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BWCA Wilderness Trail Clearing Training Workshop

  • Frost River 1910 W Superior St Duluth, MN (map)

What:
Interested in helping to restore the BWCA Powwow Trail for hikers and backpackers like you? This one hour workshop will make you familiar with wilderness trail clearing topics: cutting treefalls safely, trail clearing standards, participant and team expectations, proper clothing and gear for the trip, goals, food and itinerary. The workshop is intended for volunteers on October 12 day trip to clean up first several miles of the Powwow Trail, but participants are encouraged to inquire about other outings in October as well.

Why:
Most of the 30 mile long Powwow Trail burned in the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. The fire was catastrophic and the Powwow was closed for several years. Forest Service cleared the trail initially but ceased maintenance several years ago. That's when volunteers from Boundary Waters Advisory Committee offered to help. Since then most of the thirty mile Powwow has been cleared of dead falls and new growth of jack pines (thousands still dot the edge of trail and will grow strong). Our crew will cut new deadfalls and clear brush.

How:
BWA Committee and the Frost River are teaming up to bring back the Powwow Trail for hikers like you. Frost River is again providing a free van ride for Duluth area volunteers to and back from the Powwow Trail on the October 12 day trip. Help to "Open the loop!” with other like minded volunteers and clear trail with fast cutting hand saws and loppers.

All who come to the presentation will receive a Bent Paddle "penny-a-pint" coupon (that's quite a deal!). There will be a door prize drawing at the workshop.

How to register for the October 12 trip:
You will need to attend this required training session and register for the day trip on Meetup. RSVP if interested here Active Outdoors-Duluth/Superior and Register with $10 (show up fee) here> https://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-BWCA-Trails/events/264723227/ Trip participants will get McKenzie map #19 that includes our work area on the Powwow Trail.

Registered participants please take these steps before coming to this presentation on October 2 (but you can do it later too, if there is space on the trip):
1) Fill out trip liability waiver and medical form with emergency contact. Form is here (scroll down to LEGAL for the two forms, print, fill out, bring to meeting) https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/trip-information
2) You can register on line for the trip ($10 non-refundable show up fee)
https://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-BWCA-Trails/events/258989970/

Questions: Contact Martin Kubik at wtrails2@yahoo.com or call 612-564-8279 and let us know when to reach you.
This event is sponsored by Boundary Waters Advisory Commitee, a IRS 501c3 charitable (100% volunteer run) non-profit.

About the presenter: Martin Kubik is the founder of the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, the Kekekabic Trail Club, and the 3M Club Outdoor Club. Martin was instrumental in saving the Kekekabic Trail in 1990 and again in 1999 after the Storm of the Century; and the Powwow Trail in 1993 and more recently after the Pagami Creek Fire of 2011.