Crispness is back in the air, and coolness, as we move into the fall season in Pisgah. It’s the perfect time of year for hard work outdoors and we’re taking full advantage of that. Here’s to another great month, with much more to come in October. Many thanks for your continued support of TPC and Pisgah!
Trail Crew Updates:
Our Trail Crew is back at work on the Estatoe Trail. This month we’re constructing the final three trail bridges. We’re also constructing new stretches of turnpiked trail to connect the new bridges.
The timing of our work on the Estatoe Trail complements the incoming NCDOT pedestrian bridge over the Davidson River. Together, these improvements will provide increased connectivity between Pisgah and the local community.
Thank you to the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, the Glass Foundation, the City of Brevard, and Vulcan Materials Company for their support of this project.
The Trail Crew has also been working on the lower stretch of Buckhorn Gap Trail. Recent improvements include:
- Constructing a new locust staircase on a steep and eroded section of the trail.
- Constructing new drainage features above the new staircase.
- Anchoring the staircase landing with heavy rock armoring.
These improvements will provide tread stability and reduce sedimentation into a nearby stream.
Two new seasonal crew members and a new Assistant Crew Leader will join the Trail Crew in October. Following their arrival, the Trail Crew will return to complete work on Buckhorn Gap Trail.
Invasive Plant Management Crew Updates:
Our Invasive Plant Management Crew has been identifying and treating invasive plant infestations throughout the Catheys Creek watershed.
Pre-treatment infestation (photo from Spring 2024)
Pristine forest floor area (photo from Spring 2024)
The crew’s expertise and daily presence in the field is meeting a long-held need on the Pisgah. Their work is crucial to understanding the scale of non-native invasive plant infestations. Their work is also allowing us to develop and implement plans to address this problem.
Furman University Site Visit
A group of Furman University students, faculty, and staff recently visited the Pisgah Ranger District. They learned how TPC, the USFS, and other partners work together to manage our public lands. They also learned about potential career pathways and the opportunities offered by both nonprofit organizations and federal agencies.
Our Invasive Plant Management Crew shared the importance of managing non-native invasive species.
Lorie Stroup and Ivanna Knox (USFS) also shared how the Pisgah River Rangers program has benefited visitor education and watershed health.
