YOU MUST SPEAK WITH A TRIP LEADER PRIOR TO TRIP REGISTRATION.
MESSAGE LAURA (lauralyons003@gmail.com) AND/OR GRETCHEN (gretchen.godbout@boundarywaterstrails.org) TO EXPRESS INTEREST OR ASK ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRIP - INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND A GOOD TIME TO REACH YOU.
TRIP OVERVIEW
With only a 1-mile backpack in to our campsite, this trip is ideal for first-time backpackers (experience not required). The goal of the trip is to clear treefalls, brush, and rootballs heading north from camp. We work rain or shine. All tools and training will be provided; see below for required gear.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
You will meet other like-minded hikers, share your skills and learn new skills from your crew, and have an unforgettable experience helping maintain one of the few hiking-specific trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
ITINERARY
Thursday, May 14 (Day 1)
Mid-morning, carpool from the Twin Cities to the BWCAW.
After checking gear and discussing tool safety and trail standards, we will backpack 1 mile to the campsite. The hike may take up to an hour depending on the speed of the group.
Friday & Saturday, May 15-16 (Days 2-3)
We will meet in the morning for breakfast, followed by reminders about safety, tool usage, and USFS trail standards. From there, we will make our way to the work area and clear trail, taking time for breaks and lunch, until 4-5 pm (crew leader discretion). Be prepared for multiple water crossings, potentially knee deep.
Dinner and tales of the trail at camp.
Sunday, May 17 (Day 4)
Wake up, breakfast, clean up camp, and repeat the backpack back to the entry point.
Carpool back to the Twin Cities; keep in mind we may arrive back late.
NEED TO KNOW
Pre-requisites:
Physically able to backpack (carrying your own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, personal gear, and 2 tools) 1 mile in 1 hour on rough terrain, and physically able to hike up to 5 miles per day.
Have a "can-do" attitude for unknown trail and weather conditions.
Attend the required Crew Member Orientation (April 14th at REI Bloomington).
Attend a required local hike and gear shake-down event before the trip with your crew and trip 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: McKenzie maps, safety glasses, hard hats, trail clearing tools, safety training, and BWCA permits. Water sterilization devices and bear canisters are available for use as needed.
Anticipated Temperatures/Weather Conditions: Crew members should prepare for anything from hot to rainy or cold days and/or nights. Also be prepared for bugs. Crew leaders will discuss specifics closer to trip dates.
Food: Bring your own easy-to-cook, or no-cook, food to enjoy during the 4 days. Confirm your food fits inside your IGBC-approved, bear-proof container or Ursack with odor-proof liner. Do not assume you'll be able to hang food.
Costs:
$40 registration cost on Meetup (to offset admin, tool and map costs) and
$20-30 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, alcohol-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. If you sign up for this trip without prior approval of the trip leaders, your sign-up is considered a donation to BWAC.
Please note the trip could be cancelled due to bad weather, fire danger, or other circumstances beyond the control of BWAC.
Thank you for considering this trip. By investing your time you will be creating lasting value for wilderness hikers and helping preserve this trail for future generations!