ArrowCorps5
Five Sites - Five Weeks - Five Thousand Arrowmen
Mark Twain National Forest Hailed as a Great Success!
Congratulations to the participants and staff on an outstanding start to
ArrowCorps5! Participants arrived early on June 7, 2008 at Mark Twain National
Forest in Missouri to begin the first project of ArrowCorps5. Due to the
remoteness of the work site, all participants and staff camped within a few
miles of the work site. A small village was set up to facilitate the nightly
feasts and gatherings. By all accounts, the project was a resounding success
with approximately 575 staff, participants, and USFS personnel involved, the
project exceeded expectations on all fronts. The team completed 134 acres by
cutting down more than 249,000 Eastern Red Cedar trees ranging in size from
smaller than one inch in diameter to more than 18" in diameter. They did so
cheerfully in sometimes very hot and humid conditions. Nonetheless, participant
stated that this was a life changing experience. There were a number of
participants who requested to skip their day of recreation so they could cut
down more cedar - There are Arrowmen and then there are Mark Twain Arrowmen!
Special guests Jim Terry, Assistant Chief Scout Executive, and Frank Riegelman,
Director of Camping and Conservation, visited the site during the week. Both were
very impressed with what they saw and Mr. Terry commented that the ArrowCorps5 participants
had "knocked it out of the park." Also in appearance were Smokey Bear and Woodsy
Owl, both of which took pictures with participants and staff.
The Instructor Corps, which travels to each ArrowCorps5 site, did a marvelous
job and received a standing ovation from the participants on Thursday evening. Even
with pouring rain on Friday, participants kept a cheerful spirit and looked forward
to the final gathering. The skies cleared in time for a wonderful night of celebration
after a successful week. Paul Strong, Acting Supervisor for the Mark Twain (and
fellow Eagle Scout and Arrowman), congratulated the staff and participants on an
outstanding project. Mr. Strong explained that not only did the Arrowman positively
impact the ecosystem, they helped restore the natural glade that would have been
lost forever without their help. The glade now bears their name. "Arrowmen Glade"
will now be known as the place where the Arrowmen of the Order of the Arrow gave
of themselves unselfishly in service to their country. In the coming month a beautiful
sign will be placed at the trail head leading to this glad top. The sign will describe
the efforts and accomplishments and will thank all of the ArrowCorps5 participants
for their hard work.
Throughout the week several news agencies reported on the project and the Mark
Twain National Forest Web Site was updated to feature the project.
Read about
what was reported.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this, the first of five projects!
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