Maintainer's Potluck - ODATC - Jan. 19, 2013

The fire pit at the Wolfe Shelter .... cold and snowy ....

a good time for a potluck where it's a little bit warmer!

(Photo: Lori A.)

Hi All -

What a fabulous turnout for the January Maintainer's Potluck. There were 20 people in attendance, each bringing a delicious dish to share. Trail Maintenance is a team effort and it's wonderful to get maintainers together to socialize off the trail and provide input for the coming year(s). Our focus this year is on Section Maintenance and to obtain, train, and retain those willing to keep up their own little section of AT. Karen went through a draft list of section maintainer responsibilities, to help new people understand what's involved when they make this commitment, and to let them know they are not alone. There are always resources to help. The documents we discussed have been sent to you by email. Remember, they are drafts and we would really welcome your thoughts and ideas.

We also went over accomplishments for 2012 and goals for 2013. They are listed below for you to review. Remember, this is a team effort so anytime you have input, suggestions, comments, please feel free to chat with me or Fran.

A full account of our potluck festivities can be found here on the blog at the following links (or scroll down to the posts):

Maintainer's Potluck: Food & Social

Maintainer's Potluck: Planning

Accomplished in 2012:

1. Improved First Aid Kits (FAB - First Aid Bags)
2. Improve First Aid Cards
3. February Trail Assessment completed
4. Helmets for Sawyers (got lots of PPE from USFS)
5. Tool Shed Inventory completed
6. Hiker/Maintainer Weekend (September Trail Maintenance Picnic fill this requirement?)

New for 2013:

1. Keep it fun!
2. Better communications with Section Maintainers
3. Share Trail Assessments and prioritize work
4. Get fresh eyes on sections
5. Re-think purchase of GPS Camera
6. Advertise need for Section Maintainers at the ODATC General Meeting, etc.

Leftover from 2012:

1. Summary statistics on the web
2. Better Yearly Planning - Photographs and GPS
3. Sharpen tools
4. Maintainer's Cookbook/Dining Guide - Recipes are on the blog. Need Contributions!

2013 ODATC Maintenance Dates:

• See the 'WORK TRIP DATES' tab on the blog.

This is a lot of information in one email. Sorry, don't mean for information to overload!

Thanks for all your help and looking forward to a fun and rewarding 2013.

Lori