Foundation recruits volunteer laborers
Crew leaders for the Bob Marshall Foundation work toward their cross-cut saw certification during a training session in 2002 at Spotted Bear. The foundation follows U.S. Forest Service training guidelines and standards since it works as a partner with the federal agency. Photo courtesy of Bob Marshall Foundation
There are many, many trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex - and there's no such thing as too many volunteers to help maintain those trails, according to a local nonprofit organization.
The Bob Marshall Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with its lengthy list of projects in the next few months.
The foundation is a nonprofit group that restores and preserves trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which covers about 1.5 million acres in the Bob Marshall, Great Bear and Scapegoat wilderness areas.
The organization coordinates about 350 volunteers for projects that assist the U.S. Forest Service in keeping up the trails since the agency doesn't have the budget to maintain all the trails, says Carla Cline, executive director of the foundation.
"This is an issue across the West that there's just not the funding to maintain the trails," she says.
The foundation also does campsite restoration and noxious weed eradication projects and promotes education on wilderness and stewardship issues, such as the "leave no trace" ethos.
Volunteers can sign up to help with projects going on between Memorial Day and mid-October. Projects vary from day hikes on easy terrain that incorporate trail maintenance to strenuous weeklong backpacking trips to work on backcountry trails.
Adults, children accompanied by adults and families are welcome to volunteer. The organization rates the projects either easy, moderate or strenuous to help volunteers gauge what they're capable of, Cline says.
"Trail work isn't a super easy thing," she says, "but you can see your results."
Seeing the results, in addition to being outside and taking in the scenery, is rewarding for volunteers, she says. Volunteers also meet new people and learn skills such as how to use cross-cut saws and how to properly clear a trail.
The organization regularly works with established groups such as those for at-risk youths. Those groups benefit from working as a team and feeling a sense of accomplishment, Cline says.
The foundation also works with service groups such as Montana Conservation Corps and the Back Country Horsemen.
Before people can go out on projects, though, they must complete training and an orientation so they're familiar with proper practices and safety precautions.
Training and orientations usually are scheduled as part of a project. For example, the crew leader will take the first part of a day hike to teach the group the needed skills and information.
The foundation's Web site, bobmarshallfoundation.org, has available for downloading the forms people need to fill out and mail back to the group prior to signing up for a project. The site also has dates and details for upcoming projects.
Cline reminds people to seriously consider their availability before signing up for a specific venture.
"If you sign up for a project," she says, "you're making a commitment."
The foundation tries to accomplish about 40 projects a year. Volunteers supply their own transportation to and from trailheads and their own gear, other than tools.
For more information, call the Bob Marshall Foundation at 863-5411 or visit www.bobmarshallfoundation.org
Reporter Camden Easterling can be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com