Microburst 8/3/2024 Status

Mark Vollaro and Terry Gallagher worked on this large
Tulip Tree across the Rec Path near Wesley Drive

We were finally starting to catch up with all the overgrowth and then yesterday a severe thunderstorm passed through and now parts of Shelton look like a hurricane hit. The Shelton Lakes area seems to be particularly hard hit. Plan your hikes accordingly! 

We're working on it! We "blowdown" map we maintain to track where a chainsaw is needed. The map is public, so if you come across a tree across the trail and are wondering if we know about it, take a look at the map. If it's not on there, we probably don't know about it. 

Part of our Google chainsaw map showing one log that needs to be 
cut and three green check marks for trails that have been cleared
after the 8/3/2024 storm

Here's the custom Google Map showing blowdowns. We also have a temporary layer for this storm with green check marks for when a trail section has been marked "clear."  

With 32 miles of hiking trails to maintain, we do rely on reports from out trail users. If you see something, say something! After a big storm, even just a notice that a particular trail is clear gives us useful information and saves us a walk to check it out. Reports can be emailed to sheltontrailscommittee@gmail.com, or post something on the Trail Facebook Group. Please be as specific and detailed as possible, or it doesn't really help. That said, when we have widespread damage on a trail, it's not necessary to document the details of ten or twenty spots where branches and logs are across the trail. In that case, what we need to know is generally how bad it is (e.g. "impassible!") and what tools are needed. Exact locations of large diameter logs (>6") requiring a big chainsaw are most needed. Screenshots of your location on a trails app are super helpful, as are photos of the tree damage. 

Map app screenshots
are really helpful

We also really appreciate trail users who are able to clear back some of the smaller trail blockages, often from tree crown branches. Many of these types of blockages can be partly or entirely cleared with loppers and handsaws. Many thanks!