JAY — When he was considering where to do his Eagle Scout project, Stephen Sylvester, of Livermore, instantly thought of how much Spruce Mountain Ski Slope had contributed to his life.

“I’ve skied here since I was three and a half,” he said. “I saw the ski racks were kind of broken up. I figured, ‘Why not do an Eagle Scout project?’ This place has meant so much to me.”

After planning it, getting the necessary approvals from the Boy Scouts and Spruce Mountain Ski Club, and waiting until his football season ended, Stephen set about working at the mountain. As of Dec. 7h, when this interview was conducted, he had worked 50 hours. As part of the project, he put up a new ski rack, installed new snow fencing, and cut down high grass and brush.

He said that he was hoping to get the brush removal and snow fencing done last weekend.

“With the skis, it all depends on when I get enough (wood) to make a bench.”

Stephen’s father, Andy, said that Ware Butler had provided some of the supplies.

“They’ve been very generous over the years with us,” he said, pointing out that they had proven invaluable in helping the ski area.

Several people, including his parents Susan and Andy, have helped Stephen.

“That’s part of the project,” said Andy. “It’s not only what you do, but getting others involved.”

He said his participation in Boy Scout Troop #199 has helped him develop skills he can use the rest of his life.

“I’ve learned to be a better shot from going to camp,” he said. “I’ve learned about how to trap animals and camping. I’ve learned about nature. I can make a good grilled cheese, too.”

Stephen is Senior Patrol Leader of his troop. He is also a member of the Spruce Mountain High School ski team.

Longtime Spruce Mountain Ski Slope volunteer Bob Deane commended Stephen on his work.

“Eagle Scouts is a great thing to develop young people today,” he said. “To get people with enthusiasm to help the community is really important. I see something that I did 20 years ago, and it’s making it better.”

Stephen Sylvester, an Eagle Scout with Troop #199, clears brush from around one of the rope tows at Spruce Mountain Ski Slope on Dec. 7. He was working up there that day as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Shown here is the remains of the old Spruce Mountain Ski Slope ski rack. Eagle Scout Stephen Sylvester constructed a new one in time for the upcoming ski season at Spruce, which starts Dec. 26.

The new Spruce Mountain ski rack constructed by Stephen Sylvester.

New snow fencing installed by Stephen Sylvester.