****Contact trip organizers (Lucas and Rick) through Meetup message before registering for this trip****

One of the treasured rest spots on the Western PWT, the “Rock Ledge Waterfall” is a flow of cool, wetland water across sloping bedrock. After gathering and Steripening our bottles of water, trail clearing begins just a few yards up the trail. Working towards Mirror Lake, will saw through an estimated 70 treefalls and lop the large jackpines, transforming an uncleared, blue flagged trail into a six foot wide corridor for hikers to enjoy.

Trip Itinerary: Thursday May 6 we’ll travel from the metro area to the PW trailhead. After a six hour hike in, approximately eleven miles, to Superstition Lake, we’ll set up basecamp. Friday and Saturday (8am - 4pm) we will be trail clearing north towards Mirror Lake. Sunday am we will hike-out, arriving back to the metro area by approx 7pm

Why Volunteer?
The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee has been advocating for and restoring wilderness trails since 2002. We need volunteers like you to transform the Powwow Trail into the hiking and backpacking destination it once was. Your crew leaders promise a productive, rewarding and memorable trip!

What to expect:
This is a trail clearing trip in a designated wilderness area. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to backpack 10+ miles. Backcountry camping experience recommended. Must have a "can-do" attitude for unknown trail and weather conditions. Each participant will carry their own pack, shelter, sleep system, cook kit, food, water, personal gear and a BWAC provided clearing tool. Crew leader will provide water purification system.

Prerequisites:
Volunteers will need to contact the crew leader by email or through Meetup BEFORE registering for a trip.
Trail clearing experience is NOT required or expected. BWAC provides all tools and safety training.
Volunteers are required to attend the BWAC virtual crew member training event in late March.
Two weeks before the trip, a local hike will be arranged to meet each other and talk about trip expectations and trail conditions. A gear check will be conducted for major components. Your crew leaders will make sure you bring what you need to be safe and comfortable, and offer advice and suggestions. A sample gear list can be found here: https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/gear-list-for-trail-clearing-backpacking-canoeing-april

Costs:
The $25 trip registration fee, payable through Paypal, offsets tool and administrative costs and includes a Mckenzie map of the Powwow Trail. Our trail partner, the U.S. Forest Service, provides the wilderness permit for BWAC volunteer crews.

Small Print:
No pets, tobacco, Bluetooth speakers, or axes. Participants are required to sign a (1)liability release and photo video waiver, (2)USFS self certification health form, and a (3)confidential BWAC medical form prior to trip. Organizer reserves the right to deny participation.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE BOUNDARY WATERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Your time and energy will leave a legacy for hikers now and in the future.