9WM: Backcountry Steward

The Backcountry Steward Program takes information and SAFETY to the trails!  Backcountry Stewards hike White Mountain trails giving important safety, weather, and trail information to fellow hikers along the way. Stewards serve as eyes and ears for the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) hiking to priority areas set forth by WMNF staff.  Stewards not only serve as a source of information but engage in light project work aimed at keeping backcountry areas pristine.  The Backcountry Steward season runs from mid-May through mid-October.

Responsibilities:

• This is a hiker safety program - Engaging the public as a volunteer and making them aware of environmental hazards, especially when encountering hikers who are ill-prepared
• Conduct backcountry patrols on WMNF hiking trails. Patrols will focus on contacting the public and performing light maintenance such as dispersing fire rings and picking up trash
• Submit patrol reports documenting conditions found and improvements needed

Desired Qualifications:

• Good communication skills, ability to work independently in remote settings
• Ability to professionally represent the WMNF while wearing a volunteer uniform
• Ability to hike, carry a pack and hand tools, and work in steep terrain

Benefits:

• Work independently in an outdoor setting to assist forest visitors
• Perform physically demanding yet gratifying outdoor work
• WMNF recreation pass with 16 hours of service
• America the Beautiful Pass (your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites) after 250 hours of volunteer service

Training:

• This program is closely tied to the Trailhead Steward Program.  Those interested in this program must complete the annual classroom Trailhead / Backcountry Steward training (April 4th,2020) and attend a Backcountry Steward field training, dates TBD.
• Other training possibilities include First Aid / CPR, Leave No Trace, forest rules and regulations