LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Volunteers are clearing dead trees and repairing fences along a former railroad right of way that's been converted to a trail in southern Wyoming.

The Laramie Boomerang reported Saturday the Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail is working with the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest to maintain the route, which winds 21 miles from Lake Owen to the Colorado border. The lake is 40 miles southwest of Laramie.

Friends president Dave Nelson says he and other cyclists frequently encountered dead trees on the trail, many killed by beetles.

Members have been volunteering on the trail for years, and last year they formed a nonprofit that can accept donations and apply for grants.

Forest Service spokesman Aaron Voos says such groups do invaluable work for the agency.

More From KGAB