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As I write this message, I am conscious of today, the Winter Solstice, and how that one small tilt of the earth brings into play the natural wonders of seasonal changes and how that influences our migratory patterns of wildlife and ecosystem biodiversity. The Florida Trail becomes the theater by which all of that can be witnessed, observed, and experienced. Tomorrow that cycle is reversed and our days become longer and nights shorter. These natural laws of nature enhance our wonderment for all of creation and hopefully a reverence for it.
We are busy in preparation, with our neighboring chapters, for hosting the IDIDAHIKE 2024 on March 2nd. The site for registration opened on December 15th. Registration was so easy! I want to thank committee members, Anne Daniel and Christine Hale and FTA staff Abe Christian, for its successful launch. Eric Jackson put together our Emergency Response Plan and we successfully got our permit for the event from Walton County Planning and Developmental Committee.
Tom Daniel and Keith LeFevre have organized all trail maintenance sections on Eglin, between Bob Sikes Road and Hwy 331, for the event. Stalwarts of trail maintenance include John and Marsha Hooten, James Parker, JP Husted, and Bob Deckert (you can buy the really cool T-shirt Bob designed for the IDAH on the FTA website). Many of our new members are pitching in and supplying much needed infusion to our workforce and we thank you all.
Our chapter has completed another year and there are many accomplishments I want to acknowledge. This chapter newsletter is one of them, thank you Michelle Duncan. Additionally, Charlie King has been a wizard at providing timely and detailed meeting minutes. Thanks to our Treasurer, Richard Kersten, for close management and compliance of the budget. We have 4 new Activity Leaders and three more in training, so look out for new activities in 2024.
Our equipment inventory was completed and is now housed in our new building at the Ranger station on Hwy 85. Our mowers have undergone repairs, and a new chainsaw has been ordered. The FTA will be supplying additional equipment including banners, tents, and outreach materials. Our trail signage and brochures are undergoing an update which will allow hikers to easily access websites using QR codes. Catherine Selin, Panhandle Region Trail Program Manager, has integrated well with our chapter needs and her presence has been much appreciated. We are looking forward to more accomplishments in 2024, so stayed connected with us!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our members, see you on the trail!
Happy Trails,
Jim Wilson
Chapter Chair
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The Trail Hogs had a busy six months clearing trail hazards. Section leader Tom Daniel reports that...
...he and Rick participated in the Chainsaw Volunteer Work Party (VWP) on December 14 -19. An earlier multi-day VWP was held October 6 - 9 (pictured above) that cleared 21 miles of the Nokuse and Choctawhatchee Sections. I wish to thank each of you for making the Nokuse Work Party successful. The weather was good, and the camaraderie among volunteers and staff was even better. A special thanks to Cat, Gabe, FTA and the U.S. Forest Service for the hard work, meals, and financial support.
SAVE THESE DATES!
You're all invited to next year's work party October 11 - 14, 2024
There have been additional efforts to address trail closures. The bottom line is that it was a heavy lift, but the initial clearing of downed trees was completed. An overwhelming number of big trees and even more treetops were conquered. The effort was a test of the FTA chainsaw program, volunteers, and our trail staff.
|  | Thankfully the chainsaw certification course, led by Abe Christian and Jeff Glenn on September 29 - 30 at Bear Lake Campground, helped add three more chainsaw operators: Chris Nolan, James Parker and Jim Wilson. | All should be congratulated for a job well done. Special thanks to our Federal and State partners. That said, the initial clearing didn't address the annual trail maintenance and re-blazing. A MOUNTAIN OF WORK REMAINS 🪵! | |
Thanks trailhogs, for keeping the trail clear!
🐗
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Need a last minute gift or need a unique gift for the person who has everything?
Get them an FTA membership!
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On December 12th, the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Council approved the use of bed tax revenue, up to $1 million dollars, to support building a bridge over the Yellow River. This would remove 20 miles of road walking on the FNST. Okaloosa County Commissioner, Nathan Boyles, enthusiastically supported the pedestrian bridge to close one of gaps on the FNST. This project has many partners including the FTA, USDA Forest Service, Eglin Air Force Base, NWFWMD, Emerald Coast Regional Council, The Longleaf Alliance, and Sentinel Landscapes.
Thank you to FTA staff Adam Fryska and all chapter members and Commissioner Boyles who spoke on behalf of the FTA.
SAVE THIS DATE
JANUARY 2, 2024 @ 1:30 p.m.
Crestview Courthouse
101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536
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We still have one more hurdle to clear for the project to get the green light. Please join us on January 2nd at the Crestview Courthouse to show your support, during the public speaking session, to convey to the Board of County Commissioners the need for the Yellow River Bridge.
Please help close this gap on the FNST!
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Hump Day Paddles
As the temperatures climbed in June and July, we cooled off with mid week paddles on the Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, and Coldwater Creek and yes there were bubbles 🫧🫧🫧!
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Hotter Than Hell Summer Classic
Who says summer is not a good time to hike? Thanks to activity leaders Chris Nolan, Steven "Goat" Fruge, and Kathleen Gobel, members of the chapter logged over 80 miles this summer. Participants will soon have a t-shirt, designed by Ryan Gobel, to showcase their insanity.
| Did you miss the backpacking event? This kid friendly event brought out our youngest chapter members (8 and 13 years old) for a 3.5 mile hike and overnight camp out at the Steephead Campsite. More camping is planned for January 2024! | |
NEW MEMBERS
🥾🥳 🧡!
We would like to welcome our newest chapter members James Erwin, Ian Worth, Katherine, Yerby, Nathan Boyles, Joshua Owens, Paul Renfroe, and Veronica Benjamin
Thank you for joining the FTA, we look forward to seeing you on the trail!
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🎊 New Year 🎊
New Events
Choctawhatchee Chapter Campout
We have reserved the group campsite at Pine Log State Forest for tent campers only for Friday, Jan. 12th and Saturday, Jan. 13th. Campfires Friday and Saturday nights and day hikes on Saturday. Signup below!
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Happy Holidays
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Happy New Year
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