CONSIDER BECOMING A

VOLUNTEER WILDERNESS RANGER

(Scroll down to Application Form)

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Volunteer Wilderness Rangers (VWRs) come in two flavors:
TRAILHEAD HOSTS and TRAIL HIKERS. Both go through the same one-day training program and pursue the same objectives. Both are multi-taskers, official representatives of the United States Forest Service, meeting the public.

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The difference is mobility. The Hosts stay put at the trailhead, where with table, chairs, banner, maps, and swag, they help visitors on their way in and way out. The Patrollers hike the trails, helping to keep them clear and inspecting campsites while also engaging hikers and backpackers. Some VWRs do both. Please see the Trailhead host page  for more information on hosting.

 

VWRs commit to: 

• A half-day in person training program (plus, in advance, a one-hour on-line video introduction)

• A follow-up mentor hike

• Four Wilderness outings - both trail patrols and trailhead host sessions count. Patrols each last 4 hours or more; trailhead host sessions last 3 hours or more. The season lasts until mid-October

Scroll down to complete the application to sign up for future training.

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WHAT DO VOLUNTEER WILDERNESS RANGERS  & TRAILHEAD HOSTS DO?

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ON THE TRAIL / AT THE TRAILHEAD

• Answer questions for hikers, especially pertaining to trail distance, condition, elevation and time required to reach destination. Educate hikers regarding rules for wilderness use, "Leave no trace" wilderness ethics, the danger of falling trees, what to do when encountering moose, bears, mountain lions or mountain goats, where campsites and campfires are allowed and not allowed and why dogs should be kept on a leash.

• Inform interested hikers about Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance (ESWA), how and why we help the Forest Service and provide them with information on how to get involved with us if they wish to do so.

• Keep a record of Number of hikers and campers encountered (and group sizes) and Number of dogs on & off leash. Trail patrollers also assess trail conditions, count trees across the trail, estimate miles hiked, Time spent on the hike, and assess campsite conditions (including campfire rings).

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AFTERWARDS

• Fill out a short online report with all the information recorded above, in addition to date, name of trail, time of hike, condition of trail signs, horses or big game seen and interesting, novel, fun, or scary encounters with people or animals.