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For up to eight days, U.S. Forest Service wilderness rangers camp, travel, and work in the BWCA using traditional tools while performing their duties. On any given day, wilderness rangers can be found maintaining campsites and portages, performing visitor compliance checks, educating visitors on Leave No Trace camping techniques, collecting data on social and resource conditions, and much more.
The Superior National Forest is seeking volunteers to work alongside wilderness rangers for the 2024 summer season in the BWCA. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in wilderness management, use of traditional tools, Leave No Trace ethics, backcountry travel, and visitor education.
Camping equipment and tools are provided along with a monthly volunteer stipend. No-cost housing is also provided at the district offices. Season-long volunteers are needed between mid-May into August. Dates may be flexible depending on the needs of each ranger district.
“Working on the wilderness crew in the BWCAW can be extremely physically and mentally challenging due to the arduous nature of the work combined with the conditions brought on by biting insects, heat, rain, wind, etc. That being said, the rewards of working in wilderness far out weight those challenges. You’ll be on a unique team made up of people from all over the country from a variety of backgrounds. The relationships you make and skills you build will be lifelong assets. Plus, you get to spend an entire summer paddling and working in the BWCAW, one of America’s more premier wilderness areas!” said Cathleen Quinn, acting wilderness program manager.
If interested, contact Chris Maher for volunteering at the Kawishiwi District in Ely, or Dan Disch for volunteering out of the Tofte or Gunflint Offices. More information can be found on the USFS website’s volunteer page. https://www.fs.usda.gov/ main/superior/workingtogether/ volunteering
