Press release from DuPont State Recreational Forest
DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) is completing trail maintenance on seven miles of popular trails. The repairs and improvements will make the trails more sustainable, enhance recreational opportunities and correct erosion, drainage and sedimentation that impacts natural resources.
“All trails need some heavier maintenance performed around every five years,” says Jane Dauster, recreation specialist for DSRF. “The trails we’ll be working on receive a lot of use from cyclists, equestrians and hikers. They have not received any major repairs or renovations since 2015.”
Planning for the trail work began in the summer of 2021. Friends of DuPont Forest trail boss Lyle Burgmann collaborated with DSRF to complete the trail assessments. Friends of DuPont also funded an independent trail consultant to make recommendations for a problematic section of Hooker Creek Trail.
“We are very grateful for the support and opportunities for collaboration that the Friends of DuPont Forest gives us,” says Jason Guidry, DSRF forest supervisor. “Each year the organization provides countless volunteer hours for everything from staffing the Aleen Steinberg Visitor Center to donating their valuable time and hard labor on the trails.”
DSRF has hired an outside contractor to complete the planned trail work. The company will be supervised DSRF staff and will complete the work using a combination of hand tools and narrow trail building equipment. The repairs, improvements and temporary closures will impact seven miles of trail including Hooker Creek Trail, Ridgeline Trail, Jim Branch Trail, Hickory Mountain Trail, Isaac Heath Trail and Locust Trail.
The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund is funding this late summer and fall 2022 trail work. The work will be completed in stages so that the least number of trails will be closed at any time. Forest officials anticipate the work will be completed in about 120 days from the time work begins. Work may be scheduled throughout the day and night, on weekends and on weekdays, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Forest officials will close trails that are actively being worked on. Visitors are asked to respect these closures for their safety and so that the work can be completed as quickly as possible. Visitors are encouraged to go to www.dupontstaterecreationalforest.com for the latest information about trail closures.
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