are scheduled throughout the year. Upcoming events and sign ups are always listed on the OTA website, http://www.ozarktrail.com. Volunteers may also contact the organization at: 483 S. Kirkwood Rd., #40, Kirkwood, MO, 63122; by email at: ; or by phone at: (314) 578-5334.