Why volunteer? The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC)has been advocating for and restoring wilderness trails since 2002. We need volunteers like you to transform the Powwow Trail into the hiking and backpacking destination it once was.
Itching to get your feet wet (canoeing and portaging) before jumping into volunteer trail work? If so, come and join us for this canoe/hike trail clearing trip to North Wilder! We’re looking for self-motivated, nature-loving, goal-oriented team members willing to tackle unknown trail and weather conditions to help us take care of the Powwow Trail. Prior trail clearing experience not required.
PLEASE MESSAGE SARA FULCHER OR VERENA WALTHER TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST OR ASK ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRIP. YOU MUST SPEAK WITH A TRIP LEADER FIRST, BEFORE RSVP’ING FOR THE TRIP.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On this BWAC volunteering adventure, we will depart from the Kawishiwi Lodge and paddle from Lake One to Lake Three (with two short portages), then stash our canoes near the Lake Three/Horseshoe Portage. We will then backpack in 3 miles to North Wilder Lake campsite and set up base camp for 3 nights. The goal is trail clear with both saws and loppers in the vicinity of North Wilder, but our circumnavigation crew will let us know priority areas after their late April Powwow trail survey.
ITINERARY
Departure, Wednesday, May 17th (Day 1): In the late afternoon, we will carpool from the Twin Cities to the Kawishiwi Lodge & Outfitters, on Lake One in Ely. (There is also an option to meet up directly at the Kawishiwi Lodge.) We’ll spend the first night in a bunkhouse at the Lodge and get organized for the next day’s departure.
Thursday, May 18th (Day 2): In the morning we will paddle from Lake One to Lake Three, and then hike to North Wilder. This will be a long day, but we’ll set up camp and stay at this base for all 3 nights. In the evening we’ll go over safety training, tool usage, USFS trail standards, and a specific plan for the following day.
Friday, May 19th (Day 3): After a good nights sleep in the woods and breakfast, we will start trail clearing in groups of 2-3 depending on trail conditions. We’ll break on trail for lunch, and then continue clearing until late afternoon (4-5pm). We’ll return to camp to share wild and wooly stories from the trail while enjoying our backpacking dinners.
Saturday, May 20th (Day 4): Repeat Day 2 on a different section of trail near North Wilder.
Sunday, May 21st (Day 5): Rise and shine early and backpack out to find our stashed canoes, paddle Lake Three to Lake One, and carpool back to the Twin Cities.
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW
Pre-requisites:
Physically able to canoe for 3 hours, and backpack over rough terrain for up to 4 miles per day.
Attend the spring crew member training event (Tuesday, April 4 - separate Meetup invite).
Attend a local hike/snowshoe, gear shake-down, or local camping event before the trip with your crew leaders.
Personal Gear: Gear lists will be provided and a gear shakedown meeting will be held to assess team members’ gear needs. Each team member will be responsible for carrying their own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, water, personal gear, borrowed trail tools, and their share of group gear. If there is something you do not have, please let the crew leaders know well in advance of the trip.
BWAC Gear: BWAC will provide (at no cost) to use: McKenzie maps, canoes, paddles, PFDs, safety glasses, water sterilization devices, trail clearing tools, safety training, BWCA permits.
Anticipated Temperatures: We’ll know as we get closer to the date, but likely still chilly.
Food: Bring your own easy-to-cook, or no-cook, food to enjoy during the 4 days. And make sure it fits inside your bear-proof container.
Cost: $25 registration cost on Meetup (to offset admin, tool and map costs) + approx $25 for the first nights’ bunkhouse + TBD carpool gas money.
THE FINE PRINT: Participants are required to sign a (1) liability release form, (2) confidential health form, and (3) USFS trip form prior to the trip. This is a pet-free and tobacco-free trip. Participation is subject to BWAC rules, i.e. trip leaders can deny participation to anyone for any or no reason.