Winding Through the Winds: Trail Restoration in the Mountains of Wyoming

The Trip

Join us for a memorable week giving back to the first designated National Forest in the United States: Shoshone National Forest. Since it was set aside in 1891, Shoshone National Forest has been known for its spectacular scenery, with rugged peaks, alpine lakes and scenic glaciated valleys. The Wind River Range of the Rockies is one of the most well-known and -loved areas in this 2.4 million acre National Forest.

We will camp at a drive-up, established campsite with access to water, within a few miles’ hike of our work project. The campsite location will be determined by the work project chosen by our local partners, Shoshone National Forest, Washakie Ranger District in Lander, WY. The leader will communicate with enrolled participants in the early spring about the camping location and proposed work project.

We will be camping and working in the ancestral lands of the Newe (Eastern Shoshone), Tsistsistas (Northern Cheyenne), Apsaalooke (Crow) and Hinono’eiteen (Arapaho) peoples. These lands were ceded th the US government under duress in the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868, and more lands around Riverton and Lander were taken in later years.

The Project

Our work project will have a variety of tasks suitable for various levels of skill and strength. The project may include clearing brush and trees from the trail, installing drainage features, rebuilding tread, and closing old trails and excess campsites. This work is rewarding, and physically demanding. The hike to the worksite will be 1-3 miles each way, and may include elevation gain and hiking at altitudes above 6000 feet.

The agency will provide all tools, and helmets if required. Participants should come prepared with over-the-ankle boots, durable work pants, durable long-sleeved shirts, rugged leather gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses are fine). US Forest Service will provide training in tool use, and will supervise the work project.

We’ll meet in the afternoon of day one at the campsite near the work project in the Shoshone National Forest. Participants coming from lower elevations are highly encouraged to arrive 1-2 days before the start of the trip to acclimate to elevation. We’ll set up our basecamp, make our introductions, and discuss the plans for the week. Dinner on the first evening will be the first meal provided on the trip.

Days 2-3, 5-6: We will work four days. A typical work day will begin with breakfast, after which we’ll pack our lunch and hike to the work site. We’ll generally work until mid-to late afternoon, with a break for lunch. Everyone will take a turn helping prepare meals in the camp kitchen; those not on duty will have time to relax, socialize, swim or fish (if we’re near a river or lake!)

Day four will be a break day, with the option to join others for a hike or relax in camp. On our last day, day seven, after breakfast, we’ll clean up our site as a group and say our farewells.

Getting There

The closest airport to Lander is at Riverton, WY, which has limited service. There is a shuttle from Riverton (30 minutes), Casper, WY (2 ½ hours) or Jackson, WY (4 hours) to Lander through Wyoming Share-A-Ride shuttle; prices and times vary depending on the number of riders and distance traveled. There are many flights to Denver, CO (around 6 hours) or Salt Lake City (around 5 hours), but no public transportation from those cities; a rental car would be necessary. Carpooling is highly recommended; the trip leader will supply contact information for interested participants to set up ride sharing.

Please do not make travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Our meals will be both part of the adventure and an opportunity for a social gathering after a day’s work or play. Our meals will consist of hearty front-country fare. A group kitchen will provide the opportunity for everyone to take turns in meal preparation and clean-up afterward. Note that our trip menu planning is a detailed process which considers that there is no refrigeration and that food must be protected from animals. Given these parameters, before applying for the trip, folks with food allergies, dietary restrictions and/or strong preferences must contact the leader and cook to see if reasonable accommodations would be possible. Our first meal will be dinner on day one and the last will be breakfast on day eight. 

Our group campsite will have pit toilets and the leaders will set up a sun shower. We will filter or treat river water for consumption and dish washing. All food and all items with a strong scent must be secured in bear-proof containers. Bear boxes will be provided at the campground and bear safety will be discussed on the first day.

Trip Difficulty

The trip staff welcomes individuals with a positive attitude and an interest in learning. They welcome a group with a range of physical capabilities, while also recognizing that trail work can be quite taxing. Our days will be full and the weather is often hot, but we will have frequent opportunities for breaks and each participant will be encouraged to work at a comfortable pace. Participants will want to increase their regular activity for at least 6 weeks prior to the trip, so they’re comfortable hiking 4-8 miles a day and doing physical work all day at elevations from 6,200-7,500 feet elevation. Participants who have any concerns about trip difficulty are encouraged to contact the leader directly.

Equipment and Clothing

A detailed equipment list will be provided by the leader after registration is complete, but will include a large day pack, tent with rain fly, sleeping bag, sturdy boots that have been broken in, layered clothing to accommodate weather conditions, and tested rain gear. Tools and equipment will be provided, but participants will be responsible for their own work gloves and safety glasses.

References

• Shoshone National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/shoshone/contact/districts
• Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
• Sierra Club: https://content/sierraclub.org/outings/national/wilderness-manners
  

Conservation

We’ll have the opportunity to observe, experience and discuss the changes in the forest, weather and wildlife that have occurred in this area as a result of the changing climate. We’ll also have opportunities to discuss conservation issues and efforts that we’re involved in closer to our homes.

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club. We look forward to lively evening discussions with the group on these and other positive issues.

Service outings, in particular, stand out as one of the Sierra Club’s most important “boots on the ground” conservation efforts. The work done by service trip participants in our nation’s public lands is a way of practicing conservation in the most direct way possible, whether it’s improving access while preserving wilderness values, restoring wildlife habitat, or repairing human-caused damage to a natural area. Service trips are a great way to pitch in and do something tangible to make the world a better place; they’re a way to go beyond just talking about conservation; a way to get out there and experience conservation with your whole being.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.