Jersey Hoover

Wilderness Fellow Ranger

East Fork Mayfield Trail

Salmon-Challis National Forest | Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

Coming off a previous hitch of strenuous terrain and seldom work, I was eager for a change of pace. Mayfield offered just that. If I could mold a hitch into perfection, it would consist of everything Mayfield offered. The work-to-hike ratio was ideal, the terrain was mild compared to what we were used to, and I felt I was serving a purpose. Perhaps I would change some things for safety, such as the weather. However, I am not the one to control that. Plus, it adds to the adventure and the story.

*Strawberries along the East Fork Mayfield Trail*

We began our hitch with an easy 5-mile hike on a dirt bike trail, just outside the wilderness, on FLAT terrain; yes, I said flat. A concept unknown to us after our season in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Little strawberries lined the trail, keeping us refreshed as we moved forward. We set up our camp outside the burn area we would be working in for the next seven days. Each day consisted of a 4-mile hike into the wilderness where we began to see some elevation change. Nothing we could not handle at this point in the season. This portion of the trail had not seen maintenance in many years, so we had our work cut out for us (no pun intended).

*Heather walking along the Mayfield trail, just pass the wilderness border*

The following days proved themselves to be eventful. As I was cutting a tree, I heard some aggressive noises coming from the other side of the ridge, high winds followed by multiple trees falling. When I turned to see what was happening, I saw a small tornado making its way over and down the ridge, gaining speed and size as it moved downward toward us. Thankfully it dispersed before it got too close, but it was a thrilling sight. This would not be the last adrenaline pump of the hitch. The next day presented an intense hail and lightning storm that had us cold, soaked, and holding lightning position for roughly 45 minutes. Although the condition was not ideal, we kept light conversations of warm thoughts to keep our minds at ease. As strange as it sounds, it was enjoyable. It is the rough times that really bond us as a crew. When we were comfortable starting work again, we watched a tree fall 50 yards in front of us (the first of two trees I would watch fall this hitch). That was our sign to leave the area, so we quickly gathered the tools, sending a burning sting down Alex and my arms, as the lighting had electrically charged our tools.

That same day, back at camp we watched a large hawk prey upon a squirrel and fly away just feet in front of us! The following day a red fox trotted down the trail right through our camp!

This being Heather and my’s last hitch of the season brought many bittersweet emotions. At times we were ready to be done, and at others, the thought of leaving this work and each other was nothing but upsetting. As a crew, we conquered challenges we could not have imagined and experienced lifetime highs. It is a bonding one cannot put into words. The East Fork Mayfield Trail was the perfect hitch to end our season. We cleared 342 trees and brought the beginning portion of the trail back to life.

JERSEY HOOVER

Salmon-Challis National Forest | Frank Church-RONR Wilderness

Northern Michigan University

Major: Criminal Justice & Wildlife Conservation

Jersey is a senior at Northern Michigan University where she studies Criminal Justice and Wildlife Conservation. She plans to enter the DNR as a Conservation Officer proceeding graduation. Jersey grew up participating in outdoor activities and took a particular interest in bowhunting at a young age. She now spends most of her time in the backcountry on hunting or backpacking trips. Her great interest in wilderness conservation and desire to explore the western states led her to join the 2023 SBFC Wilderness Ranger Fellowship crew!