Posted September 14, 2007

Getting involved: Volunteer as for trail patrol in your national forest and make a difference

By Royce Wood

"Front. Back. Go."

This seemingly nonsensical chain of words was becoming a familiar cadence as an Army drill instructor worked my entire company through a "grass drill," also known as a "gorilla drill."

If you’ve been there then you know what I’m talking about. If not, let me assure you that it isn’t much fun.

It was some time late in the summer of 1988. I remember the rocky southwestern Missouri parade field, the balmy air and the fact that it was 2 o’clock in the morning.

But the thing that I remember most clearly about that night of government-condoned self-mutilation is that the drill sergeant paused just long enough from his incessant commands to remind us that we’d "volunteered for this." He even thanked us for our willingness to defend America.

Although it wasn’t clear to us what rolling around in a rocky field had to do with defending America, it was clear to me at that moment that you probably shouldn’t volunteer for anything, at least not while you’re in the Army.

Basic training aside, I’ve generally found volunteer work very rewarding. As a kid, I was involved in a number of scouting-related volunteer projects. The result of one of these projects, a restored pagoda, is still standing, nearly 30 years later, in my home town.

Now, that’s satisfying.

Volunteerism is closely identified with the American experience. Yet some statistics indicate that fewer of us are volunteering. No doubt our modern 24/7 lifestyles aren’t helping. In my experience, family and professional obligations demand so much of my time that I find it hard enough to carve out time to ride, let alone volunteer.

However, I sill believe that we need to be volunteers. Certain things just aren’t going to get done without our help.

Case in point: Ohio’s Wayne National Forest, like so many other national forests, has been struggling to deal with tight budgets in the face of growing recreational use. While grants and recreational permit fee revenue have been sufficient to cover trail maintenance costs, hiring additional personnel is a different matter.

So with existing staffing levels, which are already stretched thin, how can the Wayne’s field presence keep pace with increasing numbers of visitors?

During forest plan revision hearings I repeatedly commented that the answer to the Wayne’s problem was the formation of a volunteer trail patrol. So, when the Wayne’s recreation program manager, Chad Wilberger, got authorization to form a volunteer motorized trail patrol, who do you suppose was one of the first people to get a call to become a volunteer?

Me.

My riding buddy and ATVA director, Doug Morris, got the same call.

So Doug and I, and about 10 other enthusiasts, are heading up the inaugural Wayne National Forest Volunteer Trail Patrol. We’ll be the eyes and ears of the Wayne’s professional staff in the field and we’ll educate our fellow riders about rider-safety and environmental responsibility.

We’ve already logged several volunteer weekends but all of that time has been in the form of training. Like most government agencies, the Forest Service is very concerned about liability. The thorough training of employees and even volunteers is one of the ways that it manages its liability exposure.

While some of the training has been a little redundant, like having to take the basic rider course, most of it—like land navigation, radio procedures, first aid and even invasive species identification—has been very practical and interesting.

I’ll let you know how our first year on patrol goes.

In the meantime, try to find some time to volunteer. Ask your local public land manager what you can do to help out. If you’re a closed-course rider, consider spending a day sound testing at a District event. Or whatever.

Just use your imagination and, unlike in the Army, don't be afraid to volunteer.

© 2007, All Terrain Vehicle Association