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Last fall, we celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the Pagami Creek Fire. This spring, we would like you to join us trail clearing on the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW. With the help of volunteers like you, the Powwow Trail has made a comeback and hikers are backpacking it again. This trip is intended for Duluth area residents but presently we are leaving two spots open for interested TC area volunteers
Purpose of this trip is to clear several miles of the path from the trail head going north toward Pose Lake. This segment was cleared last October but harsh winter conditions bring down new tree falls. Our crew will remove these and the brush crowding the trail. Current plans are for a day trip, leaving early morning on Saturday, April 30th.
Frost River is providing free van transportation for volunteers from their store and back, providing covid regulations allow us to do so (transportation regulations and mask policies will comply with the state mandate at the time of the trip). After a safety talk in the parking lot trailhead upon arrival, we will work in 2 teams using Katana Boys, Silky saws, and loppers. There will be breaks as needed and a lunch break. Safety is our number one goal!
What you will need to provide: Leather work gloves, sturdy hiking boots, very likely rubber over boots (or high, waterproof hunting boots) for crossing a couple of beaver dams with running water, extra dry socks, layered clothing, reliable rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, whistle, compass, TP, bug repellent (treat your clothing with Permethrin tick repellent prior to trip). Bring lunch, snacks, and two quarts of water. A more detailed list will be emailed to the crew members. Registration cost: $10 (show up money). Contact the organizer for directions to register and pay for the trip.
BWAC will provide: BWCAW permit for the group, safety glasses, tools, first aid kit, rain tarps, and a McKenzie map #19 for each volunteer. In addition, Frost River is offering free use of a hand crafted backpack for the trip to volunteers requesting one (inquire at the training meeting on Thursday, April 7, at the Frost River store). By investing a day of your time you will be creating a lasting value for hikers and help preserve this amazing trail for society.
Prerequisites and lots of small print (i.e. READ this). This trip is tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and pet free. Participants will need to attend 1) Crew member training on Thursday, April 7 at 6 pm at Frost River store in Duluth, 2) Two hour training/get to know each other hike tentatively planned for Saturday, March 12th 1:30pm at Hawk Ridge. If unable to attend the crew member training or hike, please contact the crew leader to make other arrangements. Participants should be in good physical condition, able to hike 10 miles a day, be amiable crew members, self motivated, goal oriented yet with safety in mind for both self and the team. Participants are required to sign a liability release and photo video waiver, fill out a USFS self certification health form, and a confidential BWAC medical form prior to trip. Participants need to contact the trip organizer for pre pre-trip interview and permission prior to registering for the trip.
Contact: If you are interested, email your name and phone number to: martin.kubik@boundarywaterstrails.org or text 651-two14-58fournine and leave your name, phone number and one of the crew leaders will call you back within a day or two. The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWA Committee) is a volunteer-run non-profit with a mission to preserve the existing, historic and intrinsically beautiful trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of the Superior National Forest. Thank you for volunteering and keeping our Boundary Waters trails pristine!