It’s rare that something billed as a “game changer” lives up to the hype. But SCLT’s new two-wheel tractor has gone above and beyond in its first season.
“In five minutes, this machine can do what would take me and over ten volunteers an hour to do,” SCLT Recreation Program Manager Jared Koenig gushed when he first put the two-wheel tractor to use repairing deep hoofprints on Hidden Hoot Trail.
The two-wheel tractor has done just that. This summer, it has reworked sections of Hidden Hoot, The Link, and Soldier Ridge. It’s shined on Kicking Horse Trail, where, Koenig said, the damage would usually be fixed by “hours upon hours of grueling hand labor.” The smoother trail is much easier for hikers’ and runners’ ankles and bikers. “We are going to use it every year. It will be a permanent and very important tool to keep the trails awesome!” he added.
“The new equipment used on Hidden Hoot is a game changer. It saves volunteer hours spent on repairing damaged sections of trail and allows us volunteers to work with Jared on priority projects. I appreciate all of Jared’s hard work on using the most effective and time-saving way of keeping our fantastic trail system in great shape.” ~ Rick Burchell, SCLT trail volunteer and avid mountain biker
Trail volunteer and mountain biker Rick Burchell said it has been amazing to see how much the two-wheel tractor has helped, noting it is “vital.” “I have noticed pretty dramatic results as far as improved trail quality and the machine’s ability to restore the trails to their original design,” he concluded.
SCLT purchased the two-wheel tractor thanks to the generosity of a donor who wanted to make sure Jared had a tool to improve the trails for everyone who visits. This year, Jared’s “wish list” includes boot brush stations for trailheads to help keep invasive plants under control, vault toilets at trailheads, long-lasting posts and signs, weed eaters, a large bar chainsaw, and more hand tools to replace old and broken tools.
Want to make a “game changer” on the trails? Make a gift to purchase items from Jared’s “wish list” by scanning the QR Code, visiting SheridanCLT.org/Donate, or email Jared at [email protected].
