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Big South Fork National River & Recreation AreaEyeball Arch, one of hundreds in the park.
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Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Volunteer Vacation Trail Crew

Park personnel and Vacation Volunteers rest after a hard days work.
NPS
The 2007 Vacation Volunteers worked on the John Muir National Recreation Trail. Pictured from left to right are Walt Singleton, NPS employee; Brad Winkler of Richmond, KY; Dustin Winkler of Terry, MS; Shirley Banks from Decatur, GA; and Jeffrey Smith fro

Date: June 28, 2007
Contact: Steven Seven, 423.569.5997

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in partnership with the American Hiking Society recently hosted a Volunteer Vacation Crew here at the park. This innovative program matches individuals interested in doing volunteer trail work during their vacation with National Parks Service units needing assistance in maintaining their trail system.

During their week-long stay at Big South Fork this four person crew worked on an unfinished portion of the John Muir National Recreation Trail in addition to repairing tread, building and repairing existing water bars and clearing vegetation from the trail.

Park Superintendent Reed E. Detring stated, “Big South Fork was happy to have the crew here this summer and very pleased by the work they accomplished. The park looks forward to working with the American Hiking Society to bring back additional Volunteer Vacation Crews in the future.”

Individuals or groups interested in participating in the American Hiking Society’s Volunteer Vacation program may learn more by visiting the American Hiking Society web site.

For those wishing to volunteer directly with Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, please contact the park’s volunteer coordinator Sue Duncan by calling (423) 286-7275.

Black bear now live in and around Big South Fork.  

Did You Know?
In the mid-1990's black bear were released in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area to study relocation techniques and to determine whether adequate habitat existed in the area. There are now an estimated 40 - 50 bear living in and around the park.
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Last Updated: June 28, 2007 at 15:12 EST