Libby Ranger District out in full force

Wind and trails –

Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021 saw several considerable windstorms blow through the Kootenai National Forest.

In their wake, an equally
considerable number of natural obstacles were laid to rest across the backcountry roads and trails.

Trail crews, partners, and
volunteers have been out in full force to clear trails for the summer season ahead.

What we have found:

Granite Lake Trail 136 on any given year typically takes 1 day to open and clear for traffic.

Crews were on day 7 this past Wednesday, June 16, and up to the 3rd stream crossing (1 mile from lake) – having cleared over 500 downed trees across the trail.

Lindy Peak trail 375 revealed over 300 downed trees to be cleared.

Big Horn Terrace Trail 42 also reportedly affected by major windfall.

For updated trail conditions and to find out what has been cleared for access, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/kootenai/recreation

Hiking access is updated on Fridays.

Before and after photos of seasonal trail work at Granite Lake Trail 136.
(Photos courtesy of U.S. Forest Service)

Lady Loggers Volleyball Camp hosts
remarkable turnout, plants seeds
of excitement for 2021-22 Season

University of Idaho head coach, Debbie Buchanon, and her son, Austin,
address the court of 9th –12th grade volleyball players following a two-day
intensive camp to seek success and identify goals on the competitive floor.
(Photo by Stacy Bender)

by Stacy Bender

Libby Loggers Volleyball played host this past Wednesday and Thursday to University of Idaho coach, Debbie Buchanon, and her 6’8” son, Austin, who is currently playing for the Hawaii State Championship team.

Buchanon has come to Ralph Tate Gymnasium for almost twenty-two years to bring a heightened focus on the season ahead to both seasoned and up-and-coming Logger athletes alike.

As the 2021 camp kicked-off following last year’s cancellation, 34 girls had registered for the 4th – 8th grade morning sessions and an even 24 were on court for the 9th – 12th grade afternoon and evening stretch.

“The younger group focused mainly on skill-based foundations,” shared head Logger coach, Samantha Hannah. “Austin was amazing with the campers and played some games which kept then engaged and the camp fun and lively.”

Amidst the older athletes who participated in the latter half of the day were five girls who had heard about the opportunity and traveled from out of town. “Debbie is always so good with the girls,” said Hannah. “She holds them to a high standard and not only teaches them foundational skills, but how to work through challenges and push to become better players. She strive to see that
improvement in her camps.”

Those improvements now translating into real-time application for the Lady Loggers as they had been invited by Kristy Harkins, head coach at Glacier High School, to participate in a pop-up summer league with a roster which includes Libby, Glacier, Flathead, Stillwater Christian, Polson, Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

“We have already had one scrimmage against Glacier,” Hannah added. “This is such a great opportunity for the girls to get some playing time and work within a range of various skill levels. We have a different group of girls to pley with each time which forces the girls into positions they have never played.”

“They are all working hard and doing their best at whatever challenge comes their way on court,” Hannah closed. “With our open gym time this summer we have had 12 plus girls on the court each time. Sometimes up to 20! The program is really sustaining impressive participation and I am extremely excited about where the volleyball program is going find itself this fall season.”

A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream