Scout creates path markers for Eagle project
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POLSON — At age 13, Michael Smith of Troop 1945 has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Smith’s Eagle Scout Project was to work alongside the Montana Department of Transportation to install mile markers along the Highway 93 Pedestrian Path from Polson to Ronan. He felt this project would benefit the community by allowing quicker location of trail users if emergency response was needed, promote health and activity, and allow trail users to track distance easily. He spent many hours researching the project, weighing the pros and cons, formulating a plan, mapping the installation, marking the path, calculating cost, visiting with potential sponsors, reporting progress, presenting to Lake County Parks and Recreation, installing posts and markers, ensuring D.O.T. regulations were met, and finally reporting back to the Eagle Scout Board of a project completed. Smith coordinated with the D.O.T. to approve the project, receive permission, and ensure markers were placed according to D.O.T. requirements and measurements. He worked with local utility companies to confirm the posts would not be placed on existing utilities.
To earn his Eagle Scout, Smith had to earn a total of 21 merit badges including 14 required badges such as cooking, camping, first aid, emergency preparedness, personal fitness, personal management, and swimming. He also earned the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, and Life Scout. In order to advance through those ranks he completed more than 10 hours of service and served in various leadership positions in his troop. Some of his service hours included cleaning the highway, picking up trash in town, and chopping wood. He also had to propose and get approval from the Eagle Board for his Eagle Scout Project. An Eagle Scout Project has to meet certain criteria, such as “providing service and fulfilling the part of the Scout Oath, ‘To help other people at all times,’ one of the primary purposes of the Eagle Scout service project is to earn leadership skills, or to improve or demonstrate leadership skills the scout already has. These are important lessons in project management and taking responsibility for a significant accomplishment.” (Quoted from the Eagle Scout Service Project Handbook). Few young men who join Cub Scouts join Boy Scouts, and even fewer earn the rank of Eagle. An Eagle Court of Honor will be held at a later date to present Smith with his rank advancement.
Smith had several scout leaders who were instrumental in helping him accomplish his goal to earn his Eagle, including Gordon and Donna Terry (Webelos Leaders), Mark Freeman and Bob Burke (11 year old Scout Leaders), and Jeff Heninger (Scoutmaster Troop 1945). Smith said he owes a great deal of gratitude to each of these leaders. This Eagle Project was sponsored by the following local businesses: Polson Family Eye care, Gage Accounting, Bird Family Dentistry, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ace Hardware in Polson, Farrier Fencing, and Dr. Adam Smith. Mile marker posts were purchased locally at Poteet Construction in Evaro. Mile marker signs were made and purchased locally at D&D Custom Signs and Designs.
Smith offered a special thank you to Mr. Dave Rauser of the Montana Department of Transportation for all of his time and energy. Also, James Farrier of Farrier Fencing generously donated time and equipment to help Smith install all 13 posts.
“He also was a great resource to find posts to purchase that met D.O.T. regulations,” Smith said.
The D.O.T. and Lake County Parks and Recreation have plans to continue the mile markers as the pedestrian paths continue and expand throughout the valley, to provide convenient access and encourage citizens to enjoy the outdoors, the beautiful Mission Valley, and help increase the health and fitness in the area.
