*Please note that all times are in Eastern Standard Time.
Maps For Old Fort
Monday, April 10th
Sustainable Trail Maintenance and Safety – Trail Crew Leader Training Course
Instructors, Lisa Jennings, USFS; Jeremy Poore, McDowell Tech.
This is a two-day course focusing on trail types, multi-use experiences, basic trail assessment and maintenance, and trail safety and protective equipment. Both classroom and field work are used to solidify concepts and provide practical experience. The training is great for land managers, those entering the trails field, and volunteers who want to expand their knowledge of trail maintenance and sustainability as well as be prepared for the responsibilities of a Trail Crew Leader in their local volunteer organization. This course has been developed in partnership with the USFS, G5 Trail Collective and McDowell Tech. ***Lunch will be provided***
Basic Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety (USFS certification up to B – Faller)
Instructor, Dennis Helton, Helton Forestry Enterprises.
Basic Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety is a two-day course designed to train volunteers to safely and effectively clear downed trees. Participants will learn to independently buck and limb any size material in moderately complex situations. Just as a prospective driver does not go to the local DMV expecting to learn how to drive, prospective sawyers are expected to be comfortable with chainsaw use and to have basic chainsaw maintenance/troubleshooting skills before certification. Must have a current CPR/First Aid Certification (valid and present at time of training) and PPE. Sawyers can be certified up to a B – Faller USFS level in this class as appropriate. ***Lunch will be provided***
Tuesday, April 11th
Sustainable Trail Maintenance and Safety – Trail Crew Leader Training Course
Instructors, Lisa Jennings, USFS; Jeremy Poore, McDowell Tech.
Day 2 of the two-day course.
Basic Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety (USFS certification up to B – Faller)
Instructor, Dennis Helton, Helton Forestry Enterprises.
Day 2 of the two-day course.
Wednesday, April 12th
Trail Crew Leader Training Course
Instructor, Walt Bready from Trails B Ready.
The Trail Crew Leader training course is a two‐day course for any volunteer that wants to learn the basic technical trail work skills to lead a crew. It will cover natural surface trail design, construction, maintenance and crew leader training. The focus is long term sustainability that can reduce overall maintenance needs and user impacts on natural resources. Trail crew leaders should have a strong commitment to building sustainable trails and get satisfaction out of helping others have a good time while doing good work. *** Lunch will be provided***
Basic Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety (USFS certification up to B – Bucking)
Instructor, Chuck Ramsey USDA Forest Service.
Basic Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety is a two day course designed to train volunteers to safely and effectively clear downed trees. Participants will learn to independently buck and limb any size material in moderately complex situations. Just as a prospective driver does not go to the local DMV expecting to learn how to drive, prospective sawyers are expected to be comfortable with chainsaw use and to have basic chainsaw maintenance/troubleshooting skills before certification. Must have a current CPR/First Aid Certification (valid and present at time of training) and PPE. Sawyers can be certified up to a B – Bucking USFS level in this class as appropriate. *** Lunch will be provided***
Bridge Building for Trails
Instructor, Jon Lane, G5 Trail Collective.
Bridge Building for Trails is a practical course in bridge and boardwalk design and construction. Classwork covers the basic bridge components:sills, stringers, decking, fastener types, wood types, and load calculations along with USFS standard bridge and boardwalk design. Participants will take this classroom knowledge into the field and work on construction of several bridges and/or boardwalk projects in the local trail system. *** Lunch will be provided***
Thursday, April 13th
Trail Crew Leader Training Course
Instructor, Walt Bready from Trails B Ready.
Day 2 of the two-day course.
Basic Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety (USFS certification up to B – Bucking)
Instructor, Chuck Ramsey USDA Forest Service.
Day 2 of the two-day course.
Bridge Building for Trails
Instructor, Jon Lane, G5 Trail Collective.
Day 2 of the two-day course.
SORBA Summit Schedule
Early Summit Registration 5p – 7:30p and Social – 5p – 9p. Location TBD
Friday, April 14th
SORBA Summit Schedule
Meeting Location: McDowell Tech – 54 College Dr, Marion, NC 28752
Coffee and Lunch provided
8:00a Registration – McDowell Tech
8:30a Continental Breakfast
9:00a Welcome/Housekeeping
9:15a Concurrent Session #1
North Carolina Year of the Trail
Amanda Baker from Visit NC and Beth Heile from the Great Trails State Coalition will discuss 2023 as the Year of the Trail for North Carolina, what it took to get that designation, and how this year is benefitting the trails in North Carolina.
9:15a Concurrent Session #1 –
Lake James State Park, NC
State Trails Planner Smith Raynor from North Carolina State Parks and members of The Alliance share the trail developments at Lake James State Park and how they built their relationship.
10:15a Break
10:30a Concurrent Session #2 –
Highlights from Mortimer Trails Project in Pisgah Grandfather District
Lisa Jennings from the USDA Forest Service and Paul Stahlschmidt from the Alliance share highlights from the Mortimer project and how those efforts lead to greater development in the region.
10:30a Concurrent Session #2 –
Building a Diverse Riding Group
This panel discussion will dive into the benefits, challenges, and reasons for creating spaces for all riders to be welcome. Facilitated by the Executive Director of Pisgah Area SORBA, Natalie Narburgh, we welcome representatives from AMBC Joy Ride, Dirt Skirrts, FIND Outdoors, and Riding in Color WNC.
11:45a Session #3 –
USFS Update
Michelle Mitchelle from the USDA Forest Service gives an update on work throughout the region.
12:30p Lunch
1:30p Session #4 –
The Story of Old Fort
Representatives from the Old Fort community share the work they have done so far to make the dream of trails happen. The efforts from various community groups have made an incredible impact on their area.
2:30p Closing Remarks
3:00p Group ride
5:00p – 9:00p Social – Camp Grier
Saturday, April 15th
SORBA Summit Schedule
Meeting Location: McDowell Tech – 54 College Dr, Marion, NC 28752
Coffee and Lunch provided
8:00a Registration
8:30a Continental Breakfast
9:00a Welcome and Housekeeping
9:15a Field Trip – Old Fort Gateway Trails
Join members of The G5 Trail Collective for a field trip of the Gateway Trail System. This field trip is intended for those not participating in the SORBA Board of Directors Meeting.
9:15a SORBA Board of Directors Meeting
10:50a Break
11:00a Concurrent Session #5 –
Developing an RFP
Craig Ruhland from Pisgah Area SORBA and Peter Mills from Elevated Trail Design go into the details of creating a strong RFP for both trail design and construction to help you make sure you hire the best possible trailbuilder for the job.
11:00a Concurrent Session #5 – Branding your chapter
12:00p Group Photo
12:30p Lunch
1:00p Session #6
The Future of Old Fort
The G5 Trail Collective team shares what the future has in store for the trails in Old Fort and the community. Plans for new trails, updates to current trails, and educational programs are just a few things moving forward with the team.
2:30p Closing remarks
3:00p Group Ride
6:00p – 9:00p Social – Camp Grier
Looking For More Stuff To Do?
Trek Asheville ride and wrench (Saturday, April 15)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-asheville-ride-and-wrench-tickets-570985792877?aff=efbeventtix
Trail Days at Lake James State Park:
https://greattrailsnc.com/events/trail-days-at-lake-james-state-park/
Asheville Events Calendar:
Black Mountain Events Calendar:
https://www.exploreblackmountain.com/events/