Bird 1: October Trail Crew Update

Progress on Bird 1 this month was defined by perseverance through some of the most challenging terrain encountered on the project so far. Early in the month, the crew contended with an unforgiving stretch of bluffside construction where rocks of every size seemed determined to slow progress. Large immovable formations, buried rock shelves, and constant obstacles forced the machine to search for workable routes through the landscape. In one particularly challenging area, the alignment followed a bluff line for nearly 60 feet before a path forward could be found.

Despite those difficulties, persistence paid off. By mid-month, the trail had climbed onto a ridgeline where soils improved and construction conditions became much more favorable. With fewer rocks and roots to contend with, the crew was able to focus on shaping sustainable trail tread and refining several difficult switchbacks that had required extra attention during the rocky sections below.

As construction continued, productivity increased through gentler sidehill terrain and improved soil conditions. The month also provided opportunities for professional development, with Trail Crew Supervisor Justin Justice spending time cross-training on the machine to expand operational capacity for the crew.

The final stretch of the month offered a reminder that trail building rarely stays easy for long. Rocky and root-filled terrain returned, and the crew also had to dedicate time to repairing sections of tread disturbed by feral hog activity. Even so, forward progress continued, and the team maintained momentum through the obstacles.

By the end of the month, the Bird 1 crew had completed 1,232 feet of new trail, successfully pushing through one of the most technically challenging portions of the route. With the toughest bluffside construction behind them and more favorable terrain ahead, the project is well positioned for continued progress in the coming weeks.