Volunteers sought for snowshoe walks

The Deschutes National Forest, Bend –Fort Rock Ranger District is seeking active volunteers to participate in giving guided snowshoe walks to visitors and school groups this winter.

Volunteers are needed from December through March. Volunteers will represent the Forest Service as Volunteer Interpretive Rangers at Mt. Bachelor leading snowshoe tours. Duties include helping visitors don snowshoes, safely guiding up to 50 people on a one-mile snowshoe walk, and occasional snow removal.

Guided snowshoe walks are offered to local school groups during the week and the public on weekends and holidays. The tours are offered twice a day and are free of charge. Between snowshoe tours volunteers have the opportunity to use a lift pass to make contact with lodge visitors, skiers, snowboarders, and have a discounted meal at Mt. Bachelor.

Volunteers must enjoy people, be willing to wear a USFS uniform, have verbal communication skills, and the physical ability to snowshoe in varied snow conditions. Some snow shoveling also may be required.

Volunteers may carpool in a government vehicle, take the Mt. Bachelor shuttle (free of charge) or use their personal vehicle for get to Mt. Bachelor. Volunteers must commit to at least four snowshoe walks per month (or two days per month) from December 22, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Two mandatory training days, plus CPR and First Aid training is also required. All training is provided free of charge.

For more information, please contact Karen Gentry, 541-383-4771 or karen.gentry@discovernw.org .