Volunteers needed for trail projects in North Idaho
Idaho Trails Association is looking for volunteers to help maintain trails in North Idaho.
The organization just released their 2023 volunteer project schedule to the public of over 80 projects planned across Idaho this spring, summer and fall. The projects range in length from one day to one week and in difficulty from easy for beginner hikers to strenuous for seasoned volunteers.
Hikers who are interested in joining are encouraged to visit ITA’s website to sign up for a project. No trail maintenance experience is necessary to join.
“We are thrilled to have over 80 projects planned this season; there is something for everyone, from day trips to weeklong projects deep in several of Idaho’s iconic wilderness areas,” Melanie Vining, ITA executive director said. “I’m excited to see what ITA can accomplish on trails across Idaho this year, with more projects planned than ever before, and focused work on the Idaho Centennial Trail.”
ITA has 18 projects scheduled in North Idaho as well as six youth projects planned across the state for ages 14-18 and six “Women in the Wild” projects. Among the upcoming projects in North Idaho are:
Higgens Point — April 29
ITA’s first project of the season in North Idaho, volunteers will work on this very popular trail system on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Lakeshore — May 13-14
ITA volunteers will cut out logs and brush on this trail along the upper western shore of beautiful Priest Lake. There will be car camping available for those who would like to spend the night and enjoy the camaraderie.
Boulder Meadows (women only) — June 17-18
This Women in the Wild project takes place in the beautiful Boulder Meadows area.
Navigation Trail (Backpacking 101) — June 24-25
This backpacking clinic will provide a chance for new and experienced backpackers to get together and share ideas on how to better enjoy this sport.
Little North Fork Clearwater — June 25-July 1
Volunteers will spend a week working along the beautiful Little North Fork of the Clearwater.
Idaho has over 10,000 miles of non-motorized hiking trails on public lands throughout the state, Vining said.
These trails are an irreplaceable resource that contributes to the outdoor recreation opportunities and great quality of life in Idaho. Unfortunately, funding for the care and upkeep of Idaho’s hiking trails is far short of what is needed to keep them open and usable. Idaho Trails Association was formed in 2010 to help deal with this challenge, Vining said.
ITA is a nonprofit that works with volunteers, organizations and government partners to preserve Idaho’s incredible trail system through education, maintenance projects and public lands advocacy. All of ITA’s projects are completed with the help of volunteers who are passionate about preserving Idaho’s trails for ongoing recreation and future generations.
Information: idahotrailsassociation.org/projects
