VOLUNTEERS RISING
It’s no secret the prolonged COVID-19 shutdowns had a devastating
impact on many non-profit organizations that provide both contract and
volunteer workers to help land agencies deal with post wildfire related trail
clearing and other recreation projects.
Despite the hammer dropping on large-scale volunteer
efforts during the lockdown, the good news was that some units allowed small
2-5 person teams that consisted of long time private sector partners to help
with clearing downed trees off of trails and other routes.
Those smaller work parties were often the difference
between a trail network being reopened to the public and/or helped reduce the
off-route impacts from users creating their own unauthorized reroutes to bypass
trails sections blocked by downed trees.
The other good news is that the Forest Service and non-profit
partners have - or are in the process of - restarting chainsaw certification classes
for agency fire staff, recreation personnel, and volunteers.
The new Region 5 (CA National Forests) Chainsaw Class
Video is real cool with good vibes – a great sign that things are getting
better. Watch it… it will make you
smile. You might even recognize yourself
or somebody you know.
https://vimeo.com/698362331?ref=em-share
Thanks to all of you out there who already serve as
volunteers or want to join that force.
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