West Grand sophomore, Morgan McGuire is on his way to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Morgan completed his Eagle Scout service project with the Bureau of Land Management at the end of September.
Morgan was able to combine his family’s love of being outdoors, hunting, and fishing with his project. He built fishing kiosk signs and fishing line receptacles for eight fishing access sites between Fraser and Kremmling.
Morgan commented on the importance of the project for his family as well as the community, “My family fishes a lot. For us, it is important to protect the local rivers, the fish, and the environment.”
He added, “The best part of the project was in the end, seeing all of our time and effort turn into fishing signage that helps fishermen and the environment.”
The kiosks help to inform fishermen of state fishing regulations, environmental and wildlife protection. The fishing line receptacles provide a place for used or discarded fishing line to be properly disposed of, for the protection of wildlife and our waterways.
Building and installing the kiosks, and the fishing line receptacles, had the added bonus of teaching Morgan the basics of carpentry. He hammered, drilled and assembled the materials. The planning, communication and project management aspects of the project rounded out the experience with practical hands-on business skills experience.
“For me, one part of my Eagle Scout project that I really liked, was the week before the work day when my stepdad and I cut and painted all of the wood components.” Morgan shared.
Morgan was well-supported on his project service day with his mom, dad, step-parents, uncles and cousins in tow, as well as fellow Scout, Matthew Krystopa and Troop Leader, Tyler Stricklin from Troop 188. The Troop is located in Silverthorne, Colorado and is part of the Three Rivers Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Morgan was also supported by BLM employees and gives a special nod of acknowledgment to Maribeth Pecotte who worked with him to organize project logistics throughout the seven-month planning period.
“We assisted Morgan with the site selection and identifying the specific improvements needed. We provided specs BLM sign designs and guidance for the desired end-result. We helped come up with materials lists, and list of tools needed for installation. We also agreed upon the project date and provided some staff to help.
To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award that scouting offers, Scouts have to earn the ranks of: First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, 21 merit badges including first-aid, citizenship and communication; perform at least 100 useful hours of community service; serve as a leader for their Troop, and successfully complete an Eagle Scout Board of Review conference.
Only four percent of Scouts earn the distinction of Eagle Scout, and Morgan’s advice to other Scouts is simple, “… Just get the ball rolling. Keep taking little steps and soon everything will be in motion toward completing your Eagle Scout project.”
Morgan expects to earn the final rank of Eagle Scout after completing his requirements, paperwork, and having his Board of Review.
His parents are April and Paul Trubell of Kremmling and Ray and Kim McGuire of Brighton, Colorado.
