The biggest challenge of this project is location. It takes a 4x4 with a gutsy
driver just to make it to the top of the canyon. Once at the top, you still have
a 700-foot drop (down a steep canyon wall) before you reach the barrier site.
A people trail is etched out of the canyon but what about all the equipment
and materials it would take to build such a structure? In the early stages of
planning it was considered that helicopters would be the solution. It didn't
take too long before we realized that this might not be the best option. One
major problem was the lack of availability. Our local helicopter companies
are playing a major role in fighting the many wild land fires in Montana and
Wyoming. Another problem was the windy canyon navigating. The odds
were good that on any given day a helicopter would be unable to deliver the
materials or equipment needed. These huge scheduling delays were not
acceptable for this time-sensitive project. We needed an alternative solution.
Company owner, Devin Bair, designed and fabricated the trolley system
depicted below. With the help of a great crew the trolley has been installed
and has successfully carried the equipment and materials needed thus far
on the project. The system has proven itself invaluable in facilitating the
daily needs of this project. It carries in lunches, safety gear and the tools
that you don't realize you need until the last minute.
driver just to make it to the top of the canyon. Once at the top, you still have
a 700-foot drop (down a steep canyon wall) before you reach the barrier site.
A people trail is etched out of the canyon but what about all the equipment
and materials it would take to build such a structure? In the early stages of
planning it was considered that helicopters would be the solution. It didn't
take too long before we realized that this might not be the best option. One
major problem was the lack of availability. Our local helicopter companies
are playing a major role in fighting the many wild land fires in Montana and
Wyoming. Another problem was the windy canyon navigating. The odds
were good that on any given day a helicopter would be unable to deliver the
materials or equipment needed. These huge scheduling delays were not
acceptable for this time-sensitive project. We needed an alternative solution.
Company owner, Devin Bair, designed and fabricated the trolley system
depicted below. With the help of a great crew the trolley has been installed
and has successfully carried the equipment and materials needed thus far
on the project. The system has proven itself invaluable in facilitating the
daily needs of this project. It carries in lunches, safety gear and the tools
that you don't realize you need until the last minute.
| VIEW OF THE TROLLEY FROM THE SITE (IF YOU CAN FIND IT) |
| ANCHORING TO ROCK FACE AT TOP |
| CABLE ANCHORED AT BOTTOM OF CANYON |
| WINCHES ARE POWERED BY HYDRAULICS |
