Completion Form

2020

Restoration and reconstruction of this phase of implementation was completed in accordance with the engineering survey and design that was provided through previous funding by the Utah Habitat Council in 2016.

Implementation included replacement of the treated timber boardwalk through installation of a composite grating surface (Strongwell Duradeck).  Installation work was completed through utilization of a crew from Utah State University, Utah Conservation Corps.  Installation was performed primarily by hand and with small tools due to remote location and accessibility of the site.
Supervision and leadership of the project was provided through a Forest Service enterprise team, Trails Unlimited, as well as Ashley National Forest recreation specialists.  Volunteers from Daggett County Trails and local outfitter and guides assisted in removing materials from the existing wooden boardwalk as well as transportation of materials to the site.

Over 600 feet of the existing boardwalk was removed and replaced with new trail platform. 
 Sections of the composite grating surface were securely anchored into the existing gabion baskets utilizing all thread rod and steel plate anchors. Damaged gabion baskets were repaired or rebuilt according to the engineering design.

Funds from the Utah Habitat Council were used by Trout Unlimited in purchasing materials necessary for the project in spring 2020.   Funding for additional supplies as well as labor were provided by the Ashley National Forest, which included a grant from the Federal Recreational Trails Program administered through Utah Parks and Recreation.
Installation work to be completed primarily by hand and with small tools due to remote location and accessibility of the site.

Installation reports provided by the Utah Conservation Corps and Forest Service Enterprise Team are attached, as well as other photos of implementation work.

Little Hole National Recreation Trail Stabilization Project
a True Collaborative Effort

The FY20 phase of the Little Hole Trail Implementation project was successfully completed as planned.  In 2020, over 600 feet of additional trail platform was installed, utilizing the Utah Habitat Council funding provided to Trout Unlimited and in cooperation with the Ashley National Forest.

The completion of this phase of the project was truly a collaborative effort.   Funds provided through the Habitat Council were leveraged with Trout Unlimited funds, Federal Recreational Trail program funding, and Forest Service appropriated dollars.   In addition, this phase of the project and funds spent in FY20 will be as matching funds towards a Utah Recreation Restoration Infrastructure grant approved for the project through yet another cooperator, the Flaming Gorge Community Foundation in the amount of $140,000 to be spent on the next phase of project implementation in FY21.

Project goals have been met or exceeded as the sections of trail will directly reduce sedimentation into the Green River through the type of construction that can withstand the fluctuation river levels from varying volumes of release from Flaming Gorge Dam.  In addition, improved access is now available on these sections for anglers and others utilizing the trail.

Attempts were also made by Trout Unlimited to further leverage the funds in FY20 through applications to the National Forest Foundation, but unfortunately the project was not selected for funding under the program that year.

Additional phases of the project are planned utilizing funds from the other grants mentioned and completion of all phases is hoped for by FY2023.

Donald Jaques

05/25/2021 15:47:05