Rigging Training a Great Success!
Posted by SCC on Monday, April 20th, 2009.
SCC Staff learning how to set up and use a Highline
On March 31st to April 2nd I attended a rigging training in Prescott Arizona Put on by the Arizona State Parks Association. The trainer for this workshop was none other than Lester C. Kenway, a nationally recognized authority in rigging applications for trail work.
What is rigging? Rigging is using wire cables and grip hoists (wenches) to move large rocks safety over distances. Setting up these systems can be complicated and requires knowledge of load ratings and a basic understanding of geometry and physics. Never thought you would need to remember that stuff to build trails, did you. Once you have these systems in place you can lift and move objects safely and effectively.
The training was a lot of fun. On the last day we practiced drilling and breaking rock. As a grand finale we broke a rock using a Micro Blaster. Micro Blasters use a small charge to crack and break rock safely without the use of dynamite. The training was attended by a wide range of people representing the many Arizona trails groups, including many of Southwest Conservations Corps sponsors.
Charles Weyer
SCC Sonoran Desert
Field Operations Coordinator
