The volunteers want to finish several short pieces of trail to complete an eleven-mile stretch going downriver from U.S. Highway 65 to the Red Bluff Road. The work will include installation of a 20-foot trail bridge across a deep gully 200 yards below Highway 65. Material and labor for the bridge are to be donated by the Ozark Highlands Trail Association. The Association (OHTA) is also to assume responsibility for maintaining the trail.
Volunteers will camp at Tyler Bend. Anyone who can work on the trail can camp there without charge. There will be a completely equipped kitchen tent, but volunteers need to bring their own food and sleeping accommodations. For further information, contact Ken Smith, phone 479-466-7994, or e-mail at kennethsmith616@yahoo.com .
Beyond October, two problems need to be resolved before attempting work on the isolated 5.5-mile midsection of the 28-mile trail. Archeological sites need to be dealt with, and a tract of privately owned astride the trail must be transferred to the National Park Service. To learn more about this…stay in touch, into next year.