Eldorado National Forest

Volunteering

Working with the Forest Service and fellow volunteers is an opportunity to see what our National Forests have to offer in a way beneficial to both yourself and the forest. The diversity of projects and positions available offers each person a chance to participate in an activity that meets their individual or group interests.

Why Volunteer?

Earn credit towards college with volunteer internships Develop or diversify your job experience and career choices Meet people and form new friendships Self-satisfaction in providing community service.

What Projects?

Projects can range from a single day project to a long term undertaking lasting for several months. What captures your interest? Trail work, campground host, bird surveys, conservation education, fire lookout, Adopt-A-Trail, information receptionist, and wilderness restoration projects are a few examples of what may be available. Other possibilities might include working in the field with biologists, botanists, archaeologists, recreation rangers, and other Forest Service personnel.

How Does This Work?

The Forest is in the initial stages of expanding its volunteer program into a forest-wide effort. Projects and positions will be posted on this web site as coordinators develop them. Review through the choices, if you are interested in a listed project fill out an application and contact by email or phone the Project Coordinator for that project. If you are interested in volunteering in general, fill out the Volunteer application and contact the Volunteer Program coordinator. We will try to match your interest with our project needs.

Volunteer Application - This is the general application form. If you are interested, please fill out and send to:

Eldorado National Forest
Volunteer Program
attn: Kristi Schroeder
100 Forni Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 295-5610
kschroeder@fs.fed.us

Background

Volunteer service in the Forest Service was formalized in the Volunteers in the National Forest Act of 1972. This act allowed the Forest Service to legally accept the services of volunteers as individuals or groups. Volunteers are not considered federal employees except for purposes of tort claims and work related injuries. While they receive no pay, expenses for such things as transportation, subsistence and uniforms may be negotiated on a case by case basis.

Volunteering in the National Forest can offer
valuable experience and life long memories. Give it a try!