Details
Please contact the trip leaders before registering. Contact information provided in the announcement below.
Join crew leaders Doug Rude and Deb Kuehne as we clear the gateway of the Powwow Trail. The spring survey will determine where we will work. We will be clearing new treefalls, stepovers and pruning back jack pines, and cutting out brush.
Trip schedule:
Tuesday May 17th
• Carpools will depart the Twin Cities Metro Area in the morning
• Reach trailhead at noon and work half a day on the Powwow and then on to lodging in Isabella
• Group dinner at in the condo
Wednesday May 18th
• Breakfast in the condo
• 50 minute drive to BWCA entry point 86, the Powwow Hiking Trail
• Safety talk and tool review given by crew leaders
• Work in teams of three, each team with one Katana Boy saw, Silky Boy saw, and a pair of loppers. There will be breaks as needed and a lunch break, with a return to the cars between 4-6 pm. Safety is our number one goal.
• Return to condo for group dinner
Thursday May 19th
• After breakfast, return to the Cities
Registration cost: $45
Additional costs will include carpooling gas and meals.
What you will need to bring:
Leather work gloves, sturdy hiking boots, rubber over boots for crossing beaver dams with running water (or high, water proof hunting boots), extra dry socks, layered clothing, reliable rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, whistle, TP and bug repellent. Bring lunch, snacks, two quarts of water. More detailed list will be provided.
BWAC will provide:
BWCAW permit for the group, safety glasses, tools, first aid kit, map for the group.
Prerequisites:
• This trip is tobacco, drug, and pet free. Since we will be sharing indoor lodging all crew members must be fully vaccinated against COVID including a booster.
• Required attendance at a crew orientation and safety meeting April 5th to be held virtually (see separate Meetup event for Orientation and Safety Training). This session will include introduction to safety and tools; trail clearing standards; a review of BWCAW rules and regulations for visiting a federally-designated wilderness; and canoe and backpacking information (not applicable to this condo day trip).
• Required attendance at an orientation hike session where you meet your trip leaders and crew members. Trip orientation will be Saturday April 30th 10 am - noon (a separate Meetup event will be posted). We will cover important safety information, trail standards, day gear and crew expectations in more detail in addition to a hike.
• Participants should in good physical condition, able to hike 8 miles a day, be able to kneel to lop and saw at ground level, work well with other crew members, and goal oriented with safety in mind for both self and the team
• Participants are required to sign a BWAC Health & Medical form, BWAC Liability Release form and a USFS Volunteer Service Agreement form prior to the trip. An email will be sent to all crew members before April 30th.
• Participants will be required to follow leaders' directions, and to wear safety glasses and leather gloves when clearing or hiking. Trip leaders have the right to refuse participation to anyone for any
reason.
Please contact the trip leaders, Doug Rude (doug@therudes.com) or Deb Kuehne (dkuehne@usfamily.com) before registering to discuss if this trip is a good match for you. After you get permission from the crew leader complete these two steps:
(1) Register and pay here on the Meetup event,
(2) Complete the online 2022 registration form using this link (skip the canoeing and backpacking questions): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXjGzVxTHZehMTiTGbKZLzW8PXIxv9YEfHMShc2jZj1kIuPg/viewform
Please note the trip could be cancelled due to bad weather, fire danger, or other circumstances beyond the control of BWAC.
Thank you for considering this trip. By investing your time you will be creating a lasting value for wilderness hikers and helping preserve this trail for future generations!