By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
The US Forest Service has addressed concerns raised by the Friends of the Blackwater and local community members over a landslide along the Blackwater Canyon Trail that has damaged the historic Big Run Culvert. The Culvert, located between Douglas Falls and Hendricks, was damaged when several trees became loosened from the hillside. In a statement to the Parsons Advocate, US Forest Service Public Affairs Officer Josh Poling addressed the issue.
Damage to the keystone was confirmed by US Forest Service Public Affairs Officer Joshua Poling in a statement to the Parsons Advocate. Poling stated, “A preliminary inspection revealed a recent landslide had impacted the Big Run Archway, causing significant damage. The archway’s outlet has been compromised with missing stones, including the keystone. An apparent failure of the right wingwall and headwall has occurred, significantly impairing the structural integrity of the arch.”
The Forest Service in their statement addressed the property boundaries. “The boundary between Forest Service and private property is located on the middle of railroad grade. Damage to the arch includes private property,” the statement reads.
The statement also addressed the Friends of the Blackwater’s request for long term planning. “The Forest will continue routine inspections of the Big Run Archway to monitor for further damage. And longer term, the Forest will need to develop a design and construction package for the repair. Anticipated challenges include restrictions in physical access, as well as the size and historic nature of the structure, and the depth and quality of fill,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, the Blackwater Canyon Railroad grade that crosses the archway is not associated with any Forest Service trail system or road. “The Blackwater Canyon Railroad grade that crosses the archway is accessible only by foot. The railroad grade is not associated with any Forest Service trail system or road, though is used by the public as a social trail,” the statement reads.