Gold Meadows Historic Cabin Stabilization

A Project Worth Waiting For...........

On August 14, 2001 a diverse work crew led by Hart Paulat, Forest historic building specialist, and comprised of PIT volunteers, outfitters, Forest backcountry trail crews, and Forest maintenance and clerical workers finally left the Mocus Trailhead along the Lochsa River. They headed 12 miles into the roadless backcountry where Gold Meadows Cabin, built by the Forest Service in 1925, awaited their much-needed attention.

As project coordinator, I thought this day would never come. Grants and partners were gathered together in 1998 in support of this project. However, it wasn't until this year that the project had the support of "Mother Nature". Every year as we geared up for the project we were stopped, either by snow or wildfire, at this high elevation meadow. In June, 2000 all the stabilization supplies and tools were finally taken to the site by packstring and helicopter, only to be stored inside the cabin all winter. Wildfires caused the project to be cancelled just 1 week before PIT volunteers, some from across the country and with airline tickets, were to arrive.

But this was a project worth waiting for, and the dedication of our partners kept it alive. Idaho Heritage Trust dedicated to Saving Historic Idaho for Tomorrow repeatedly extended our grant deadlines. Each year Lochsa River Outfitters adjusted their business schedule to accommodate supplying a backcountry camp, cook, and packing support for the work crew. It was an exceptional partnership forged with unique funding sources. The project matched Idaho Heritage Trust funds with Lochsa River In-Kind services. The Forest then used Outfitter and Guide Recreation Enhancement funds to leverage these contributions. Lochsa River Outfitters, owned for generations by the Nygaard family, have periodically used this cabin over many years under a Granger-Thye permit along with Forest Service trail and fire crews, and other recreational visitors. Nygaards were instrumental in keeping this cabin from being burned and destroyed when many administrative structures were destroyed in the 1960s. They requested that some of the Forests Outfitter and Guide Recreation Enhancement funds be used to support this project.a

As is usually the case, there was still insufficient project funding. It was critical that each dollar and work element be matched and leveraged. The project partnered Forest Service workers skilled in backcountry, primitive skills with volunteers eager to learn. This provided enough personpower to move all the logs and dirt. These movers of logs and dirt became affectionately known as, The Mules.

Forest Service packstrings worked with outfitter strings to move all the needed supplies. The Forests zoned fire organization pitched in, moving supplies into the cabin site as part of a long-line training exercise. The dedicated and talented work crew put in long hours for 8 sunny days completing more work and craftsmanship than was ever expected. The outside of the cabin received new sill logs, a new roof, new doors, windows, shutters, and stain. Foundation rocks were replaced and stabilized and drainage was installed. Inside a safer chimney and hearth was put in along with a hardwood floor and propane lighting.

The project turned out better than we could have ever imagined. Although the cabin had deteriorated significantly since project planning began 4 years ago, through Recreation Enhancement and Idaho Heritage Trust funding, crews were able to not only stabilize and refurbish the cabin, but also do extensive landscaping to provide adequate drainage around the cabin. We hope this will prevent future deterioration of the cabin resulting from wet foundation conditions, and allow recreational visitors to enjoy the opportunity to visit this unique and original backcountry ranger station.

Carol A. Hennessey
Clearwater National Forest