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Mark Twain ArrowCorps5 in Pictures Request a DVD of this video in addition to site pictures by sending a self addressed stamped envelope and blank DVD to Darlene Scheffler.
Mark Twain ArrowCorps5 Facts 576 Total Participants 134 Acres of Trees Cleared to restore the Natural Glade Ecosystem 284,750 Total Cedar Trees Cut 494 Cedar Trees Cut per Participant 42,000 Gallons of Shower Water 7,724 Gallons of Drinking Water 21,0000 Pounds or 10.5 tons of Ice 3,6000 Plus Servings of Hot Food (aka Feasts)
Mark Twain Week in Review Video Order the ArrowCorps5 Highlights DVD here.
"Walkerisms" overheard at Mark Twain "There are Arrowman and there are Mark Twain Arrowman!" "Everyone cuts a tree!" "Feasts every night!" "No one leaves horizontal." "Tree!" "Gatherings every night!" "Remember, the number one site is the number one site!" "Trash will get away from us unless we work at it everyday!" "Surprise for the participants every day!"
Patriotic Video Shown during the Flag Retirement Ceremony Request a DVD of this video in addition to site pictures by sending a self addressed stamped envelope and blank DVD to Darlene Scheffler.
Mark Twain National Forest Hailed as a Great Success!from: http://www.oa-bsa.org/annc/g08/ac5_marktwain.htm
Congratulations to the participants and staff on an outstanding start to ArrowCorps5! Participants arrived early on June 7, 2008 at Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri to begin the first project of ArrowCorps5. Due to the remoteness of the work site, all participants and staff camped within a few miles of the work site. A small village was set up to facilitate the nightly feasts and gatherings. By all accounts, the project was a resounding success with approximately 575 staff, participants, and USFS personnel involved, the project exceeded expectations on all fronts. The team completed 134 acres by cutting down more than 249,000 Eastern Red Cedar trees ranging in size from smaller than one inch in diameter to more than 18" in diameter. They did so cheerfully in sometimes very hot and humid conditions. Nonetheless, participant stated that this was a life changing experience. There were a number of participants who requested to skip their day of recreation so they could cut down more cedar - There are Arrowmen and then there are Mark Twain Arrowmen! Special guests Jim Terry, Assistant Chief Scout Executive, and Frank Riegelman, Director of Camping and Conservation, visited the site during the week. Both were very impressed with what they saw and Mr. Terry commented that the ArrowCorps5 participants had "knocked it out of the park." Also in appearance were Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, both of which took pictures with participants and staff.
The Instructor Corps, which travels to each ArrowCorps5 site, did a marvelous job and received a standing ovation from the participants on Thursday evening. Even with pouring rain on Friday, participants kept a cheerful spirit and looked forward to the final gathering. The skies cleared in time for a wonderful night of celebration after a successful week. Paul Strong, Acting Supervisor for the Mark Twain (and fellow Eagle Scout and Arrowman), congratulated the staff and participants on an outstanding project. Mr. Strong explained that not only did the Arrowman positively impact the ecosystem, they helped restore the natural glade that would have been lost forever without their help. The glade now bears their name. "Arrowmen Glade" will now be known as the place where the Arrowmen of the Order of the Arrow gave of themselves unselfishly in service to their country. In the coming month a beautiful sign will be placed at the trail head leading to this glad top. The sign will describe the efforts and accomplishments and will thank all of the ArrowCorps5 participants for their hard work.
Throughout the week several news agencies reported on the project and the Mark Twain National Forest Web Site was updated to feature the project. Read about what was reported.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this, the first of five projects!
What is
ArrowCorps5
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The
Mark Twain US Forest is over 1.5 million acres of National Forest located
in the southern half of Missouri. In the Mark Twain National Forest, the
Cedar trees are an invasive species that is taking over the natural
grasslands of the Mark Twain Forest. The OA 2008 project took place
in the Bateman area that lies between Springfield and Branson, Missouri.
The US Forest personnel stated that if we did not help get rid of the
cedar trees in this area of the Mark Twain Forest, that in 10 years it
will be a cedar forest and there would be no natural grassland left.