REDWOOD NEEDLES Presented by the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter Newsletter, The REDWOOD NEEDLES Return to Article Menu Bradley Hut work parties Bradley Hut work parties Using only hand tools and a determination to make the best of an awkward situation, Sierra Club volunteers removed the old Bradley Hut from Five Lakes Basin&emdash;between Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows&emdash;in 1996-97. Although the hut had been built in 1957, it fell within Granite Chief Wilderness when that area was established by Congress in 1984. Truckee District Ranger, Joanne Roubique, in a recent letter, applauded the Sierra Club for its “commitment to wilderness management” and “this unselfish action.” Last November the Forest Service blasted the foundation of the former hut. All that remains is to eliminate the rubble left from the foundation&emdash;by burial and covering&emdash;and allow nature to finish the healing where the hut once stood. Work parties will be at the site on the weekends of July 24&endash;25 and July 31&endash;August 1 to complete this task. A new Bradley Hut in the upper Pole Creek drainage (about four miles away) was started in 1997 and opened for use during the 1998-99 winter season. It provides overnight shelter for about 15 backcountry skiers and snowshoers. Contributions from many members, a major grant from Recreational Equipment, Inc., and participation by over 100 volunteers made the new hut possible. Finishing touches will be put on the new hut during work parties in late August through October. Work parties bring volunteers together to maintain Sierra Club facilities and carry out other worthy projects. Food, supplies, and tools are provided by the Club. All you need do is bring an enthusiasm for the outdoors and a willingness to chip in. If you can volunteer to help with either project (or both), please contact: Dick Simpson, 650-494-9272, rsimpson@magellan.stanford.edu Return to Article Menu Last updated on 3/02/99 Comments or suggestions? Drop us a line at heyneedles@aol.com