Details
Contact trip organizers (Tom and Eric) through Meetup message or via email to tomlindsay[at]gmail.com before registering for this trip!
Late fall in the Boundary Waters is tranquil and isolated. The days are short and the weather is unpredictable, but bugs and sunburns are rare and views of the night sky are usually plentiful. Trail clearing at this time of year brings unique challenges and opportunities. Days are short and nights are long. Late October is usually about the latest that the weather can still be cooperative for trail clearing.
Eric and Tom are looking for several enthusiastic backpackers to bring warm boots and make the trip to clear the trail on this late fall clearing crew. The six-foot clearing we'll make through this remote part of the trail will be one of our last efforts at clearing the trail this year.
Trip Itinerary: The crew will head north in the late morning on Thursday, October 20, and will hike from the trailhead approximately one mile to spend the night at the Lake Isabella campsite. On Friday morning we will backpack between seven and eight miles to one of several potential camping spots along the southwestern section of trail, where we will set up basecamp. Saturday and Sunday (8am - 4pm) we will be trail clearing between Quadga Lake and Superstition Lake, centered in the Myth and Exploit lake area. Monday morning we will hike the eight to nine miles out, arriving back in the metro area in the evening.
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. Late fall weather can be unpredictable, and trail conditions can vary substantially. 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.
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.