Overview
The Blues Crew has made a great start in repairing the 2020 flood-damaged North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083. Many days of logging out and trail reconstruction are required and once we’re done on the North Fork, we’ll move on to reopening the Buck Creek Trail #3073. These areas are all accessed via FS Road 32 which is currently closed to the public. The Blues Crew is partnering with the Umatilla National Forest to reopen access to the amazing North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. Volunteers will work in small groups of five to maintain social distancing.
Multiple dates and work parties are planned - overnight camping will be an option for volunteers working both Friday and Saturday work parties. No meal service is planned. Pit toilets are available. Cell service is not available in the North Fork Umatilla River Canyon.
Volunteers commuting from Walla Walla to the work site will meet at the USFS Walla Walla Ranger District office at 1415 West Rose Street at 07:45 to carpool or caravan. Work will be completed by 3:30 pm each day to allow return to Walla Walla by 5 pm. Volunteers traveling from other communities should make arrangements with the project leader to meet near the Corporation Guard Station where Road 32 is closed to public access.
Friday, April 23rd Project Leader Greg Brown (509) 386-7864
Co-Lead Nathan Viavant
Saturday, April 24th Project Lead Greg Brown (509) 386-7864
Co-Lead Larry Wachtel
Check out these trails here:
North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7056120/north-fork-umatilla-river-trail-3083
Buck Creek Trail #3073: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7057725/buck-creek-trail-3073
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 face 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. Carpooling may be an option following CDC &/or USFS guidelines.
Work to accomplish
Sawyers will clear downfall using crosscut saws
Major treadwork and rebuilding of trails
Water diversion and management
Brushing and clearing trails
Creation of 2 campsites to replace those lost to flooding
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 to strenuous
Schedule:
07:45 am – Meet at USFS parking lot on Rose Street in Walla Walla for initial orientation and paperwork. Wearing a mask will be required.
8:00 am – Depart for Umatilla Forks/Corporation Trailhead with USFS staff escort
9:15 am – Arrive Trailhead. Safety briefing, tool distribution and team assignments.
Noon – Bring your own lunch
3:30 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 meetings
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): There will be 2-3 Trail Crew Leaders each day.
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 7 hours on uneven terrain.
Recommended for ages 18 and older due to COVID precautions.
For more Information contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136
Select ‘Filter by Date’ below to display individual work party dates - sign up separately for Friday and Saturday, and please let us know if you plan to camp over Friday night.