Cumberland Valley A.T. Club Monitoring Fridays - 8/2

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CVATC ’s section of the trail is 17 miles through the Cumberland Valley. Through the valley, there are 34 miles of boundary and 468 boundary survey markers. Each year, the survey markers need to be accounted for and the boundary line that connects the survey markers needs to be cleared and observed for any encroachments. Please join us to monitor and protect the integrity of the lands surrounding the Appalachian Trail footpath.

The AT Corridor Boundary exists to protect the Trail. Monitoring the Trail’s corridor boundary lines helps to prevent harmful encroachments on the Trail’s valued landscape.This work ensures that the corridor is kept free from encroachments and illegal uses as well as finding and maintaining the boundary’s surveyed monuments (see below).

The group will bushwhack along the survey lines, using map, compass and GPS, to locate the survey monuments, record their details, repaint "witness" and "line" trees with yellow paint blazing and place U.S. Boundary signs as needed. Some clearing of brush along the boundary sight lines may also be required. If you like to get off the beaten path and learn new orientation skills, this would be a perfect hiking activity for you.

Corridor monitoring involves hiking off Trail and is not your typical hike. The picture below shows the AT footpath in yellow and the Trail’s boundary in blue/purple. The red dots represent the survey markers. Be sure to wear long pants and sturdy boots. Bring along loppers if you have any, work gloves, and plenty of appropriate layers for varying weather conditions. CVATC will provide tools and training, as needed. Please be sure to also bring snacks and enough water for a morning in the woods.

Interested? This weekly outing meets at 9:00 AM, and folks are usually back to their vehicles by 12:00 PM.

Advanced registration necessary (deadline to sign up is July 31)