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On November 18, 2006 the Monkey Creek section of the Florida Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest was officially reopened to hikers. The trail has had a bridge out for the past several years. I am proud to report that construction has been completed on thenew 80-foot free-span Monkey Creek Bridge. Congratulations to everyone who helped to build this massive structure.

The project was a great example of the partnership that FTA has been building with the Forest Service. Employees from both organizations, along with our Student Conservation Association (SCA) crew, and more than 30 FTA volunteers from nine different chapters worked hand-in-hand to complete the project. It took nine days and more than 1250 volunteer hours to complete the bridge construction.

It was a learning experience for everyone involved. A rigging workshop was incorporated in the project where new equipment and techniques were introduced. These new ideas were then brought out to the worksite and used to lift the heavy pieces of the bridge into place and to easily transport materials over the creek. Each side of the bridge weighed in at about 4,000 pounds and the whole bridge weighed close to 11,000 pounds. There were many lessons in problem solving, patience, and communication that came up throughout the project. There was a great sense of accomplishment once the first section of the bridge was floated out through the air, over the creek and onto the exact location of the bridge foundation within 1/8 of an inch.The weather cooperated for the most part. It did get a bit chilly on some nights, with frost forming on the outside of our tents. There was also a tornado watch issued one afternoon and we were forced to evacuate the forest. The crew had to spend the night at one of the Forest Service Work Centers. When the crew returned to base camp the next morning everything was still in place, exactly as we had left it.There are stil several more projects lined up for the F-Troop this season and it’s not too late to join the fun. Check the F-troop website for the latest information on past events and upcoming projects. Come out and learn a new skill, meet some new friends and give back to the trail. The F-Troop Wants You!

~~ Bob Woods / Trail Crew Program Coordinator

Apr. 7 Sat P/L Aucilla River Sinks Hike the FNST from Goose Pasture Rd south 4.3 miles along the Aucilla River in the scenic area of sinks and rises. (Limit 12) Walker Banning (850) 878-2270

Apr. 14 Sat P/L Apalachicola National Forest Hike the Florida Trail from FR 314 to the historic Langston House. It is nearly 100 years old. Bring water, lunch and insect repellant. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham @ lycos.com

Apr. 14 Sat P/M Apalachicola Ravines Hike Off trail exploratory hike on the Short Creek and Crooked Creek Tracts–the newest acquisitions of Torreya State Park, which connect it to the Aspalaga Tract. This is a preview of areas not yet open to the general public. Dress for the weather, bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, bag lunch, hiking stick, sturdy hiking shoes/boots and snacks. Meet at 8:15 am, return by 5:00 pm. Moderately difficult. Limited to 15. For information or registration: Howard Pardue (850) 523-8525.

Apr. 21 Sat P/L Wakulla Birding and Wildlife Festival Fun and educational activities for the whole family. The FTA Apalachee Chapter will sponsor an information booth. Come help at the booth 1 or 2 hours, then enjoy the festival. Call for information or to help with the booth. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

Apr. 28 CHANGED TO MAY 26 Sat P/L Bradwell Game Farm Tract Hike Enjoy hiking about 4 miles on old woods roads in rolling terrain through the scenic, historic Bradwell Game Farm Tract, off State Road 20 and bordering the Ochlockonee River in the Apalachicola National Forest. Sights include the Red Lodge, old cabin, pet cemetery, and “Bonnie and Clyde” car. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

Mar. 3 Sat P/S Annual Bradwell Bay Wilderness Swamp Stomp Slog about 8 miles in the heart of the Apalachicola National Forest, through one of the largest swamp forests in Florida. Rated by BACKPACKER Magazine as one of the 10 toughest hikes in the USA. If we’ve had rain, expect wading in ankle- to waist-deep water for over half of the hike. Bring lunch, hiking sticks, and extra dry clothes and shoes. Old, but sturdy, boots recommended. Kent Wimmer (850) 523-8576 kwimmer@fs.fed.us

Mar. 9-10 Fri-Sat P/M Annual Tate’s Hell Kayak & Canoe Trip Meet in Sumatra at the Costal Family Restaurant at 8:30 a.m. EST. We will go to the landing to unload gear and work out the shuttle to begin a 2-day adventure through Tate’s Hell. Bring sleeping gear, food, and water for the trip. Ronny Traylor (850)643-5517 rtraylor@fs.fed.us

Mar. 17 Sat P/L Sopchoppy River Hike View native azaleas and other blooming wildflowers on the FNST along the Sopchoppy River in the Apalachicola National Forest. Galen Moses (850) 926-9476 galenmoses@aol.com

Mar. 24 Sat P/L Annual Leon Sinks Geological Area Hike See native azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The interpretive trail winds through scenic terrain in the Apalachicola National Forest, including four major sinks, a natural bridge, a disappearing stream, and swamps. Trailhead parking fee - call for car-pool arrangements. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

Mar. 10 CHANGED TO MAR. 31 Sat P/L Bradwell Bay Wilderness - East Hike about 5 miles on the FNST in the eastern, non-swampy, part of the Wilderness. Bring water, lunch and insect repellant. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com

Feb. 3 Sat P/L Hike and Bridge Dedication Special hike on the Florida Trail along the Sopchoppy River to dedicate the 80-foot free-span bridge across Monkey Creek, which will reopen this section of trail to thru-hiking. Galen Moses (850) 926-9476 galenmoses@aol.com

Feb. 10 Sat P/M Fort Braden Hike Hike approximately 8 miles on the beautiful Fort Braden Trail in the Lake Talquin State Forest. Gwen Beatty (850) 942-7165 gfbeatty@yahoo.com

Feb. 17 Sat P/L Apalachicola National Forest Hike 4 miles on the Florida Trail from FR 321 to Oak Park Bridge. Bring water, lunch and insect repellant, and dress in layers. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com

Feb. 24 Sat P/L Munson Hills Trail Hike this multiuse trail 4.5 miles through scenic Munson Hills in the NE corner of the Apalachicola National Forest. The pine forest on moderately rolling terrain is habitat for fox squirrels. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com