Trail Maintenance Volunteers
We rely on the help and hard work of trail volunteers! Come out and improve the public lands you enjoy. Contact a group listed below to join them on trail maintenance projects. Groups often include training and equipment.
Responsibilities
Volunteers are responsible:
- For their own personal safety, in addition to the role they play in the group's safety.
- For doing the work to the standards designated for each trail.
- For packing their own tools to and from the work site.
- For adhering to the requirements for personal protective equipment including work boots (w/ 8" uppers), long-sleeved shirts, long pants, safety glasses and gloves.
Qualifications Required
Trail maintenance in the Gifford Pinchot generally involves either clearing a trail of fallen trees, tread restoration, constructing water bars or special projects such as repair of a bridge. For clearing of fallen trees, volunteer groups have members that are certified by the Forest Service to operate saws safely. Chain saws in the general Forest and cross-cut saws in Wilderness areas. You don't have to run a chain saw to volunteer, help is always needed rolling the cut logs off the trail and removing branches. Tread work requires the use of pulaskis and shovels. Special projects are coordinated with Ranger Districts. Special tools may be needed.
Other Groups to Contact
Hiking groups
- Washington Trails Association
- Pacific Crest Trail Association
- Wilderness Volunteers
- American Hiking Society
- Chinook Trail Association
Equestrian groups
Mountain bike groups
Motorized groups