Trail Center Workday - Sierra Buttes - Joint Project with the Pacific Crest Trail Association

Sierra Buttes - Joint Project with the Pacific Crest Trail Association

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650 mile trail running from Canada to Mexico, and is considered one of the most scenic and important world-class trails on the planet. The Pacific Crest Trail Association is a group that coordinates the continuing development, use, maintenance and support for this trail. As Californians we should feel privileged to be so close to this trail which is enjoyed each year by many thousands of visitors from around the globe.

The Sierra Buttes Project is a major re-route of the trail to remove it from forest roads that are overrun with OHV's (off highway vehicles).

For our trail-building event we have a unique opportunity to join with the US Forest Service, other members of the PCTA and crew members from ACE, the American Conservation Experience organization.

Elevation is around 6100 feet. The work is moderate to strenuous, and will involve brush removal, tread reconstruction and the use of traditional tools.

Location: Sierra Buttes, California - Pacific Crest Trail

Directions: Driving directions TBD

Agency: Pacific Crest Trail Association

Supervisor: Hank Magnuski

Project Lead: Hank Magnuski

Additional Information: The USFS requires that each volunteer have the following personal protective equipment: a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, sturdy boots (no sneakers), work gloves and a hard-hat. The PCTA will supply hard hats if you do not already have one, but the other items are your responsibility.

Participants should also bring a small day pack to hold items such as water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sun-glasses, rain gear, camera, etc.

For camp and trail work consider the following items:

Tent or other packable shelter
Sleeping bag - temps can get down to 30 at night
Eating utensils, plate, cup, bowl
Personal hygiene items - this is a back country trip, so plan accordingly (we will establish a community latrine)
Large water bottles or the equivalent - hydration is very important at this altitude
Sun screen - spf 30 or better - you're two miles closer to the sun here. Don't forget your sunglasses, too.
Bug repellent - something with plenty of deet is best
Portable camp chair, if you have one

Also, if you have not submitted an updated Volunteer Profile form, please do so ASAP.

Thursday, July 23, 2015 - Pacific Crest Trail - Sierra Buttes

Activities: We have a limited number of slots for this project and it is currently full. If you are interested please contact the volunteer coordinator to be placed on the wait list.

7/23 Thursday --

All volunteers should arrive at the campground by Thursday evening. If possible, arrive earlier in the day to allow additional time to acclimatize to the high altitude and to setup camp.

You will need to provide your own meals for Thursday evening. The PCTA will supply meals on Friday, Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

7/24 Friday --

Everyone should be packed and ready to start work at 8:00 am. We will have a safety talk and description of the work activities for the weekend.

There is a switchback in need of repair, a boggy area which needs fixing, a stream crossing that needs attention, and a connector trail from the trailhead parking lot to the main PCT line which need rehabilitation.

Work will continue until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. There are frequently brief afternoon thunderstorms in the Sierra, so be prepared.

When we return to camp there will be a happy hour followed by dinner around 6 pm.

7/25 Saturday --

We will rejoin the USFS and other PCTA volunteers for a regular workday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

7/26 Sunday --

We will join the USFS and other PCTA volunteers for work in the morning, but we will break early, probably around 1 pm. You will be able to get Sunday dinner on your drive home.
Volunteer