An Incredible Act of Kindness

SWV has been very active this summer with numerous projects primarily geared around trail clearing. With the USFS staffing at an all time low, there are no resources available to address the constant issue of access to trails and lakes in the Emigrant and Carson-Iceberg wildernesses. On multiple occasions as our crews of volunteers are clearing trails – either with chainsaws outside wilderness or bucksaws inside wilderness, visitors (hikers and backpackers) have stopped to ask "who are you?", "what are you doing?" and are we part of the USFS. These visitors have universally thanked us for our work and dedication to keeping this incredible resource accessible.

On a recent project, 3 SWV volunteers were clearing down trees from the Waterhouse Trailhead to the wilderness boundary. All the work was outside of wilderness so we used a chainsaw for cutting trees. We had other assorted tools with us as well. We cleared 7 trees starting from the trailhead to the wilderness boundary – which is about 0.8 miles in length. We cleared the last two trees which were about 150 yards from the wilderness boundary. We then broke for lunch. While we were having lunch, 4 backpackers came up the granite from Waterhouse Lake. This is a bit of a climb especially with backpacks on. Two dads and their daughters – 10th graders. The girls were a bit tired but of good nature. They asked what we were doing and we indicated we were clearing trail and they wouldn’t have to climb over trees on their way back. They thanked us for our work. In the course of conversation, I joked, "If you want to grab a chainsaw and take it up to the trailhead and leave it next to the white SUV, I won’t object" or something like that. I was kidding of course since I have a backpack to carry the saw. They left. We finished lunch and headed back to where our gear was (150 yards from lunch). My chainsaw was gone and so was a brand new 4lb head axe. They were the only people who passed us so we surmised they must have taken the gear. Sure enough, when we got back to the trailhead, the saw and axe were standing on a log next to our vehicle. I was stunned since they were carrying backpacks and the saw comes in around 14 pounds. The trail from the boundary back to the trailhead is all uphill.

We stopped at Mia’s – the local pizza restaurant in Cold Springs and encountered them having pizza and refreshments. I thanked them profusely and told them that my comment was in jest having no idea that they would actually take our tools out. They mentioned they were very grateful for us (SWV) volunteering to clear trail for the benefit of people like them.

The most important takeaways for me on this was (1) an unselfish act of kindness and (2) demonstrating to their daughters what that looks like. and (3) paying it forward thanking us for our work in keeping their resource accessible. I was truly moved.

We just need more people in the world like that.

Jeff Hawley
President, Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers
510 701-5212 (m)
jbhawley1
President