Jim Henahan, Ohio State Parks Manager, Community Partnerships Program, was very direct in his assessment of our efforts over this past weekend:

"I won't hesitate to say that this was indeed the largest turnout of friends/volunteers to an emergency situation in Ohio State Parks history. The friends/volunteers on the Little Miami led the way in responding quickly and efficiently thanks to your group's strong organization and selfless members. Our sincere thanks to the FLMSP for being truly our partners during this crisis and for the outstanding work you performed on our behalf."

Jim's sentiments were echoed by Alan Ferguson and Shannon Hoffer.

"The largest turnout of friends/volunteers to an emergency situation in Ohio State Parks history" --- that kind of thing doesn't just happen.  It happened in this case because we're organized, we're equipped, we're ready, and we're motivated.

My thanks to all who participated, from Dirk Morgan who left 20 down trees in his campground to work on the trail, to those who rode the trail and provided intel to Aaron, to the chainsaw crews, to the crews that cleared their segments (including eight inch trees) with only hand tools, and to those who cleared the trail and the berms of limbs and debris.

And special recognition goes to Aaron Rourke who provided a mobile command and control center moving from Clarksville to Blanchester to Wilmington in search of a reliable Internet connection. Over the three days Aaron maintained ongoing communication with the spotters on the trail, the various trail work crews, and Ohio State Park management so that on Monday and Tuesday Ohio State Park crews could come in with professional manpower and equipment, e.g. chainsaws, chippers, trucks, etc. Here's a look at Aaron's "scorecard".

This was a team win.

It all worked the way it was supposed to work.  

Thank you.

 
Sincerely,