Four RATC volunteer sawyers were part of the initial “AT Saw Teams” undertaking on the Mount Rogers AT Club section of the Trail near Sugar Grove, VA, on November 14-15, 2024. Pete Irvine sent us this blog post and said, “It was a privilege to be part of this effort.”
Volunteer sawyers from 5 AT Trail Clubs at Trimpi Shelter
The endeavor was organized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which sent out a targeted request. The goal was to remove trees blown down due to Hurricane Helene on USDA Forest Service lands in and around Raccoon Branch Wilderness, located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area near Trimpi Shelter (FarOut mm 524.6). Ten volunteer sawyers responded, coming from as far away as Pennsylvania. Represented were the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), Natural Bridge AT Club (NBATC), Outdoor Club of Virginia Tech (OCVT), and RATC. RATC sawyers included Trail Supervisor Jim Webb, John Hvozdovic, Eric Leedom, and Pete Irvine.
Jim Webb on the axe.
The team was given extensive safety briefings, and the weather on Day 1 was cold and rainy. Nevertheless, the AT Saws Teams cut out more than 80 blown-down trees, including several mature oaks over 30” inches in diameter. Chainsaws and hand tools were used to clear brush, limbs, and 52 trees outside the Wilderness area on the Trail and blue-blazed side trails to Trimpi Shelter, the water source, and the privy. Within the Wilderness, no power tools are allowed, so crosscut saws and hand tools were used to clear brush, limbs, and 31 trees from the trail.
Jim Webb and a 19” hickory after crosscut work.
Organization and leadership were provided by MRATC Trail Supervisor Doug Levin, ATC High Country Regional Manager Jerry Kyle, and Interim ATC Virginias Regional Director Kathryn Herndon-Powell. The AT Resiliency Fund, which is created by ATC, covered food costs for the volunteers and provided lodging at the Merry Inn Hostel in nearby Marion, VA.
Similar events are planned for the future. There are many more miles of the Appalachian Trail that remain partially or totally blocked due to impact from Helene.
Dave on a day of ridgerunning with Carvins Cove in the background
If you have hiked the AT between Georgia and Virginia in the last decade, you likely saw or met Dave Youmans.
Dave was a champion and stalwart of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) in southwest Virginia and beyond. He passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in the company of his family and his life partner Amanda Kulkoski in Savannah, GA. Dave suffered a debilitating stroke during elective shoulder surgery in June.
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Dave moved to the Roanoke, Virginia area in 2013 from northern Virginia after being the managing partner of a real estate company in Maryland, a diver for a maritime construction and transportation firm in Louisiana, and a psychiatric social worker for the state of Delaware. An avid hiker, traveler, and outdoor lover; he quickly became involved with the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC).
With RATC, from 2014-2022, Dave volunteered in many roles: trail maintainer, land management supervisor, and club representative to the Virginia A.T. Regional Partnership Committee. He was also part of the inaugural cohort of Volunteer Ridgerunners, when the McAfee Knob Task Force was created in 2015. In 2014 and 2015, he volunteered a total of 9 weeks on the ATC Konnarock, Rocky Top, and Mid-Atlantic Trail Crews.
In 2016, Dave became an ATC staff member as Crew Leader for both the Konnarock and Rocky Top trail crew programs. With Konnarock, Dave worked on A.T. projects including the Justus Mtn trail relocation (GA), Standing Indian Mtn trail rehabilitation (NC), Backbone Rock relo (TN), and in Virginia: Mount Rogers High Country rehab, Bluff City relo, New River relo, Highcock Knob relo, and Rockfish Gap rehab.
