Welcome to the Division of Forestry Adopt-a-Trail Program
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, has developed the "Adopt-a-Trail" service project to enhance and improve the recreational trail riding experience on state forest lands. This service project also helps to instill the attitude and action of good stewardship in all recreationists on state forest land.
All that is required to adopt a trail is for a volunteer group to go over a section of trail twice a year, once in the spring before Memorial Day and once in the fall before Labor Day. Past experience shows that organized groups and individuals, such as yourself, are eager to assist the Division of Forestry in recreation area maintenance. This enthusiasm has resulted in many accomplishments in recreation areas such as: posting of trail markers and other trail signs, wood chip placement in erosion areas, and litter pickup, just to name a few.
State forest trails are popular because of the vast diversity of natural beauty that occurs in state forests. A typical trail system contains scenic overlooks, varied levels of terrain, abundant wildlife, and many different plant and forest communities.
The information on the following pages will help you and your organized group decide if adopting a section of state forest trail is something you want to do. The information will explain how you can help yourself and other recreationists by caring for our trails, forests, waters, and wildlife.
After you have reviewed these materials, contact the DNR Forestry office nearest to the trail you are interested in adopting. The Forestry staff will help you to get started on a project.
Thank you for your interest in Adopt-a-Trail!
How Adopt-a-Trail Works
What your club does:
- Submit an "Adopt-a-Trail application" and indicate your choice of a trail segment.
- Complete and return an "Adopt-a-Trail agreement" prior to performing any work on the trail.
- Inform the Area Forest Supervisor of the date(s) you intend to work on the trail.
- Complete a "Group Volunteer Registration and Report" form. Be sure that all volunteers' names are recorded.
- Review the "Safety Tips" and "Guidelines" documents with every volunteer. This includes general supervision of those under the age of 16 and physical supervision of those under age 12. We do not allow volunteers to use power tools such as chainsaws. Let us know where power equipment is needed, and we will send crews to problem areas. Just knowing where they are is of tremendous help to us.
- Be sure necessary supplies are on hand prior to the service project. DNR staff can make arrangements with your club in most instances to drop off or deliver needed supplies. Trash filled bags and other debris are to be left at a pre-determined collection site. We can provide some hand tools if you need them.
- Clear brush and debris along your section of trail.
- Erect signs along trail as needed.
- Advise DNR Forestry of areas along the trail where additional work may be needed by DNR staff or with heavy equipment.
- After completing work, send in the "Group Volunteer Registration and Report" form with hours of work completed for each volunteer that showed up to work.
What DNR Forestry does:
- Prepare a sign and have it posted in a prominent place in each campground or management unit, which will recognize each officially registered group and their respectively assigned Adopt-a-Trail section.
- Furnish trash bags, trail signs, posts, and associated hardware. Other tools or necessities for service project completion will be provided at discretion of DNR.
- Provide technical assistance, including maps, directions, and service project details.
- Assist efforts to solicit news coverage (local newspapers, DNR publications) as you provide dates, times, and a contact phone number.
- Provide trail service project groups with formal recognition. This may include certificates of appreciation and commendation, and/or other volunteer recognition award items.
- Advise on appropriate DNR rules and regulations as they pertain to using state forest land and recreation areas.
Guidelines for Adopt-a-Trail Volunteers
- Vehicles may be used on areas normally posted as closed to them for Adopt-a-Trail work. A special use permit is available from the Area Forestry office.
- If litter is not removed, leave at nearest assembly area.
- Trails should be cleared to a treadway width of 6 to 10 feet and a height of 12 feet, unless otherwise specified.
- Tree cutting is limited to what can be cut with hand tools. Let us know where chainsaw work is necessary.
- Report to Area Forest Supervisor and show location on map of sinkhole, rocks, blocking trees, bridge failures, and washouts.
- Signs may be placed as needed. Be sure that "you are here" signs are placed at every intersection. "North" arrows should be placed so users know which direction is north.
- Hand tools:
- The DNR has pruning loppers, bow saws, shovels, rakes, and garbage bags available for use.
- Tools should be signed out and then returned soon after use so other volunteers can use them.
- Please make prior arrangements for tool pickup.
- Note broken or defective (or dull) tools so they can be replaced or sharpened.
- Report any unusual or suspicious events on the trail to the Area Forest Supervisor.
- Have a fun time. Working on a trail can be a very enjoyable experience. You gain the satisfaction of improving trails for public use while enhancing your clubs image, assisting the DNR, and enjoying the great outdoors - all at the same time.
10 Safety Tips for a Safe and Successful Trail Service Project
- Work with others - not alone. You should be in good health.
- Children under 16 should work with an adult. Children, remember to follow the instructions of an adult. Adults, remember to instruct the children under your charge.
- Do not try to lift or carry anything beyond your ability. Wait to move heavy objects until you can get help. Consider not moving these, but just reporting their location.
- Fill garbage bags so they will be not over-stuffed, especially if you have sharp objects which may pierce the bags. Remember, if you can't lift them, we probably can't lift them either.
- Plan ahead and be prepared for possible accidents or sudden weather changes. Groups should have a first aid kit with them as well as plenty of water, especially on hot humid days.
- Work during daylight hours. In case of rain or thunderstorm, do not seek shelter under tall trees. Take refuge in a vehicle or building or find a low lying area that is sheltered from the wind. Avoid gullies and stream banks which may be susceptible to flash flooding.
- Groups should be dressed appropriately for the project. Wear sturdy shoes, and protective clothing such as long pants, and gloves.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Know and avoid poison ivy and stinging nettles. Check for ticks at the end of each day.
- Know appropriate rules and regulations as they pertain to state forest land use and recreation area use.
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