Maintaining Chester Creek trails is a labor of love for local environmentalist
By RYAN HANSON
DCN Reporter
Walking the steep trails along the banks of Chester Creek, sunlight trickles through the treetops, lighting the path. Dan Proctor navigates the trail like he’s been here before.
“I’ve been doing work here since 1985,� says Proctor, of the city owned park. “If you wait for permission, you’re never going to get it.�
His house backs up directly to Chester Creek, and a steep path winds its way from his back yard down to the creek. He’s practically the sole caretaker of the 2.5 mile trail.
While the park is technically owned by the city, Proctor says they are often slow to respond when maintenance is needed. As a result, Proctor takes matters into his own hands.
He collects scrap lumber from contractors around the city to build runoffs, so trails don’t washout. He usually has the trail fixed before the city is even alerted there is a problem. But he isn’t paid for the hours of work he puts in on the trails; it’s completely voluntary.
“It’s understood,� says Proctor, with a smile, “that Dan Proctor does the work out there [Chester Creek].�
As he passes by drainage ditches he dug earlier in the week, he stops to quickly clear them of leaves. He also greets everyone he meets on the trail with a warming “Hello!� and a smile. Everyone smiles back at the 55-year-old man with graying pigtails, carrying a bucket, shovel and pickaxe.
He speaks confidently, with conviction, and his stories tell of experience. He talks about growing up in the Twin Cities, paper routes at the age of 8, full-time jobs at 17, dating, and his love and respect of the outdoors.
“There are opportunities for doing work in any community. Rather than telling someone else to fix the problem, offer to help,� says Proctor.
Proctor has had full-time jobs in the past, but now opts for working three or four days a week at The Positively Third Street Bakery, which he’s done for the last 15 years.
“Do what you love, and the money will find you,� says Proctor, and adds with a smile, “the money hasn’t found me yet.�
He shovels mounds of dirt, moves rocks, and expertly swings a pickaxe, cutting through earth, roots, and rocks. Before long, a drainage ditch is completed. He packs up his tools.
The walk back to his house takes 15 minutes, and all the way he keeps his eyes on the trail, looking for the leaves in the drainage tubes, large rocks protruding from the ground, and possibly a new project for tomorrow.
Comments
This is a fine article on a fine man. I think you should consider writing even more about Dan. As I understand it, he lives off the grid. That would make an interesting story.
Posted by: Dave Johnson | May 14, 2008 10:12 PM