In 2017, Dave became the A.T. Catawba Mountain Ridgerunner – a seasonal ATC staffer working daily on a popular, heavily-used, and impacted 40-mile section of the A.T. covering “Virginia’s Hiking Triple Crown”, including McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs (both on National Park Service lands), and Dragon’s Tooth (on USDA Forest Service lands). He remained in this role for four years – personally contacting, informing, and educating hikers, backpackers, trail runners, rock climbers, and dog walkers; while also leading and supporting more than two dozen volunteer ridgerunners of the McAfee Knob Task Force (MKTF). As Ridgerunner, Dave was the face of ATC, of RATC, and of the A.T. to thousands of A.T. visitors each season.
Amanda and Dave first met in August 2017 at Campbell Shelter while she was backpacking and he was on-duty as the Catawba Ridgerunner. Dave offered his contact information for any future trip-planning needs, Amanda followed up, and a long-distance romance was born.
In 2021, while continuing to be an active RATC volunteer, Dave became the Mountain Region Public Access Steward for the Natural Heritage Program of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Although this role took him away from the A.T., he continued to protect southwest Virginia’s beloved hiking destinations by interpreting the natural history and local regulations to visitors at Buffalo Mountain and Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserves.
In late 2022, Dave relocated to Savannah, Georgia to live with Amanda, while maintaining his house in Roanoke. Amanda and several of Dave’s family members will celebrate his life on a hike to Tinker Cliffs this summer.
Few individuals impact the A.T. and the people who visit it in so many different ways in such a short time as Dave did. He was able to engage effectively with a wide range of people from fellow volunteers to both tenderfeet and experienced trail hikers to agency decision-makers and affect positive change, always with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Thank you, Dave – wishing you challenging trails and far views.
In remembrance of Dave, his family suggests donating to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Memory of David Youmans, aka “Ranger Dave”.
Dave takes a break with the Konnarock Crew during Week 9 of the Bluff City Relo.
“I will always remember those dark smiling eyes and his snarky yet good-spirited humor.” — DIANA CHRISTOPULOS, RATC Archivist & McAfee Knob Task Force Ridgerunner; past President of RATC and past member of ATC President’s Leadership Circle
“Dave always embodied what it means to be a steward of the Trail. He was hard working and up for any task; joyful in service and truly happy to do the small things, both asked and unasked. Those many small acts of service over many years added up to an incredible contribution to the AT partnership, to the RATC, and to the Trail he loved.”— ANDREW DOWNS, Senior Regional Director-South, ATC
“He always had a smile ready.”— JIM WEBB, RATC Trail Supervisor
“Dave stepped up to be Catawba Mountain Ridgerunner when we were in a tight spot and needed to hire quickly. I don’t think speaking with strangers was his comfort zone at first, but he was great at it. His genuine love of the Trail just shone through in a way that was contagious, for visitors and for everyone he worked with. He led by example with that quiet authenticity. It’s hard to set foot on the Trail in our region without touching something that Dave helped protect or improve.”— Kathryn Herndon-Powell; Central Virginia Regional Manager, ATC
“I “followed” Dave as the Catawba Ridgerunner starting in 2021 and have heard so many stories from so many people about him and his time working for ATC. I deeply appreciate the work he did and the legacy he leaves behind.” — SUZANNE NEAL; Catawba Ridgerunner, 2021-ongoing, ATC
“Dave was always so full of life and a pleasure to be around. He was truly dedicated to the Trail.” — MIKE VAUGHN; past RATC Trail Supervisor
“After camping at Lambert’s Meadow during an overnight patrol, I thought I was getting an early start only to find Dave already cooking oatmeal on top of Tinker Cliffs. As we sat, talked, and ate breakfast, the sky turned black. The hike/wade/slip down the Andy Layne Trail together left us looking like muddy drowned rats – Dave was smiling ear-to-ear the whole time.” — BRIAN WILSON; NPS A.T. Law Enforcement Ranger
“Dave was a happy, outgoing, knowledgeable trail and nature lover who passionately followed his heart, while living life to the fullest.” — BRIAN BOGGS; RATC Board Member and McAfee Knob Task Force Representative
