Black Hills National Forest staff and Norbeck Society volunteers will resume work this Saturday, Sept. 26, to replace aging bridges on the Deerfield hiking and cycling trail between Deerfield Reservoir and Silver City.

Volunteers and staff replaced three bridges in 2008 and hope to install seven to nine more this winter, according to Jeramy Rogers, a forestry technician with the Mystic Ranger District.

Rogers said he was hiking along the Deerfield trail a couple of years ago and noticed the bridges were in bad shape. He began planning a project.

"Last year, we carried the planks in. It took 16 people to carry one plank for one-quarter to one-half mile," Rogers said.

This year, the South Dakota National Guard used helicopters to airlift 20- to 35-foot-long planks for 15 bridges into the area.

"They came in one afternoon and did what would have taken us 50 to 60 hours of work in four hours," Rogers said.

The partners hope eventually to replace 33 bridges.

The number that will be replaced this year depends on how many volunteers show up, Rogers said.

He said about eight people are need to complete one bridge because the treated planks weigh several hundred pounds.

"The Norbeck Society has graciously volunteered," Rogers said, but he said anyone can volunteer for the project.

Work begins Saturday at 11 a.m. To get to the work site, go to Hill City, turn west on the Deerfield Road, turn right on Mystic Road (FSR 231), travel north 5-1/2 to 6 miles, turn right on FSR 245 (Lind Gulch), go 4 miles, and turn right onto 245.1A, the meeting spot.

Volunteers are urged to wear shoes or boots with good traction and to dress in layers.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call Rogers or Dave Slepnikoff at the Mystic Ranger District office at 343-1567.