NFCT-Waterway Work Trip-2015 Upper Ammonoosuc River, NH Access Ramp July 9th-11th

Introduction: The Upper Ammonoosuc River is a tributary of the Connecticut River and flows east to west across New Hampshire. NFCT through paddlers typically paddle upstream passing through the towns of Groveton and Stark before taking out in West Milan and portaging up RT 110A to the Androscoggin River. Day-trippers, or weekend paddlers typically take the trip in reverse, putting in at West Milan and taking out in Stark or Groveton. The NFCT has been developing relationships along the Ammonoosuc for years, and as a result, we have a number of campsites and project locations along its banks.

This year, we will be installing bin privy systems at two campsite locations. If extra time allows we will work on prepping a river access put in/takeout in the town of Stark.

Driving Directions and Meeting Location: From Groveton: Turn onto RT 110/ Berlin Groveton Hwy. Go approximately 12.4 miles. You will venture through the town of Stark and towards West Milan. Turn left onto Hart Rd. It’s a dirt road. Go approximately .4 miles. Just before the train tracks, on the left, pull in and park next to the NFCT truck (white F150). From West Milan: Gord’s Corner Store(Closest place to get supplies) is located at the Junction of RT110A and 110. From here, go west on RT 110 roughly 3.9 miles. Turn Right onto Hart Rd. Go approximately .4 miles. Just before the train tracks, on the left, pull in and park next to the NFCT truck (white F150). From the truck the campsite is a short walk (.2 miles) down river along the train tracks. We will arrange meeting you at the NFCT truck.

Follow this link for a Google Map of the project

Camping and Facilities:

We will be staying at Cordwell(map 7, point of interest 13) night 1, and Frizzell (map 7, point of interest 16) night 2. Both are designated campsites along the NFCT. These sites are considered primitive. We will have several locations where tents can be set up under tree cover. We will establish a kitchen area in camp and eat at a picnic table. There is an established privy a short walk from camp in both locations. It is recommended that you bring camping gear with you. If you have any camping gear needs please contact NFCT Trail Director, Walter Opuszynski at [email protected] or by dialing (802) 496-2285 x2, we may be able to lend you what you need.

We will provide anti-bacterial gel and toilet paper, please bring all other sanitary items you may need.

Food: The cost of this WWT goes towards purchasing food for the NFCT interns and volunteers. NFCT interns will prepare meals. Meals will range from dutch oven pizza to chocolate chip pancakes and everything in between. We will have ample drinking water available as well as a variety of powdered drink mixes. We will also have tea and coffee available. Please notify us of any food preferences/allergies.

What to Bring:  Personal camping gear (include rain gear, a tent, eating utensils, dishes, cup, flashlight, etc.)  Work Gloves  Water Bottle  Paddling Gear (If you are interested in paddling opportunities)

We will provide: Tools will be provided. Food will be provided by the NFCT (Please notify us of any food preferences/allergies)

Paddling: There will be group paddling opportunities weaved into the WWT, as well as time for solo pursuits at the end of the day. These will not be guided tours as our NFCT Interns are not trained as certified guides although they will have Wilderness First Aid Certification and open/fast water paddle skills and rescue training. We will decide as a group the nature of the group paddling opportunities. We can work as a group to create different paddles to meet people’s abilities and comfort levels. If you have any paddling needs or questions please contact NFCT Trail Director, Walter: [email protected] (802)496-2285 x2#

Paddling opportunities for this WWT will be focused on the Ammonoosuc River. We will be paddling from the Cordwell site to the Frizzell site. Personal outings can be taken at the end of each day and we can help cater these to your skill level.

WWT Project Description:

We will be installing two bin privy systems. Project materials and tools will be available on site, although may need to be moved from place to place. We will be following previously developed designs (pictured below) to construct/install each bin privy. The NFCT Intern Crew will be fully equipped with any tools needed throughout the construction process.

Figure 1 and 2. Image of a bin privy similar to what will be built in 2015

A group of waterway stewards on a 2014 Upper Ammonoosuc Waterway Work Trip.

Upper Ammonoosuc Waterway Work Trip Schedule

Friday July 9 5 PM: Please arrive around 5 pm. This should ensure that there is adequate time for you to set-up your tent and settle in before dinner. This will also allow us to finish any required paperwork and give you a campsite orientation so you can feel right at home! 6 PM: Dinner will be served. Please let us know if you have any food requirements or allergies. If for some reason you will not make it for Friday’s dinner, please let us know this as well. 7 PM: Take advantage of local paddling opportunities. Tell tall tales around the campfire, or enjoy some firelight guitar playing!

Saturday July 10 8 AM: Breakfast 9 AM: Work Projects 12 PM: Lunch 1 PM: Work Projects 5 PM: Break for Evening 6 PM: Dinner 7 PM: Evening activities/paddling

Sunday July 11 8 AM: Breakfast 9 AM: Work Projects 12 PM: Lunch 1 PM: Paddling Adventure/Wrap-Up and Departure

**Schedule and project descriptions may change. You will be notified as we get closer to the WWT if this happens** Please fill out and return all Waterway Work Trip Forms by June 2nd.

These maps show campsite locations where we will be performing work.