It’s hard to imagine, while it is still so busy, that the season is nearing the end. But I’m only working full-time for another four weeks.

Assuming that the official Trail Coordinator position remains vacant, I will be furloughed (or “laid-off”) for at least 14 weeks starting November 22^nd. For those of you unfamiliar with NPS employment, these furloughs are quite common. Hopefully, like last year, I will come in for a few days here and there during that time. My last day of regularly-scheduled work is November 20, 2009, and my first day back could be as early as March 1^st or as late as March 29^th. (I’ll know before I go and will be sure to pass on the date). While you probably won’t hear much from me during this time, I will be at the Annual Trails Meeting on January 30, 2010.

During my absence, feel free to contact Steve Bair or Don Harvey. You may also contact C.T. Campbell until he retires at the end of the year. Specific trail issues such as downed trees or tread problems would best go to the trail supervisors (Don and C.T.). The trail supervisors will also know the answers to a lot of general Park questions. Questions about the General Agreement or policy will best go to Steve Bair.