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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