PUMP recognized for Smith Creek trailwork

PUMP was recognized by the Mount St Helens Institute on Saturday October 25th for our work on the Smith Creek Trail.  Hailey Heath, from the Institute, presented David Anderson representing PUMP a Volunteer Appreciation Award and a Certificate thanking us for our work in clearing out the trail this past summer.  Members and Friends of PUMP put in well over 200 hours of work clearing out the Smith Creek trail this season.  The trail is in it's best condition since it was built in the 1980's.

Land Managers at the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Mount St Helens Institute really appreciate the amount of work put in by all volunteers who are an integral part in helping maintain and run this very special area.  The work by conducted by mountain bikers this summer has gone a long way in proving to the Forest Service and Institute that we really care how this area is managed.  It will help give us credibility in future land use decisions which may effect Mount St Helens.  The trail work by eight dedicated volunteers allow mountain bikers and hikers continued access of the Smith Creek drainage.  The Smith Creek trail is an integral part of the epic Ape Canyon/Smith Creek Loop trail system which is a challenging loop of about 24 miles and over 5,000 feet of climbing.  Reports indicate that a single speed mountain biker has done this challenging loop trail three times in one day.