“I always admire how Dave could find humor in even the most serious of conversations and situations. He was always a great friend and will be deeply missed. His legacy of love for life, the Trail, and the Trail community lives on in all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.” — CONNER McBANE; Natural Resources Manager, ATC
“Every single work hike or McAfee Knob Task Force hike I ever went on, I hoped I would run into Dave on the Trail. I truly did. I will miss him.” — MARK FARRELL; RATC member and Trail volunteer
“Dave was the perfect Public Access Technician for the Mountain Region (2021-2022). He expertly navigated his interactions with the public to both protect Virginia’s rarest habitats and help visitors to Natural Area Preserves have the best possible experiences.” — RYAN KLOPF; Mountain Region Steward & Natural Areas Science Coordinator, Natural Heritage Program of Virginia Dept. of Conservation & Recreation
“Dave was a wonderful mentor for volunteer Ridgerunners – knowledgeable and full of good humor.” — SUSAN TERWILLIGER; RATC Secretary and McAfee Knob Task Force volunteer Ridgerunner
“Dave is an inspiration as a life well-lived and a true hero of public lands who made an impact on everyone he taught, from meetings about agreements with boring District Rangers (sorry, Dave) to welcoming a new hiker to the outdoors at McAfee. Happy trails, Dave – you will be missed.” — DAN McKEAGUE; former USFS Eastern Divide District Ranger (2015-2020), current Deputy Regional Forester, USFS Northern Region, Missoula MT
“As Dave himself would say – “he was an OKAY guy.” (smile). I am lucky to have gotten to know and work with him.” — BILL NEILAN; past President of RATC
“Dave was a champ and was always great to work with. Whether dealing with a difficult Konnarock trail crew week or trying to reclaim an exceedingly challenging section of AT corridor boundary line, Dave never faltered and was always looking forward. His roguish grin was always appreciated, even more so when followed up with one of his dry comments. He did so much.” — JOSH KLOEHN, Senior Trail Operations Manager, ATC
“There are so many things I could say about working with Dave both as a volunteer and as a co-worker at Konnarock and Mid-Atlantic. However, the funniest was early-on, when teaching him and other crew volunteers about making “fine crush” for steps. I said, don’t hold a larger piece of rock crush between your thumb and index finger, or you may hit your hand. Dave immediately did exactly the opposite and hammered his thumb hard – he said: “You mean like this ?” — JERRY KYLE; High Country Regional Manager & Konnarock Trail Crew Program Manager, ATC
“Dave epitomized the enduring non-federal-governmental strength of the A.T. – as an ATC Trail Crew Leader, as ATC Catawba Ridgerunner, as RATC volunteer and club leader – always with his sly smile, that twinkle in his eye, his quick wit, and unfailing good cheer.” — PETE IRVINE; RATC volunteer troad maintainer and USFS-GWJeffNFs Trails Program Manager (retired)
Construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline is set to begin on October 26, 2023 in the vicinity of Symms Gap on the crest of Peters Mountain (NOBO mile 649.1) along the Appalachian Trail. For public safety, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has implemented a closure order that includes the area immediately surrounding the footpath through the construction zone. The AT footpath will remain open, but hikers are prohibited from stopping or loitering in the area covered by the closure order and temporary construction fencing will be installed along either side of the Trail.
Hikers may see lights or hear construction sounds in the vicinity of the construction zone.
Hikers should plan to hike continuously through the construction zone and follow all directions from posted signs and pipeline or USFS staff. For more information, contact the Jefferson National Forest’s Mountain Valley Pipeline Project at 1-888-603-0261. To view the closure order and accompanying map, visit the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests’ website and click on Closure Order – Peters Mountain Right-of-Way for the order information or the subordinate bullet Map of closure area for a map of the area.
Any questions should be directed to the USFS MVP Project at 1-888-603-0261.
The following is directly from a Forest Service News Release. Beth Christensen, District Ranger, Eastern Divide Ranger District 540-552-4641
Catawba, August 21, 2023 – The U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club announce a new effort to protect water quality, ecological integrity, and a rare species adjacent to the Dragon’s Tooth Trail in Craig County.
