01/30/2026
Winter Storm Update + Why the New Plow Truck Makes Sense
A lot of folks have seen the new plow truck in action this past weekend, so we wanted to share a little context on why this was a smart, fiscally responsible investment for TL Storer.
Over the course of this recent storm, camp roads and parking areas were plowed multiple times between Friday and Tuesday morning. In total, every road and parking area on the reservation was cleared during the final cleanup in just over four hours, even with temperatures dipping below zero. Roads are wider, clearer, and safer than we’ve historically been able to achieve using older methods alone.
A few important details on the truck itself:
The plow truck is a 2020 Ford F-250 with — and yes, you’re reading this correctly — 7,200 miles on it. It is in phenomenal condition and was acquired from a local dealer with strong ties to Barnstead, allowing us to purchase a well maintained, low-mileage truck at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Now, the fiscal side of the story:
Over the past four winters, TL Storer has handled snow removal in-house using our tractor and equipment rather than hiring outside contractors. Based on local contractor rates, that approach has saved the program an estimated $60,000–$75,000 to date.
For this single storm alone, contracted plowing would have cost roughly $2,000. The truck allowed us to handle it ourselves, in about half the time as the tractor would have with less wear and tear on both people and equipment.
This decision wasn’t about buying something flashy. It was about:
• Reducing long-term operating costs
• Improving safety for winter programs and events
• Protecting volunteers, staff, and equipment in extreme conditions
• Being good stewards of camp and Council resources
The truck builds on a long track record of careful planning, hands-on work, and finding value where others might overlook it. The goal is simple: keep TL Storer accessible, safe, and affordable for the youth and families who rely on it.
We appreciate the trust and support of our community and the Spirit of Adventure Council. Transparency matters, and we’re always happy to explain how decisions like this support the long-term health of the reservation.
