The Department of Environmental Management, Division of Forests and Parks is writing in support of AMC / Mt. Greylock Trail Coordinator's proposal to extend the Mt. Greylock volunteer trail crew program for two additional weeks.  Extending this valuable service and volunteer experience provides numerous benefits to the trails and natural resources of Mt. Greylock, to the many users and to the continued development of the volunteer stewardship program.

I would also like to comment on the exemplary work that was completed this year by the Mt. Greylock Trail Crew leaders, the volunteers and Deno Contos.  The trail work done on Roaring Brook Trail on Mt. Greylock State Reservation and on the A.T. within the Mt. Everest State Reservation are showcase examples of how to build a sustainable trail and tackle the most difficult obstacles.  I look forward to working with AMC in improving the many miles of trails within the Forests and Parks of Region 5.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Barnes, Region 5 Trail Coordinator

Dear Morgan,

This past weekend the Yankee Clippers trail crew for the North Chapter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club had the priviledge of being instructed by Deno Contos in using griphoists and in building trail structures with rock.  Under his instruction we were able to complete a project on a section of the AT that has suffered erosion and abuse by four-wheelers.  We were able to build a vehicle barrier by moving rocks larger than we imagined possible.  We were also able to crib the edge of the trail to keep it from slipping into a washed-out erosion channel.  Deno made sure we did it right and did it safely.  His knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm have given us skills we are ready to use on other projects in our region.

Next year we have plans to replace a wooden retaining wall with stone in Caledonia State Park.  The scope of the project will certainly require an ATC trail crew and skills beyond what we presently have.  We would be greatly pleased to have Deno available to teach us how to build retaining walls to start off the project.

Deno is a commendable instructor.  Thank you for making him available to teach us.

Sincerely,

Pete Brown
President, North Chapter &
Pennsylvania District Trails Manager