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The Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association (AWTA) officially have responsibility for 17 miles of PCT between I-5 and highway 66 in Southern Oregon. However, they often work outside their area of responsibility to cover as much as 35 miles of PCT from west of Mt Ashland to Hyatt Lake. The responsibility within the 35 miles is not currently divided up.
The volunteer work leaders have received on the job training from Regional Rep Ian Nelson as well as from the Americorps crews for the last two work seasons. In addition, they have received chainsaw certification from the Forest Service. PCTA has provided AWTA with tools and the appropriate personal protective equipment. The finances of AWTA are handled by the board who are also the lead volunteers.
Following early season scouting in April and May, volunteer leaders decide on weekend work projects that then go out to the group’s e-mail list. In 2007, AWTA volunteer work days once a month from May through September. Volunteer recruitment is primarily word of mouth within the community. In early 2007, AWTA and PCTA sent out a mass mailing to PCTA’s mailing list in the Rogue Valley and received limited response. A typical work day consists of gathering tools, meeting at a pre-determined location, and carpooling to the work site. Volunteers are instructed to wear pants, work shirts, and work gloves. Specialized PPE is provided when working with chainsaws.
Generally, AWTA has limited communication with local agency staff as Regional Rep Ian Nelson acts as a conduit for information between the agency and volunteers. That being said, AWTA has regularly communication with Ian during the work season about work accomplished and volunteers involved. |
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