FOS Volunteer of the Year Doug Moothart Honored

Doug Moothart Honored

FOS Volunteer of the Year in 2013, Doug Moothart, has been selected as Trail Blazer Magazine's “Trail Warrior” for April 2014. He has not only been a dedicated volunteer at Shimek but as you can see below, supports Brinton Timber as well. Congratulations from the Board of Directors of FOS to Doug!

Doug and Dusty pause from their work. . Photo by Bonnie Moothart.

The nomination was submitted by the Iowa Trail Riders Association: Since 2007 Doug Moothart has adopted a beautiful Washington County park named Brinton Timber in the midst of 1000 acres of native timber along the Skunk River in southeast Iowa.  The park itself is 320.5 acres,  with  6-7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that wind in and around the timber, crossing the rocky creeks and leading riders by splendid limestone outcroppings, and leading  up to spectacular bluff top views of the beautiful Skunk River below.  Brinton Timber was acquired in 1967 through a major donation by the Brinton family, and another portion of it was added in memory of Bill Horton in 1993.  Over the last 6 years Doug has orchestrated improvements to the park by coordinating 4-H club leaders, saddle clubs, and local equestrians.  A major project was the construction of 6 horse tie rails to protect the trees in the parking area that were getting girdled and trampled. Doug installed signage purchased by the County Conservation Department that implores riders not to tie to trees.  He also coordinated the turn around parking area improvements with the Washington County Conservation Department, Secondary Road Department and local equestrians that bought road rock.  Doug operated his own skid loader and donated the time and labor to spread the road rock and clear more areas adjoining the parking area.  Doug and his wife Bonnie patrol the timber trails on a regular basis through out the year using their own equipment to pick up trash and cans, clean up the parking/camping area, repair vandalism, cut downed trees from the trails, re-route and rebuild dangerous trails and crossings - all with the approval and permission of the Washington Conservation Department.  Doug continues to study trail maintenance techniques from other areas he rides, collecting ideas for stopping trail erosion and improving footing while protecting the native flora.  The results of his efforts has been highly increased trail and park usage due to the improvements, and gaining the respect and appreciation of hikers, nature lovers and equestrians to protect the park.  Doug receives feedback from a network of communication by social media and word of mouth about the improvements, and suggestions about park needs, which he happily and quickly attends to. Doug deserves to be recognized as a Trail Warrior.

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