Flood waters don't wash away Culbertson dreams

A group of Culbertson residents is dedicated to exercise.

So dedicated, in fact, that they're willing to get sweaty and dirty to make sure they still have a chance to put their muscles to work.

It's the second time they've done it, in fact.

Back in 2001 and 2002, residents raised enough money and contributed enough sweat equity to make the Two Rivers Walking Trail a reality.

That was no small feat, considering it involved a 35-foot wooden bridge, leading to a mile of paved walking trail, winding along Frenchman River on the southern edge of the community.

For the next five years, the trail was well used, becoming part of the regular routine for habitual walkers around Culbertson.

But all that changed this spring, when flood waters ripped out the wooden bridge, and eroded the west end of the trail.

Volunteers and users were devastated, but in a response that would have made their pioneer forbearer proud, they decided to try again.

Now, the Two Rivers Walking Trail Committee wants to raise $3,500 to build and install a 55-foot steel footbridge to replace the wooden bridge and repair the erosion at the west end.

But that doesn't mean the original wooden bridge will go to waste; it'll be used as an approach to the new bridge, which will sport wood planking and wooden handrails to create a pleasing transition.

If you'd like to help, donations can be made at the Culbertson Bank, or by contacting Ken Carfield.

Or, you should attend committee meetings on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Culbertson fire barn.

Congratulations to members of the trail committee, both for their original effort and determination not to give up their dream.