By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Blowing Rock made Boy Scouts history on June 4 when Evan Cutlip was recognized with the National Eagle Scout Project of the Year award at a meeting of Boy Scout Troop 109, in the Scout Hut on the campus of Boone United Methodist Church.
During 2023, Cutlip brought to life a “pump track” bicycle venue on town property adjacent to Davant Field. After gaining unanimous approval from the Blowing Rock Town Council to utilize the small parcel of town property in the northeast corner of the Davant Field park, Cutlip set about planning and designing the recreational venue, recruited and directed volunteers to help make his vision a reality.
Beyond the leadership development skills he developed in making his presentation to the town council and organizing his work team was a reality check.
“I originally thought we could do the project in about three weeks, so having it take five to six months was a challenge,” he said.
Cutlip’s project was first complicated by getting Town Council approval, but then he had to clear a path through the dense and tangled rhododendron, as well as underbrush and even trash that had accumulated on the property. To cross the small creek with sufficient elevation, what he originally thought would employ 8-foot timbers turned out to be 18-foot logs and much bigger bridges, increasing materials cost and labor requirements.
By the end, Cutlip was very satisfied with the project, which has been enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.
Troop 109 is part of the Boy Scouts’ “Old Hickory Council,” comprised of Forsyth, Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Stokes, Ashe, Allegheny and Watauga counties. Ashe and Watauga are part of the Blue Ridge District.
In addition to the award ceremony honoring Cutlip’s accomplishments, there was a report on the troop’s special trip to Washington, D.C.; a national youth leadership presentation, and the awarding of various scouts’ merit badges.
