Ben Kvisler's Eagle Project

BEN KVISLER’SEAGLE PROJECT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project I intend to carry out is to mount steps along a steep section of theBridge to Nowhere Trail. To improve the trail I plan to anchor in ten 8 inch by 8 inch by6 foot pressure treated lumber steps into the ground and backfill between them to makelandings. By doing this I will make the trail more user friendly to the numerous hikerswho enjoy it each year. In addition, it will become more inviting and thus bring in moreof the community to admire what the trail’s scenery has to offer, such as the gorgeouslandscape and the famous yet mysterious “Bridge to Nowhere,” which has no roadconnected to it on either side. Also by installing these steps I will make this section of thetrail safer to hike. Instead of a steep dirt incline that some hikers may find troublesome totraverse, there will be steps. Furthermore, I plan to remove an existing berm located at thebeginning of the trail and construct a water bar further downhill, both of which willreduce erosion by redirecting water runoff from the adjacent hillside away from the trail. The date scheduled for the project is Saturday, February 6, 2010. It is to becompleted all on that day. The project is located at the trailhead of the Bridge to NowhereTrail at the end of the East Fork Road in the San Gabriel Canyon. I will be planning anddoing the project in collaboration with the San Gabriel Mountain Trailbuilders (SGMTB),who are an all-volunteer public service organization dedicated to constructing andmaintaining the local hiking trials. They have certified trail bosses and experienceworking with scouts on Eagle Projects as well. Particularly, I will be working closelywith Bron Draganov and Ben White, both leaders of the SGMTB. This project will be meaningful to all who hike the trail and will be somethingthat I can look back on and say, “I did that!”

WHAT GROUP WILL BENEFITName: San Gabriel Mountain TrailbuildersNumber: (626) 303-1078Website: www.sgmtrailbuilders.orgAddress: 978 Norumbega Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016-1821 The project I plan to carry out will benefit the hiking public by enhancing anexisting section of trail in several ways. First, by installing steps on a steeper section ofthe trail I will make it safer to hike up and down. In addition, the steps will make the trailmore user friendly and inviting to the hiking public. Second, by anchoring the steps intothe ground and backfilling, trail erosion will be greatly reduced. An existing berm will beremoved and a water bar will be installed, both of which will further reduce trail erosionby redirecting water runoff from the adjacent hillside away from the trail. Currently this trail is one of the few family accessible trails in the area. Due tonumerous fires and road closures in the past years, many others have been closed.Consequently, numerous people have been utilizing this trail, so by improving this trailthe public will have a more enjoyable hiking experience. Another benefit of the project is longevity. The lumber selected for the steps ispressure treated to current specifications for ground contact. This will ensure that thesteps will last for many years to come, and under normal use they will not require anymaintenance. Overall, the hiking public will benefit because this section of the trail will bemore inviting, more user friendly, safer, less prone to erosion, and longer lasting.This concept was discussed with my unit leader on _____Monday, October 5, 2009_____The project concept was discussed with the following representative of the group thatwill benefit from the project. Ben White______________________ Sunday, January 10, 2010___ Representative’s Name Date of Meeting Chairperson of SGMTB___________ (626) 303-1078___________ Representative’s Title Phone Number

PROJECT DETAILSPresent Condition The section of trail I plan to work on is uninviting and in need of improvement.The trail is steep and difficult to traverse for inexperienced hikers. Due to years of useand erosion, the trail has deteriorated.Method1. Once at the worksite Mr. Draganov and I will give a safety talk.2. When the safety talk has concluded, I will explain to the scouts and other volunteers what we will be doing, who will be doing what, and what each job requires.3. We will lay out all tools and lumber in an orderly fashion near the trail. During that time I will go over any last minute details of the project with Mr. White.4. The groups will each take the necessary tools and start the work described below.5. Younger scouts will be removing the berm, installing a water bar, removing debris and litter, and collecting material for backfill.6. Older scouts and adult volunteers will start installing the steps. They will first level out the surface where the step will be placed. Based on the ground underneath each step one of two methods of installation will be determined. Each method requires 2-3 holes to be drilled through the step. The rebar will be driven through the holes and into the ground. a. Method one: hammer the rebar through the hole in the step and into the ground. If the rebar cannot be hammered into the ground due to rocks or other obstructions then method two will be used. b. Method two: move the step off to the side after drilling the first holes and drill larger holes into the ground to allow the rebar to be anchored in using epoxy.7. Install each step using rebar. If necessary cut the rebar flush with the top of each step.8. Use backfill material collected earlier to make landings between steps as needed.Materials 10, pressure treated for ground contact, 8x8 inch by 6 foot lumber 25 pieces of rebar, ½ inch diameter by 24 inches long o Epoxy, SGMTB o Carborundum blade, SGMTB 2 heavy duty drills with ½ inch chuck, SGMTB o 2 heavy duty 5/8 inch drill bits, SGMTB Generator, SGMTB o Gasoline, SGMTB Circular saw, SGMTB Level, SGMTB Hack saw, SGMTB 2 saw horses, SGMTB Rock drill with gas, SGMTB 8 picks, SGMTB 3 rock/pry bars, SGMTB 10 shovels, SGMTB

