NORTH COAST, Calif. – Fostered by the United States Forest Service, Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, volunteers and local supporters, the Hammerhorn Lake Project in the Mendocino National Forest is truly a community project.
Planning and funding for this project started early last year, but the bulk of the work was done during the week of Oct. 24 to 30.
Mendocino National Forest staff from the Covelo and the Upper Lake Ranger Districts partnered with volunteers and local business to complete several service projects.
Volunteers led the effort and completed the majority of the work during the service week. Volunteers involved included Nate O’Ferrall, Doyle Brown, Randy Vann, Tony and Sheena Kanownik, Mary Lou Mileck, Susan Rudich, and Tim and Leanne Hurt.
One major project involved carving out a new 1,870-foot pathway and installing four foundations for two walking bridges.
The original accessible pathway was only 800 feet; adding an additional 1,870 feet created a new accessible pathway that will encompass the remote and peaceful lake.
Local businesses also contributed including M&M Feed, Wylatti Resource Management, Grist Creek Aggregates, Northern Builders Supply, Chris Wilson, Willits Redwood Co. and Redwood Empire Sawmill.
Other work accomplished by this group included removal of old barriers and installation of 30 new barriers within the campground; repair and painting of the accessible bathroom; repairs of siding and installation of two new building vents on the water treatment shed; grading of the campground road system, twice; removal of numerous hazard trees within the campground and along the pathway; mowing and vegetation removal within the lake several times; installation of several turtle structures; prepping of drinking waterline for next year’s upgrade; replacement of damaged post for the main gate; cleaning out fire pits; and general up-keep of the campground.
Total volunteer time for this project exceed 300 hours – labor plus equipment time.
Future plans for this project include final construction of the two wooden walking bridges; upgrading and replacement of 1,200 feet of the waterline that provides potable water to the campground; installation of four educational information signs; and re-sloping a small part of the new pathway to meet accessibility standards.
Additionally, private donations and state and/or federal grants are being pursued in order to install 1,870 feet of chip seal with safety barriers.
If you would like to assist with this project or have additional questions please contact the Mendocino National Forest, Covelo Ranger District Office at 78150 Covelo Road, or by phone at 707-983-6118.
Forest Service employees and volunteers come together for community project
- Lake County News reports
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