BWCA Trail Clearing FAQ
Q: How is "Experience Level" of a trip determined?
A: All participants must be in good physical condition in order to participate in trail clearing activities. Some trips, however, are more demanding than others. The trip experience level is a guideline for choosing the trip that is right for you. It is loosely based on the skills required of the crew members and the amount of physical exertion that can be expected on the trip. The best way to get detailed information about a trip and what to expect is to contact the crew leader. They will be glad to answer any questions that you may have about the trip.
Q: What kind of shape do I have to be in to participate?
A: Trail Clearing volunteers will need to be able to hike from 2 to 6 miles per day. Most of the wilderness trails are rocky and uneven. A good physical condition is required and crew leaders have option to reject candidates that are likely to collapse due to physical exhaustion.
Q: What gear do I need to have?
A: See gear list for the type of trip you are signing on. All participants need sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, day pack, 2 water bottles, compass and whistle. Other gear varies depending on whether staying at a resort, rustic cabins, or backpacking.
Registration
Q: How do I register
A: Review the trips in the brochure or the Meetup website and click on the date icon on calendar of events. Follow the directions. Volunteers are considered registered for the trip after signed up and paid the required registration fee. Registration is subject to approval by crew leader. You must register in order to be able to participate in the trip.
Q: How much do the trips cost and what do I get?
A: The fee for any of the trail clearing trips is $25. Fee goes toward cost of operating cost (websites, printed materials, crew leaders training etc.) and lodging when provided. On most trips participants also receive map of trail they will be working on and a T-shirt. Participants are responsible for food and transportation costs.
Q: How do I pay the registration cost?
A: Payment is through the Meetup Amazon.
Q: What if I don't have access to internet?
A: Contact your crew leader for further information on how to pay registration.
Q: Deadline:
A: Registration dead line is in the trip announcement.
Q: Late fee:
A: A $10 late fee applies after registration deadline. Some crew leaders do not accept late registration.
Q: Refund policy:
A: Registration fee is not refundable. Register only if you are committed to go on the trip.
Q: Is there a waiver and medical form
A: Yes, participants need to sign a liability waiver and provide medical information in case of emergency.
Q: Is training required of me?
A: Participants need to attend training session listed in the Meetup calendar. If you absolutely can not attend the training, please make arrangements with the crew leader.
US Forest Service provides cross cut saw training and certification. We would like as many volunteers to be certified, but since this requires a day of committment, it is optional.
Q: Transportation:
A: Each crew arranges their car pooling and sharing the cost of transportation. Contact your crew leader at the participant training session at Midwest Mountaineering.
Q: Special dietary needs:
A: Note you allergies and dietary needs on the medical form.
Q: What about pets on trips?
A: It is up to the crew leader to determine whether pets can participate in trail clearing trips. Crew leaders may also set constraints on tobacco and alcohol use.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Contact your trip crew leader via the Meetup site.
Please visit our sponsors
Boundary Waters Advisory Committee
"For the Volunteer in Each of Us."
Check out the BWAC Meetup site for list of upcoming events and trips.
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