Requirements

Volunteer

Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) Sign Up

The Border Route Trail (BRT) is part of the larger North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST). Because the National Park Service (NPS) is the federal administrator of the NCNST, BRT volunteers may sign up under the NPS Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) program.

The VIP program provides important protection for volunteers. All VIPs are entitled to the same injury considerations that NPS employees receive (provided they are operating within their approved scope of duties and NPS policies). Additionally, VIPs are recognized for their contributions and earn annual recognition items based on hours of service and are eligible to attend certain skills and leadership training.

Please refer to the Individual Agreement Sign Up Process on the North Country Trail Association’s website.

Volunteer Training and Certifications

Crosscut Saw and Chainsaw Training and Certification

The National Forest Service and the National Park Service require that operation of a chainsaw or crosscut saw be limited to crew members that have been certified by one of these agencies in the use of those saws. The training necessary for certification is provided in April of each year at no charge. The training and certification only cover bucking (cutting trees that are already down on the ground); it does not cover tree felling. The certification is good for three years and the following steps are required:

  • Receive and maintain first aid and CPR certification. Training must include an in-person skills evaluation by a certified instructor. Certification must be renewed every two years. Completion of first aid and CPR training is a prerequisite before attending any saw training.

  • Complete Trail Safe!, an online safety training, or NPS Operational Leadership. This is a one-time requirement, though the course may be reviewed as many times as desired as a refresher. Completion of Trail Safe! is a prerequisite before attending any saw training and is required immediately for current certified sawyers.

  • Attend Trail-approved NPS or US Forest Service chainsaw training taught by agency-certified and approved instructors. Certification must be renewed every three years.

  • May not operate a saw alone. At least one additional person who is also first aid and CPR certified and able to provide emergency assistance must be within eyesight of the sawyer operating a saw.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

April 2024 Crew Leader Training information

The North Country Trail Association and its MN & WI Chapters, the Superior Hiking Trail Association, and other trail organizations in the region are partnering to offer a crew leader training.

Who: existing Chapter/Affiliate/other trail organization crew leaders looking to bolster their leadership skills and existing trail volunteers who are interested in expanding their leadership skills in order to lead trail projects. Participation is limited - Chapters and organizations may be requested to prioritize who should attend if the course fills.

What: we’ll gather for dinner and camaraderie on Friday night, focus on leadership skills on Saturday, and then focus on emergency response on Sunday morning

When: 6pm on Friday, April 26th- 1pm on Sunday, April 28th

Where:

Highland Town Hall located between Lake Nebagamon and Solon Springs, WI

9360 County Rd S, Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849,

map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PxDJDJHY9VVTKGNy6)

How: free primitive camping (tent only) will be available on-site. All food will be provided from

Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. RV camping is available nearby.

What is a crew leader and what does a crew leader do?

The Crew Leader is responsible for organizing and leading crews in the field. In addition to being knowledgeable about NCNST trail construction standards, the Crew Leader should be able to safely lead and motivate volunteers and have a good understanding of successful project planning and implementation. Crew Leaders must have a strong commitment to building sustainable trails and get satisfaction out of helping others have a good time while doing good work. Leading volunteers on trail entails teaching and supervising the technical tasks of a particular project while managing a team of people who typically bring a wide range of skills, experience and physical stamina to the crew. Source: NCTA’s Crew Leader Handbook

What topics will be covered at this crew leader training?

• Managing safety and risk

• Teaching techniques

• Connecting Agency and Organization to volunteers

• Delegating assignments

• Motivating crew members

• Boosting morale

• Making decisions

• Resolving conflict

• Communicating stewardship information (minimum impact)

• Representing NCTA / SHTA / their trail organization

What topics will NOT be covered at this crew leader training?

We will not be teaching any technical trail skills - e.g. rockwork, trail construction, trail maintenance - or offering First Aid/CPR or chainsaw certification. This training is all about the leading people part of trail crew projects. We are planning on offering a technical trail skills training on October 4-6 in the Duluth area that will cover many of the technical trail skills.

Do I need to already be a crew leader to attend this training?

No...but you have to have a strong desire to be a crew leader on future projects. Space is limited so we’re looking to attract folks who will put this training into practice to benefit the trails.

What skills / abilities do I need to be a crew leader?

 Leadership and Group Management skills is the most important skill for a crew leader to possess

 CPR & First Aid training is vitally important for crew leaders to have, but is not required for this training

 Trail maintenance and construction experience is important, but can be gained over time

How do I register?

Registration deadline is April 12th and the link for online registration is http://tinyurl.com/MN-WI-crewleader. Registrants will receive a confirmation email if they have been selected to attend and another with more information before the event.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the training, please contact Matthew Davis at (701) 388-1883 or mdavis@northcountrytrail.org and/or Barbara Budd at (218) 834-2700 or bbudd@superiorhiking.org.