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Potato Canyon (Magdalena RD)
Contact Leader(s): Jim (Sagebrush) Sells, 505-898-6345, j.sells@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: 15 volunteers cleared blowdowns and lopped 1.1 miles of Potato Trail switchbacks.
Description: In the Withington Wilderness, 30 miles southwest of Magdalena, one used to be able to descend from Forest Road 330 down well-engineered broad switchbacks on Potato Trail #38, later following a stream and riparian area. The length of the trail is over 5 miles, spanning the full width of the wilderness, starting at 9755 feet elevation, and descending to 6937 feet. After the 2016 North Fire, this area burned, many blowdowns and high erosion followed, and the trail has not been repaired since. Downed trees make it difficult or impossible to find the switchbacks, and since no one is able to walk on the actual trail, the tread is vanishing.
We will car-camp at the top (or at a location to be determined), and work on the switchback area, clearing trees, lopping, and possibly repairing tread. Since Potato Trail is part of the Grand Enchantment Trail, thru-hikers will appreciated the improvements we make.
Come Friday evening and camp out, or show up Saturday morning at 8AM, ready to work. If you can only come out and work one day, you are still welcome, but tell the project leader your plans in advance.
We will provide food on Friday dinner through to Sunday breakfast, but you need to bring your own lunches. There will be a limit of 15 people (since this is a wilderness area). Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals), long pants, hat, eye protection, gloves, day pack, and bring gear for rain. Bringing your own camp chair is a good idea.
Pets are not allowed on projects, sorry.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: Up to 15.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project. On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.