Eagan Mountain Notes

As more is learned of Eagan Mountain, these notes will be expanded. They reflect only the observatuions and opinions of R.H. Giles and may relate in no way to those of personnel of Woodland Community Trust or of the Clearfork Institute.

A hike was make to the mountain in early April, 2003 with Lester Hatfield, Carol Judy, and Marie Hatfield. It lasted from 11 to about 4:30.

The road was steep and in need of waterbars. There were some bars or cut-outs but they were generally too far apart and the road was not stable. It will require work for gaining year-around access as well as making the points needed ( in classes) for improved watershed management in the region.

Carol has much knowledge of the area and has visited it often. She takes community college youth there in the summer. Boundary lines need to be clarified and a working plan developed for access, segmented uses, year around opportunities, and area developments for cabins, tents, recreation, water supplies, crop areas (blueberries, e.g., etc.).

Lester Hatfield also has much knowledge of the area and has visited it often. He has conducted classes there as has Carol for community college students.

Jeep trails remain on the bench where the coal was extracted (probably 35 years ago). The edges have well-sewn sericea lespedeza and are stable. Grass is mostly fescue. Weed eater and brushhog can clear some of these areas with little rock movement. Small "fileds" need to be created. The soil is thin and depth to bedrock shallow.

There are several small ponds or "waterholes" on the area. Ambhibian reproduction (some species) seems assured from them and some birds will be attracted for foraging. Salamander eggs were observed. The pond shown here may be the largest one and is said to have fish in it.

View across the valley toward Roses Creek from Eagan Mountain top. Scenic views and specific scenes need to be constructed and managed.

Scenic views are blocked when the foliage is dense but bird watching (fall warblers, etc.) may be enhanced (obsering them at tree-top level). Snow on mountains in distance, April, 2003.

Red maple in leaf at right., April, 2003

Highwalls above the church access. Trespass goats can be seen in left-top. A steep highwall toward the right is over 100 feet tall and a night-activity hazzard.
An abandoned deep mine. The layers have collapsed over the mine. One had a beam support. Lester examining the entrance.

Potential camping area at top of road on the first mine ledge.Circular metal sculpture can be seen (barely) in upper left above the highwall.>

Sample of forest of Eagan Mountain. Harvested at time of mining and used for fires, props, etc. Site index seems high but there are few residual or reference trees. This is a view probably from the saddle comming off the peak, April 2003. Woodland wild flowers are abundant on the northern slope.

Perhaps you will share ideas with me about some of the topic(s) above at RHGiles@RuralSystem.com.

Maybe we can work together ... for the good of us all ... for a long time. Return to the top of page.