 6 McLeods, SGMTB 2 Pulaskis, SGMTB Loppers, SGMTB 3 large sledge hammers, 1 small, SGMTB Dirt tamp 10 five galloon buckets Tape measure Large right angle square, SGMTB 2 fire extinguishers, SGMTB Extension cords 50 feet, SGMTB Tube for dust removal Heavy duty wire cutters, SGMTB Tarp Safety goggles, SGMTB First aid kit Gloves Dust masks Sharpies Sunscreen Toilet paperProject HelpersScoutsAdult Scout LeadersVolunteers from the San Gabriel Mountain TrailbuildersOther VolunteersTime Schedule The project is scheduled to be completed on Saturday, February 6, 2010. If due tounforeseeable circumstances that do not allow the project to be completed on that date, Iam prepared to return on Sunday, February 7, with as many volunteers as possible tocomplete the project. If the project cannot be started on Saturday, February 6, I havescheduled Saturday, March 6, as a backup date.1. Three weeks prior to the project: a. Announce it to the Troop at scout meetings. b. Pass out flyers and send out emails. c. Provide a sign up sheet at each meeting. d. Continue to announce the project up until the project date.2. On project day: a. 6:15am meet at Scout House. b. 6:30am leave Scout House for Gateway Center. c. Regroup at Gateway Center and meet up with the Trailbuilders. d. 7:00am two trucks leave Gateway Center for Rincon Station to pick up tools and supplies. e. 7:10am the other vehicles leave Gateway Center for project site.

f. 8:00am everyone arrives at project site. g. Mr. Draganov and I will give a safety talk at the site. h. Once safety talk is done, I will explain to the scouts and other volunteers what we will be doing, who will be doing what, and what each job requires. i. 8:20am we will unload tools, supplies, and lumber and lay them on the ground in an orderly fashion. During that time I will go over last minute details with Mr. White. j. 8:30am begin work. k. 12:30pm lunch. l. 1:00pm continue work until 4:00pm. m. Load tools in available cars to be returned to Rincon Station. n. 5:00pm arrive back at Scout House.Estimated CostLumber for Steps: $700Rebar: $60Epoxy: $40Subtotal: $800Tax: $80Total: $880Lumber – Donated by Oscar Laddaga of Stock Building Supply in Simi Valley. ACQ treated by Danny Sosa of Pacific Wood Preserving in Bakersfield.Rebar – Donated by Bob Holcomb of R.H. Engineering in Azusa.Epoxy – SGMTBSafety ConcernsOn project day a safety talk will be given before any work is started. Sawdust Inhalation – Dust masks will be provided. Skin Irritants – Volunteers will be asked to wear gloves, long pants, and long sleeved shirts. Injury from Power Tools – Power tools only to be used under adult supervision. Fire – Fire extinguishers are available. Heat Exhaustion – Cool water will be provided. Dehydration – Cool water will be provided. Sunburn – Sunscreen will be provided.

BEFORE PICTURESTop to Bottom View Bottom to Top View

Overall Perspective Middle of Project Site

Berm Top Step Location

Pressure Treated Lumber Retaining Wall Location

APPROVAL SIGNATURES FOR PROJECT PLANProject plans were reviewed and approved by________________________________________________ __________________Representative Date________________________________________________ __________________Scoutmaster Date________________________________________________ __________________Unit Committee Member Date________________________________________________ __________________District Advancement Committee Member Date

