News Release
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NPS
News Release Date: December 11, 2020
Contact:
Effie Houston, (423) 569-9778
The Trail Keeper program is for people who love the park’s trails and want to help take care of them. The goal of the program is to provide a presence in the backcountry, help maintain sections of trail, and provide park staff with trail condition updates.
“Volunteers are a vital part of the team. We couldn’t do what needs to get done without their knowledge, skills, and abilities,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.
Currently, there are more than 70 different trails available for adoption. Trail keepers are expected to hike, bike, or horse ride their adopted trail at least four times during the calendar year. They also report on overall trail conditions, pick up any trash, and submit a trail report after each visit. Being a trail keeper does not involve heavy trail maintenance or the use of power equipment. Trail volunteers may use a small handsaw to remove small trees that have fallen across the trail and may move branches and other light maintenance by hand.
To learn more about the Big South Fork Trail Keeper program, email the park’s volunteer coordinator at effie_houston@nps.gov or call (423) 569-9778.
Tags:
volunteer,
trails maintenance
Last updated: December 11, 2020