Details
YOU MUST SPEAK WITH A TRIP LEADER PRIOR TO TRIP REGISTRATION.
MESSAGE TRINA OR FELICIA TO EXPRESS INTEREST OR ASK ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRIP - INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND A GOOD TIME TO REACH YOU.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Crew members will set up camp at a USFS campground near the Brule Lake Trailhead and caravan to and from the trailhead each morning to clear trail. The goal is to clear the trail east of the Brule Lake Trailhead (FR 326) with saws, loppers, and root slayers.
ITINERARY
Thursday, May 8th (Day 1): We will depart from the Twin Cities early in the morning and establish camp near Brule Lake Trailhead. On the way, we will stop at the USFS office to watch an informational video about what to expect in the wilderness, grab a map, a permit, and get any questions answered by staff.
Friday, May 9th (Day 2): We will caravan to the Brule Lake Trailhead at 8:00 am, and after a discussion on safety training, tool usage, and USFS standards, we'll clear in groups of 2-3. Work will continue, with lunch and breaks as needed, until roughly 5:00 pm.
Saturday, May 10th (Day 3): We will meet in the morning for breakfast, followed by a discussion on continued safety training, tool usage, and USFS trail standards. From there, we will caravan to the trailhead and clear the trail, with lunch and breaks until roughly 5:00 pm. Once work is done for the day, we'll caravan back to our campsite!
Sunday, May 11th (Day 4): Crew members will be up early for breakfast and to break camp. Crew members will carpool back to the Twin Cities.
NEED TO KNOW
Pre-requisites:
Physically able to day hike for up to 5 miles per day and carry self sufficient gear, food, water, and BWAC provided tools while on the trail.
Attend the required spring crew member training event (April 29, 2025).
Attend a required local hike or gear shake-down event before the trip with your crew leaders.
Personal Gear: Gear lists will be provided and a gear shakedown meeting will be held to assess team members’ gear needs. Each team member will be responsible for carrying their own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, water, personal gear, borrowed trail tools, and their share of group gear. If there is something you do not have, please let the crew leaders know well in advance of the trip.
BWAC Gear: BWAC will provide (at no cost) to use: McKenzie maps, safety glasses, hard hats, water sterilization devices, trail clearing tools, safety training, BWCA permits, bear cannisters.
Anticipated Temperatures/Weather Conditions: Crew members should prepare for anything from hot to rainy or cold days and/or nights. Crew leaders will discuss specifics closer to trip dates.
Food: Bring your own easy-to-cook, or no-cook, food to enjoy during the 3-4 days. Confirm your food fits inside your IGBC-approved, bear-proof container.
Cost: $40 registration cost on Meetup (to offset admin, tool and map costs)
Cost: $30 maximum fuel cost per passenger
Cost: $10-$40 for post-trip lunch
THE FINE PRINT: Participants are required to sign a (1) liability release form, (2) confidential health form, and (3) USFS trip form prior to the trip. This is a pet-free, alcohol-free and tobacco-free trip. Participation is subject to BWAC rules, i.e. trip leaders can deny participation to anyone for any or no reason.