National BLM > OR/WA > Recreation > Cascade-Siskiyou

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Volunteer Opportunities

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument photo

Trail Stewards

From June through mid-September Trail Stewards actively assist monument staff with trail management on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and trails within the Soda Mountain Wilderness. Volunteers donate a minimum of three trail days in addition to one day of training to assist in trail maintenance, visitor contact, and trail monitoring. Trail stewards help teach visitors the importance of "Leave No Trace," a program encouraging people to reduce their impacts while recreating in the outdoors as well as distributing maps and other monument information. Trail stewards also participate in trail maintenance activities such as clearing the trails for use, using hand tools to improve the tread surface, and completing trail condition assessments.

Becoming a Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Trail Steward is an exciting way to become a supporter of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument while exploring the monuments trails. Participants need to be skilled in hiking and outdoor recreation.

April 28, 2012 - Trail Condition Assessment Training

For Trail Stewards (trail volunteers) wanting to get more involved within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and monument staff will be holding a Trail Condition Assessment Training. This training will introduce Trail Stewards to the PCTA's Trail Condition Assessment Form. Trail condition assessments help identify needed trail work as well as in prioritizing work for the field season. Condition assessments can be done independently by Trail Stewards any time they feel like going for a hike. The training will held at the Oredson–Todd Woods trails located in Ashland. All volunteers will meet at the Shop'n Kart of Ashland at 9:00 AM and carpool from there. We expect the training to be completed by 12:00 noon. Volunteers should bring water, good work boots, and clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions. If you are interested in participating, contact Nick Schade at NSchade@blm.gov or by phone at 541-618-2281.

May 18-19, 2012 - Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Log Out

Come help complete the log out of the Pacific Crest Trail through the Soda Mountain Wilderness. An eight (8) mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail travels through the Soda Mountain Wilderness and requires the use of crosscut saws and axes to clear the trail of trees that have fallen over the trail during the winter. This will be an overnight pack goat supported trip. If interested please register early as there is a 12 person limit. Volunteers do not have to be certified to use crosscut saws as certified monument staff will lead the project.

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June 30 and July 1, 2012 - Big Bend Trail Skills College

Learn trail skills with the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and the Pacific Crest Trail Association at the Big Bend Trail Skills College! If you are interested in volunteering in helping to maintain the PCT and wilderness trails in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, this training event is a great opportunity to learn new trail maintenance skills or refine the ones you may already have. Courses will be available for all skill levels with basic and advanced courses being offered. This is a free event. Camping and meals will be provided at no cost to attendees. Please go to http://www.pcta.org/trail-skills-college/index.php for more details.

July 13-15, 2012 - Backcountry Trail Project

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument staff will be leading a three (3) day, two (2) night volunteer work trip into the Soda Mountain Wilderness area within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument to clear former roads now converted to trails of downed trees and brush. Clearing will be completed using non-motorized, non-mechanized tools (cross cut saws, hand saws, and other hand tools). This trip will be pack stock supported meaning that stock will carry needed tools and supplies. The BLM will provide food and tools. This is a terrific way to explore and learn about the Soda Mountain Wilderness.

September 29, 2012 - National Public Lands Day 2012

Help "Re-Wild" the Soda Mountain Wilderness within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument by removing fences and debris no longer needed for the management of cattle grazing. Monument biologists and resource specialist will be on hand to answer questions about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and discuss the monuments spectacular biodiversity. The BLM will provide lunch and tools.