Local Scouts to Bring Historic Del Monte Trails Back to Life
Today@NPS
Local Scouts to Bring Historic Del Monte Trails Back to Life
By MC2 Patrick Dionne
Local scout Luke Rasmussen, right, shakes hands with Naval Support Activity Monterey (NSAM) Public Works Officer Lt. Cmdr. Timothy James following a coordination brief on Rasmussen’s Eagle Scout Service Project, Aug. 3. Rasmussen and some of his fellow Carmel Valley Boy Scouts plan to revitalize the old bridle paths encircling the former Hotel Del Monte.
“One of the requirements of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is to participate in a community service project and that is what we are trying to do here,” said Rasmussen. “This is a really good opportunity for us to be able to give back to the community while meeting those requirements.”
The project will primarily consist of removing unsightly vegetation, restoring the 19th century trails. And the project is also in alignment with NSAM’s ongoing efforts to beautify the grounds while also honoring the history of the campus, Rasmussen says. The work is scheduled to kick off August 11, and is expected to take three days to complete.
“I have been a scout leader for three years now, and when [NSAM Commanding Officer] Capt. Rich Wiley asked us if we had any scouts looking to do community service I knew this would be a good fit,” said National Security Affairs Program Officer Cmdr. Paul Rasmussen, Luke’s father. “This project will help meet NSAM’s vision of rejuvenating the area’s historical charm while providing the local Boy Scouts with a chance to interact with the military and learn what this base is all about.”
Rasmussen and his fellow Carmel Valley scouts are hoping to enlist the support of a handful of volunteers to help with their project. For more information about the opportunity to support the community and NSAM, contact Cmdr. Paul Rasmussen at perasmus@nps.edu.