Registration open for trail volunteers training

Registration currently is open for volunteers interested in an annual training weekend focused on developing skills to perform trail maintenance on the Deschutes and Willamette national forests. Deadlines for registration occur in mid-April and mid-May.

Each year, the Deschutes and Willamette national forests, The Pacific Crest Trail Association and the High Cascades Forest Volunteers host trainings, called Trail Skills Colleges, which train and certify volunteers to do trail work.

The sessions are designed to train both new and returning volunteers and to allow them to meet other volunteers who work to provide quality recreation experiences for forest visitors. Learning trail stewardship will enhance your trail experience and help make the trails we enjoy better for all.

Class offerings include Chainsaw and Crosscut certification, Introduction to Trail Maintenance, Trail Design, Wildland Restoration, Drainage Design and Drain Dips, Working with Packers and Pack Stock, and many others.

The training is free of charge and volunteers may attend the full weekend or only portions of the training. Two location and date options are available:

· West Cascade (formerly Westfir): May 5 – 7, 2017, Camp White Branch near McKenzie Bridge, OR. Registration for West Cascade closes April 17 , 2017

· Allingham: June 1 – 4, Allingham Guard Station near Camp Sherman, OR. Registration for Allingham closes May 15 , 2017.

For more information and to register for the trainings, visit: http://www.highcascadesvolunteers.com/Training/SpringTraining.html

For more information, please contact Joe Welke, Deschutes NF Trails Volunteer Coordinator, at 541-383-4040.