CARRYING OUT THE PROJECTHours I Spent Working on the ProjectPlanning the Project: 53.5 HoursCarrying out the Project: 10 HoursTotal Hours: 63.5 HoursHours Spent by Volunteers on the ProjectName Number of HoursScoutsAlex Berger 8Andres Cabral 8Edgar Cabral 8Michael Chen 8Frankie Delgatto 6.5Clint Edwards 8Brad Felty 8Anthony Grimard 8Karel Moersalim 8Mitchell Pratt 8Jonathan Suszynski 6.5Chris Thompson 8Anson Wong 8AdultsDavid Kvisler 8Quinchee Kvisler 8Steve Schroyer 8Tim Berger 8Andy Cabral 8Tony Delgatto 6.5Tony Pratt 8Pete Suszynski 6.5TrailbuildersBen White 8Fred Rice 8Bernie 8Brian 8Total number of hours others spent on project: 194 HoursGrand Total: 257.5 Hours

MATERIALS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE PROJECTMaterial Cost of Material10 Pieces of Pressure Treated Lumber $700 Donated34 Pieces of Rebar $5 (25 Pieces Donated)20 Five Gallon Buckets $50 DonatedHeavy Duty Drill Supplied by SGMTBHeavy Duty Drill Bit SGMTBGas Powered Generator SGMTBReciprocating Saw SGMTBLevel SGMTBHack Saw SGMTB8 Picks SGMTB3 Large Pry Bars SGMTB15 Shovels SGMTB6 McLeods SGMTB2 Pulaskis SGMTB2 Loppers SGMTB2 Large Sledge Hammer SGMTBDirt Tamp FamilyTape Measure SGMTB2 Fire Extinguishers SGMTBExtension Cord 50 feet SGMTBHeavy Duty Wire Cutters FamilyTarp FamilySafety Goggles SGMTBFirst Aid Kit SGMTBGloves VolunteersChalk FamilyToilet Paper FamilyDust Masks $2 Purchased by FamilySunscreen $3Bug Spray $33 Trash Bags $2Caution Tape $7.50Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks, Snacks $130

CHANGESChanges made to original plan and reason for change. Rescheduled project from Saturday, February 6, 2010 to Saturday, March 6, 2010 due to heavy rain. Rescheduled project from Saturday, March 6, 2010 to Sunday, April 11, 2010 due to heavy rain. The Trailbuilders normally work on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month. Due to rain on the previous two dates they were flexible with their schedule and allowed me to schedule the project on a Sunday. More gravel usage. I surveyed the site three days before the project and saw that the rain of the previous two months had caused a lot of erosion at the project site. More backfill was required to fill in the eroded areas. Gravel was obtained from a landslide. The original plan was to get gravel alongside the river, but the water level was too high. A plentiful source of gravel was located at a landslide near the project site. Used a truck and 20 five-gallon buckets to get gravel. Because of the distance to the landside and the need for more gravel we got ten additional buckets and used a truck to haul the gravel to the worksite. Constructed a retaining wall. Because we worked efficiently and had time we made the wall out of small boulders alongside the trial in the middle of the project site. Used three pieces of rebar for all steps. I planned to use extra rebar only if needed. I decided to use three pieces instead of two to anchor all ten steps more securely. We did not need to drill rock, use epoxy, or trim the steps. All tools and materials were brought to do so, but we only used what was needed. Drove all the cars through the locked gate and down the dirt road to the worksite because the paved parking lot outside the gate was full. Other than the changes listed above, the project went as planned. Time scheduleswere kept. All tools and materials needed were brought to the site. Enough volunteershelped that not only were we able to finish the project on time but also able to build asmall rock retaining wall and add rocks for erosion control at the bottom of the steps.Everything went well and exceeded expectations.

DURING AND AFTER PICTURESBeginning of Project Day at Holy Angels Scouts House Loading Tools

Project Discussion Transporting Gravel

Transporting Lumber Leveling the Berm Area

Drilling Installing Steps

BackfillInstalling Steps

Water Bar Finished Water Bar

After Removal of Berm Middle of Project Site and Retaining Wall

Top to Bottom View Bottom to Top View

Overall Perspective Completed Steps

Joyful Volunteers

APPROVALS FOR COMPLETED PROJECTStart Date of Project:Completion Date of Project:The project was started and has been completed since I received Life Scout rank, and isrespectfully submitted for consideration.________________________________________________ __________________Applicant DateThis project was planned, developed, and carried out by the candidate.________________________________________________ __________________Scoutmaster Date________________________________________________ __________________Representative Date

Ben Kvisler's Eagle Project

by Ben Kvisler

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