All participants must be approved by the crew leader before registering. Please e-mail Caitlin (ctegels@gmail.com) or Lucas (lucas.raudabaugh@boundarywaterstrails.org) to ask any questions you may have and get approved to join the trip. This is a remote trip on a wilderness route in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you can if you are interested! Registrations will be in order of approval.
ITINERARY
This is a backpack work trip to the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW. Some backpacking experience is required. All tools, training, and a gear list will be provided.
Thursday morning we will carpool from the Twin Cities area to the Powwow Trail, entry point #86. We will hike together to scenic South Wilder Lake and make our base camp, approximately ten miles from the trailhead.
Friday and Saturday we will be hard at work clearing the northern section of the trail, where fallen trees and thick brush abound.
Finally, on Sunday morning we will pack up our camp and head out, stopping for a meal together on our way home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each participant will carry their own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, personal gear, and tools. You should be in good physical shape for full days of travel and working, and have a "can-do" attitude for unknown trail and weather conditions.
Recommended gear list: https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/gear-list-for-trail-clearing-backpacking-canoeing-april
A required local hike will be scheduled in May to meet each other, conduct a gear check, and to hash out trip logistics. There is a required safety training and orientation the evening of Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
All participants must sign the BWAC liability release, BWAC medical health form, and U.S. Forest Service volunteer agreement before trip departure. Review forms at www.BoundaryWatersTrails.org.
The $25 registration fee includes a Mckenzie map of the Powwow Trail and offsets a portion of administrative and tool costs for BWAC. Additional costs will be the cost of dinner on the way home, and chipping in for gas for those not driving. Our trail partner, the U.S. Forest Service, provides the wilderness permit for BWAC volunteer crews.
Thank you for choosing to volunteer with the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, where safety is our #1 priority.