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Field Program

[Image Description: Two MCC members taking a brief break; one is sitting on a rock, the other is standing nearby. They are both in their uniforms, looking out at the expansive, mountain view surrounding them.]

Working for the Workhorse

A view down a mountain valley

The Wapiti Ranger Station hosted the Black Cache Crew on the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. The trail we worked on is unique to horses and stock animals, meaning we were extending tread and brushing with those animals in mind.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to build structures for drainage along the trail. The forest is tucked in between two mountain ridges and sees little sun. The floor was covered in moss and shrubs, making the dirt easier to dig.

While working on a turnpike, a youth group riding horses came through and was excited to see that work was being done in a notoriously wet section. Even though the turnpike was unfinished, the dirt had dried up enough for the horses' hooves not to sink into the soil.

It is always a humbling experience to see hikers enjoy our trails but to see horses walk with ease felt even more rewarding.

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