Overview
The Buck Mountain Trail is a forgotten gem of a trail that circles then enters the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. This work party will focus on an upper ridge line section outside the wilderness. Heavy brush has enveloped the trail. We will be using power tools such as brushers, weed wackers and chain saws in addition to traditional trail tools. Volunteers will work in small groups of five to maintain social distancing.
Check out this trail here:
Buck Mountain Trail: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7071871/buck-mountain-trail
AllTrails Link to trail segment for the work party: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/buck-mountain-lake-creek-and-buck-creek-loop-dfd7869?u=i
PLEASE NOTE** This work will be done in/near the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, wilderness restrictions may apply. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5428929
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
COVID precautions require that volunteers self-certify on the day of the event that they are well, provide and wear a cloth mask during the group safety briefing, provide their own transportation to and from the work site, and follow other health and safety practices as outlined during the pre-event safety briefing.
Work to accomplish
Blues Crew will be using power tools such as brushers, weed wackers and chain saws in addition to traditional trail tools.
Note
Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.
The USFS Walla Walla Ranger District has asked Blues Crew to limit our work party to only 5 volunteers in 2 work teams at this time, so if you find you are unable to participate, please call the listed Crew Leader to allow for a substitute to take your reserved place.
Planning Information - Get ready for a great day outside!
Exertion Level: Moderate
Schedule:
8:00 am – Meet at USFS parking lot on Rose Street in Walla Walla for initial orientation and paperwork. Wearing a mask will be required.
8:15 am – Depart for Buck Mountain Trail
9:30 am – Arrive Trailhead. Safety briefing, tool distribution and team assignments.
Noon – Bring your own lunch
3 pm – Work complete. Refreshments. Debrief. Return to Walla Walla
What to wear: You cannot participate if you do not dress appropriately
Boots – no sneakers or sandals
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirt
Gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sun glasses)
Gaiters (recommended)
Ticks can be present: DEET or Picaridin for self, permethrin for clothes
A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.
What to bring:
A cloth face mask to wear during group meeting
Lunch and snacks
Water bottle(s) - no potable water is available at this work site, it is recommended that volunteers carry 2 liters of water if temperatures exceed 80 degrees.
Rain jacket and pants
A pack to carry your personal gear
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
Blues Crew Supplied:
Safety gear
First aid kit
Hard hat
Tools
Blues Crew Lead(s): Greg Brown (509) 386-7864 Linda Herbert (509) 386-2454
What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leadership will provide training and tools as needed.
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain.
Recommended for ages 18 and older due to COVID precautions.