Adopt-a-Trail at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

HOW YOU CAN ADOPT A TRAIL/SITE

First, you decide what trail/site to work on. Then, an agreement is made between you and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM will provide information about trail maintenance standards, basic trail maintenance training, and may be able to provide some tools or materials. You provide mowing equipment, appropriate safety equipment necessary for a hazard free and safe working environment, and the time, muscle, and energy to keep the trail in good repair. It is also up you to provide regular updates to BLM regarding any issues or changes in maintenance.

Adopting a trail/site is a real commitment. The BLM and public users of the trail rely on you to accomplish all the work it has agreed to do and appreciates every bit of energy spent.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

The BLM will put a sign at the trailhead or site, as appropriate, recognizing the Group’s contribution to the resource. More importantly, BLM Volunteers and Partners constantly talk about the level of personal satisfaction and positive feelings of contribution they get from their efforts towards beautifying our public lands, keeping them open and safe to visitors and neighbors alike. Your actions make a difference and it’s not uncommon to receive significant kudos from those enjoying the fruits of your labor while in the field conducting the necessary maintenance.

THE WORK

The type of maintenance needed on each trail/site varies, even weather can determine what work is necessary; but generally, the effort includes removing small rocks from the path, trimming brush and small limbs that have grown into the pathway, removing debris that has collected along the trails and trailheads, mowing and depending upon the particular location either spreading the mown cuttings on-site or placing them into a garbage container, filling in ditches and stabilizing walkways, and removing litter. Please refer to the Adopt-A-Trail/Site standards for details.

Groups often camp for a weekend near the trailhead. Some Adopt-A-Trail Groups like to camp along the trail with tools, enjoying recreational opportunities between work periods.

Not only do we want your experience to be enjoyable, we also want it to be safe. Use this project as an opportunity to teach a safe work ethic to young and old alike. Safety does not spoil the fun, but accidents do, so please work safely!

The Adopt-A-Trail/Site program is open to all; shared cooperatively by many people. Though we hope the bonds of friendship develop among trail builders, please try to work through conflict too. We have come together in the most altruistic way to realize a common goal, to maintain a trail system that will provide a safe, enjoyable experience for many multi- use users.