Special Biological Areas identified in the Jefferson National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan have specific management prescriptions and protections. This Special Biological Area encompasses the Dragon’s Tooth Trail and the Boy Scout Trail within the Jefferson National Forest, from the Dragon’s Tooth parking lot to the Appalachian Trail.
Visitors are asked to stay on the marked trail and camping is prohibited along these trails. Volunteers have posted signs directing visitors to stay on the marked trail and have roped off areas where vegetation needs to occur. Backpackers looking for a place to camp can continue to the Appalachian Trail where appropriate sites are available.
Beth Christensen, District Ranger on the Eastern Divide Ranger District, stated, “Forest visitors can help us save this unique ecosystem and promote its recovery. At first glance, areas adjacent to the Dragon’s Tooth Trail may look like many other places on the national forest and seem like a convenient place to camp. However, in the past year alone, the area impacted by camping has expanded by 10,000 square feet – trampling pirate bush and other species it needs to survive. By simply staying on the trail or hiking a little farther away from the stream to find a campsite, visitors can help improve this plant population.”
Alternative dispersed camping options include Lost Spectacles Gap, 1.5 miles from the parking area and 0.9 miles from Dragon’s Tooth at the junction of the Dragons Tooth Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Dispersed camping along the Appalachian Trail is permitted on National Forest lands.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all visitors in protecting this beloved area,” stated Tom McAvoy, Conservation Supervisor with the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. “RATC volunteers are working hard to re-vegetate this sensitive area by clearly marking it, and educating the public about why this place is so special. With everyone’s help, we can ensure the longevity of the Dragon’s Tooth ecosystem for generations to come.”
Only one percent of the Jefferson National Forest is designated as Special Biological Areas, a classification given to the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the Forest. The Dragon’s Tooth Special Biological Area protects pirate bush, a rare native plant that can only be found in a handful of areas in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Pirate bush, a parasitic shrub, can only survive in a specific, delicately balanced habitat. Due to the popularity of the Dragon’s Tooth hike, increasing camping impacts have severely threatened this rare plant and their population is dwindling. The soil compaction and vegetation loss impacting its habitat has also led to sedimentation and pollution of nearby streams. Several other uncommon plants grow here and by protecting the pirate bush these other species will also be protected.
Just in time for peak leaf season! Roanoke County is excited to partner with Ride Source to launch the new McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service. Starting on September 2, 2022 transportation will be provided from the Interstate 81 Exit 140 Park and Ride. The shuttle will take hikers to the National Park Service’s McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The shuttle service is available starting September 2, 2022, through November 27, 2022, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Shuttle hours will vary with Daylight Savings Time. The last shuttle will depart from the trailhead 15 minutes prior to service ending.
September: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. October: 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. November: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Roanoke, VA). The Catawba Mountain Fire Road has been reopened to hikers following major work to improve the road for both emergency vehicles and the hiking public. The gated Fire Road runs parallel to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) on National Park Service (NPS) lands northerly from the A.T. Trailhead Parking Area on VA-311, approximately 10 miles north of Salem, VA. It serves as emergency vehicle access for incidents in the McAfee Knob area, a popular panoramic viewpoint and hiking destination, as well as forming a loop hike opportunity with the A.T. The road has been closed to all public use since January 11 for this project.
Roadwork to Temporarily Close Catawba Mountain Fire Road to Hikers
Update: Due to weather delays, work did not begin on January 17 as planned. Work began February 7, and will continue until March 4.
(Roanoke, VA). Roadwork to improve the Catawba Mountain Fire Road for emergency vehicle use will require the road to be temporarily closed to hikers and all public use beginning Monday, January 17 through February 11. During this road closure, hikers will continue to be able to use the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to access McAfee Knob and beyond. This roadwork is weather-dependent and is being performed during the winter season to minimize disruption to hikers.
