The Trail Conference was contacted early in 2002 by Tom Dempsey of BSA Troop 144 of Pequannock , NJ. After visiting a number of potential sites in Norvin Green State Forest, Tom decided to take on the construction of a new footbridge near the Blue Mine as his Eagle Scout candidate project. Many months were spent on the numerous construction details necessary to build a wooden bridge spanning a 24 foot stream that over the years had wiped out a number of log bridges. Along with the normal academic workload of a high school student and a full schedule of after school activities, Tom was able to devote time to arrange the many elements of this mammoth undertaking. In addition to the engineering requirements, he had to produce a bill of materials and make arrangements for precutting and delivery as well as getting a commitment from his fellow scouts for their assistance.

The professional results of this effort are on view for hikers that traverse the Mine and Wyanokie Circular Trails.

Thanks go out to Tom's parents and sisters, Maureen and Erin, his fellow scouts; Peter Abazia, Brian Bald, Bruce Berkshire, Gerald Bifulco, Matt Bishop, Kyle Carberry, John Ciavarella, Ilya Denisenko, Richard DePinto, Derek Despotovich, Kyle Fierravanti, Rudy Garbely, Chris Gerardi, Brian Haight, Kevin Hill, Stephen Indoe, Sam Leone, Alex Lohn, Steven O'Sullivan, Nicholas Rizzo, Andy Wallace, Patrick Van Kirk, Tyler Van Kirk and Nick Zembruski. And not to be forgotten the fathers of the Scouts; who were incredible advisors, as well as the adult scout leaders, friends and members of the NYNJTC. The adults who worked on the project include: George Barnicle, George Morgan, Dan Haight, Nick Gerardi, Cris Van Kirk, Rudy Garbely Sr., Fred Indoe, and John Moran of NYNJTC. Special thanks to Michel Barnes and Joseph Cisco of the NJDWSC.

In addition to funding from the Elizabeth Levers Memorial Fund, costs of the project were borne by discounted and donated materials and services, and by financial contributions from community and professional sponsors. Discounted materials supplied by "84 Lumber" of Oakland, NJ and Somerville Lumber of Somerville , NJ. Rentals Unlimited of Pompton Plains, NJ donated the use of an electric generator for on-site tool power. Financial contributions were received from the following organizations and individuals: Knights of Columbus (John F. Kennedy Council No. 5486 of Lincoln Park , NJ); James LaSala, Esq, Attorney-at-law ; Helen K. Mueller , Kathleen Golden ; Karin Kolodziejski ; Philip Kolodziejski ; Janet Konecki ; Thomas Casey Sr.; Thomas Casey Jr. and Joe Dugett, Asst. Scoutmaster, Troop 23.