LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/995162
Summer 2018 LOCALadk Magazine 69 LOCALadk Maintenance Project Specialists. This was started in 1999. Not only does this group do great trail work, but it also pro- vides a nice opportunity for smokejumpers to get together and reminisce about what they unanimously say is "the best job we ever had." For this specific project in the Adirondacks, TR AMPS worked with the Department of Environmental Conser va- tion. John and his group are ver y skilled at trail work and bring with them talents the DEC wanted to capitalize on. John studied the 18-20 different proposed projects but chose this particular one because of the engineering that would be involved. Also because it would be a challenge: physically demanding and requiring teamwork, both of which smoke- jumpers love. TR AMPS categorized this project as a "Class 2" because the men had to either hike and or paddle to the site each day. The DEC provides the materials and most of the equipment needed, along with a small stipend for food. John is a contractor and brought some of his own tools and ma- terial. The group donated their time and covered their own travel expenses. This summer the group is slated to work on a project in the Piseco Lake area. The NSA states the values of the organization are, "com- radeship, education, pride in work well done and loyalty." I can say with conviction that in the time I spent watching these guys work together and listening to them laugh about some situation they got into while fighting fires, these val- ues were expressed in all they did. After they finished, our trails were blessed with one of the strongest bridges I have seen and the old friends were blessed with time spent to- gether doing the sort of work they enjoy. Thank you John, Bob, Phil, Ron, and Jack. If you have never been part of a volunteer work team I highly recommend it. It might just end up being the hardest work you've ever loved, and that ain't no shit. Bob Smee, WA, Phil Petty, Thendara, NY, John Pietras, Saranac Lake, NY, Jack Atkins, MT, Ron Baylor, MT