California Outfitters, Volunteer Trail Crew

General Information

As you review our stats below you will find we had a very impressive performance, doubling our total-hours-worked output with one less trip. Our program is coming of age and continues to surprise everyone with our abilities and effectiveness. The summer of 2003 will be a challenge and we need to make adjustments from what we have learned this year. I see a directional change first, June, July, and August we will concentrate on just clearing trails then in September and October begin the projects of installing bear boxes, refurbishing trail head signs, and general maintenance of the forest. One of our biggest challenges is the selection and training of new crew leaders and logistical people. If you can take a few minutes and think about the roll in which you would most like to participate, and then let me know, we can begin to start the transformation of leadership in these areas during the winter.

High Sierra Volunteers 2002 work accomplished for the summer of 2002:

  1. Total hours volunteered for the summer 5,961
  2. Bear-proof food storage containers installed 375
  3. Trees removed from blocking the trails 246
  4. Miles of trail cleared 64
  5. Water diversion bars cleaned 24
  6. Water diversion bars installed 1
  7. Water diversion bars rebuilt 16
  8. Trail head parking area restored 1
  9. General maintenance of USFS station 1 full day
The US Forest Service has a national program called the Volunteers in National Forest. Under this program a person or groups may sign an agreement with the Forest Service to provide Volunteer work Under this agreement Volunteers are considered Federal employees and are covered under our liability. They are not considered an employee for employment purposes, but the time spent volunteering does count toward total federal time SHOULD they become a federal employee.

The High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew currently has an agreement with the agency. The High Sierra Volunteer trail Crew is a 100 % Volunteer Effort consisting of very committed people from around the states of California and Texas. This group consisting of roughly 300 people that is managed by a select group of volunteers that go to great length to organize and plan each event down to the very smallest detail, so here they are and how to contact them.

Background:

1995 our store discovered the Forest Service "Adopt-a-Trail" program. This program enables business and special interest groups to adopt and maintain trails within the National Forest. California Outfitters then adopted a 12.2 mile segment of the California Riding and Hiking Trail in the vicinity of Huntington Lake. In the summer of 1996 the US Forest Service approached our store and presented us with a challenge. Due to budget cuts incurred, they needed additional volunteer help maintaining over 400 miles of trail between Yosemite National Park on the north and Sequoia � Kings Canyon National Parks on the south. This included 27 miles of the famous Pacific Crest/John Muir Trail, in some of the most scenic portions of the John Muir Wilderness.

Our response was the formation of the High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew in the spring of 1997. During the first season, a small but very dedicated group contributed ten days of trail work which amounted to 800 hours of volunteer time. In summer of 1998 with strong support from the local TV Stations and newspaper, our volunteer group expanded to over 35 participants on each outing. This resulted in over 1600 hours of trail work performed, with a combined two summer total of over 2400 hours.

The diversity of participants has been amazing! The youngest "in attendance" was our very own employee Chrissy Medrano's six month old son, Triston. The oldest is 91 year-old Ralph who offers to do anything in camp if only we let him have dinner with us. We had another hard working senior trail worker who was in his mid-70's. We invite you to involve your children in this type of community service project. There is the added benefit of the time spent with your children doing good work together, and this is priceless. We recommend a minimum age of 14 years old, but all ages are welcome. Smaller children will be given some light work to do, mainly involving distributing water to workers.

Trail work can be very demanding but the rewards are invaluable, especially when a wilderness hiker stops and thanks you for your efforts. Most of the time, the work is not at all strenuous when a group is tackling a project together. Trail workers get to know each other, and by the end of the day you've made a new friend, business contact or "significant other" and just had a good time in the process. You're with people from all walks of life who share a love of the outdoors. Backpackers have even dropped their packs and work side by side with us for the day. In the midst of all the hard work, is great camaraderie, with lots of good humor, laughter, and great conversation. As the day ends you will be filled with the sense of great accomplishment and pride at what a little bit of team work can produce.

Except for work on the deep backcountry trails, all meals are provided and cooked for you. You are only responsible for bringing your own beverages. Delicious and ample food is a high priority and California Outfitters trail crew meals have become legendary! There is always all-you-can-eat and then some. The BBQ Tri-Tip dinner has become our specialty. If you prefer vegetarian meals or have any specific food requirements, please advise us ten days in advance of the trip so we can provide meals to meet your health needs.

Our cause is worthy, the need is great, and your consideration to attend is greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance and look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Shane Krogen

Trail Crew Coordinator

California Outfitters

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