There were four goals in the Ragg Station Restoration Plan:

v Protect critical fish habitat in upper Slate Creek

v  Restore an historic trail to an enjoyable, useable standard

v  Provide an opportunity to learn new skills in an educational, participatory environment.

The goals were met through the adaptation of skyline logging and rigging techniques and dry stone masonry to construct rock causeways and erosion control structures.

The Ragg Station Trail is an historic wagon road that has experienced over 100 years of heavy use.  When combined with unchecked erosion the results have been high TMDLs, as well as, health and safety concerns. The loss of original trail tread and/or the development of multiple pathways around bogs have lead to injuries to stock and people.  There is a risk of losing a popular low elevation wilderness trail utilized by many Forest visitors.  Erosion from this trail has also impacted the adjacent Slate Creek watershed. Spawning and rearing habitat for endangered steelhead, bull trout, and salmon has been adversely affected. In order to repair the trail and staunch sediment flow, the installation of erosion control devices was necessary.

The construction of causeways and other drainage structures using rigging and dry stone masonry work was strongly supported by watershed, fisheries, and archaeology divisions in the Nez Perce Tribe and National Forest. Additional support comes from the Backcountry Horseman, several recreational user groups, a commercial outfitter, private Foundations and community organizations. There have been indications that success in this reconstruction work will allow for more further collaboration and multiple funding sources for similar trail work in the future.

A regional team comprised of persons from Idaho County , Nez Perce Tribal members, the Montana Conservation Corps and Forest Service employees repaired sections of the trail and learned  new skills.  In a time when there is  uncertainty for timber dependant communities like Elk City where unemployment is 17%, the teaching of dry stone masonry techniques, climbing and rigging applications provided skills that could be used in the private sector in a variety of occupations. Rehabilitation and educational efforts on this trail will also create opportunities that allow workers to bid competitively on contracts in watershed, timber, and trail projects that take place on state and federal lands.  On-the-ground training for crew members was provided by Forest Service personnel that had experience in rigging, climbing, and construction of rock causeways and erosion control devices.  One in-depth training session was taught by a professional stonemason. Along with the proposed crew other professional trail workers, including Forest Service trails foremen, interested contractors and members from Americorp’s Nez Perce Salmon Corps will also attend.