Ben Soltisz II, 16, of Independence Township, spent Oct. 22 reversing the damage done to land off Forest Valley Road by removing trails created by all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s).
Completing the project serves Soltisz’s Eagle Scout project necessary in becoming an Eagle Scout and helps restore the land which is currently a North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy easement. The project consisted of blocking the trails with natural debris like fallen trees and brush to prevent further use by ATV’s. One of the project goals is to return the land closer to its natural state.
‘I called them (NOHLC) and asked if they needed anything done and they told me about this,? said Soltisz II.
‘It’s very encouraging and heartening to see him excited to do this hard physical work for the benefit of the easement. He’s a pleasure to work with. We really appreciate it and this will help return the land to a more natural state,? said NOHLC’s Stewardship Director Carloyn Wood, who noted NOHLC has owned the land since 1999 and the trails already existed when the land was acquired.
Soltisz II worked along side a group of about 15 adults and youth dragging debris through the woods to the trails.
Soltisz, who joined the Scouts in second grade, is glad he stuck with scouting long after many of his peers walked away.
‘It’s made me the person I am today, allowing me to enjoy the land and outdoors and conserve the land for the future,? said Soltisz II. ‘Scouting has taught me leadership skills and how to interact with others.?
With the project complete, Soltisz II still has to turn in his paperwork and merit badges to the Eagle Board of Review that supports his candidacy and demonstrate he has lived up to the Scout way of life, said his father Ben Soltisz.
‘From a previous Boy Scout who didn’t accomplish Eagle Scout rank, I’m very proud of him and hope his brothers do the same thing? I’ve enjoyed being in scouts with them. I’m doing things I wouldn’t do unless I was a Scout. It’s a good bonding experience,? said Soltisz.
In recognizing that many youth leave the Scouts before reaching Eagle Scouts, Soltisz said parents are key to keeping kids interested.
‘I think a lot of it has to do with parent involvement. You need parents involved for all the activities,? said Soltisz.
The Soltisz family resides in Independence Township and consists of Ben Sr., Carla, Ben II, David and Carl.