Overview
In our second collaboration with the Malheur National Forest, the Blue Mountain Land Trust’s “Blues Crew” will be coming down from Walla-Walla, Washington and working alongside the John Day-based Eastern Oregon Trail Alliance (EOTA) on an exciting new mountain bike trail network under development in the Magone Lake area. This work is the official kick-off event for the 2019 season of work on the Magone Bike Trail System. Volunteers are welcome to arrive Friday at the Magone Lake Campground Group-site, which will be reserved and free all weekend for the event. This site can accommodate up to 75 people and will provide plenty of space for camping and socializing. Saturday will start off with a basic training on trail construction techniques for those new to the activity. The rest of the weekend will be spent working on a road-to-trail conversion of the Tinker Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 3620646) located to the east of Magone Lake (see map). The Magone Lake area offers hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Participants will be able to enjoy spring wildflowers and learn more about the interesting history and geology of Magone Lake.
What to Expect
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
NOTE: This is a multi-day trip and work party. For those coming from the Walla Walla area, plan to carpool as noted below. For those coming from the John Day area, meet at the campground at 8am each day. Additional details will be emailed the week prior to the event.
Hiking Information
Schedule
Friday, June 7
Walla Walla crew:
Noon– Meet at USFS parking lot on Rose Street in Walla Walla
12:30 pm – Depart for John Day, Oregon
4 pm – Arrive Magone Lake Campground
Set up camp
Connect with local teams
John Day crew:
3:30pm carpool – meet in front of the Madden Building at 116 NW Bridge Street
4:15pm – arrive at Magone Lake Campground
If you plan to drive yourself, meet at the Magone Lake Campground any time after 4pm
Saturday, June 8
9:00 am - 3:00pm Work party activities
5pm – 7pm – Evening activities
Sunday, June 9
9:00 am – 2:00pm Work party
Walla Walla crew:
3:00pm – Depart Magone Lake for Walla Walla
7:00pm – Arrive Walla Walla
John Day crew:
3:00pm – Depart Magone Lake for John Day
3:45pm – Arrive in John Day
Planning Information
Get ready for a great day outside!
Blues Crew Leads Greg Brown, Nathan Viavant, and Eileen Settle
Forest Service Kevin Green and Jared Bowman
Eastern Oregon Trail Alliance Eric Lubell and Lindsy Ciepiela
What it Takes to Do This Work Party
No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! USFS provides the training and tools you need
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18
What to Wear
Boots - no sneakers or sandals
Long pants
Leather gloves
Long-sleeved shirt
Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)
Ticks can be present: DEET for self, permethrin for clothes
A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.
What to Bring
We will be camping at Magone Lake Campground. Bring tent, sleeping gear, clothing and food for the weekend.
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
Blues Crew Supplied Gear
Hard hat
Safety gear
First aid kit
USFS Supplied Gear
Tools
More Information
Contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136