• Article Photo. The drivers of Oak 7 got ATV certified after they got to do plenty of work on the ATV trails!
    The drivers of Oak 7 got ATV certified after they got to do plenty of work on the ATV trails!
  • Article Photo. Oak 7 and site-supervisor Dan after a day's work at a campground outside of Valentin, Neb.
    Oak 7 and site-supervisor Dan after a day's work at a campground outside of Valentin, Neb.

By: Molly Byer and Victoria Gates

Oak 7, a NCCC team based out of Vinton, Iowa, is serving with the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands in Dawes County, Nebraska. The team has been there since August 11 and will continue until September 27.

For the first three weeks, the team was located in Halsey, Nebraska serving at the Bessey Ranger District of the forest. Oak 7 assisted the forest staff in completing tasks such as building a 20,000 square foot deer fence; painting 9,755 square feet on the historic buildings, a packing shed, and houses at the forest site; working on the ATV trails by removing overhanging limbs that were hazardous for riders; and digging out several jump-ups on the trails to prevent cattle from moving between pastures. The team had been camping on the grounds, and on down time was able to enjoy the Middle Loup River and the beautiful Sand Hills in the surrounding area.

After their time in Halsey, the team moved to McKelvie Park outside of Valentine, Neb. They spent two nights at this site, where the three chain sawyers cut up about 15 downed Ponderosa pine trees at the campground.

Next, the team moved on to Hudson-Meng, where the world’s largest extinct Bison Bonebed is located. Oak 7 spent their Labor Day weekend exploring the Bison Trail to Toadstool Park, learning about the art of “knapping” and participating in the site’s First Annual Atlatl Competition. They were enlightened about the area’s rich background of artifacts and fossils. After the holiday weekend, the team worked to clear out post-fire debris and gather it into slash piles, which removed a vast amount of fuel left behind for potential forest fires.

After their last nights of camping at Hudson-Meng, the team moved to Chadron, Neb. They are currently staying at the Pine Ridge Job Corps facility and working for the Pine Ridge District of the forest. So far, Oak 7 has cleared three culverts and staked 80 wattles to help prevent the erosion effects on the Pine Ridge hills. The team plans on keeping up their hard work and learning more about the forest and grasslands through their sponsors and supervisors, all while getting things done for America!

Thus far, Oak 7 is having a blast exploring Nebraska. They’ve enjoyed the extraordinary night skies, beautiful Sand Hills, and getting to know the communities around the forest. The team is excited to be working with the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands and their wonderful, supportive staff.