HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR ALL PROJECTS:

• Do I need prior trail maintenance experience to participate?
  
• What kind of work can I expect on a BMWF trip and how much?
  
• What kind of supervision will we have on a project?
  
• Do I need backpacking/backcountry experience to participate on a BMWF trip?
  
• Will I have time off to explore the backcountry?
  
• Can I bring my dog on the project?
  
• On longer backpacking trips will I be expected to bring my own gear?
  
• Does the BMWF provide food for the project?
• What is the BMWF trip cancellation policy?
• What do I need to bring?
• How can I make sure I am in shape for a project?
• I want to plan a project for my school, organization or own friends and family. Can I do that?

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR WEEDS PROJECTS:

• Are noxious weeds really that big of problem?
• What do I need to bring to a WEEDS project?
• Are herbicides and chemicals safe?
• If herbicides are safe, why do I have to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
• I've never applied herbicides before. What if I don't know what to do?
• For a complete list of Montana's Noxious Weeds check out this link: The USDA List of Invasive and Noxious Weeds.
• Still want MORE noxious weed info:
  • Montana Dept of Agriculture Noxious Weed Program
  • Herbicide Toxicity Fact Sheet

Do I need prior trail maintenance experience to participate?
No, we just ask that you come to the project ready to work, willing to learn new skills, and motivated to make the trip and project a success.

What kind of work can I expect on a BMWF trip and how much?
Since you will be signed up as a Forest Service volunteer, expect to put in an 8 hour work day, and 40 hours per week on the longer trips. Trail maintenance projects involve use of primitive tools such as cross-cut saws, axes, pulaskis, hand saws, shovels and loppers, which you will be trained for and supervised by a BMWF project crew-leader. Trail work can involve strenuous lifting, bending, and hiking to and from work site each day. There are a variety of tasks on each trip and we encourage volunteers to take turns and try all of them. The BMWF crew-leader will assign appropriate tasks to fit your comfort and skill level as well (i.e.- you won't be expected to saw tree's out of the trail all day if you would rather cut brush with loppers instead). On the longer trips, you will also be expected to help out with camp chores such as cooking, cleaning, and general camp duties.
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What kind of supervision will we have on a project?
A BMWF crew-leader will be assigned to lead and train you on your project, and will be with your group for the duration of the trip. Our crew-leaders are USFS trained and are highly experienced in trail maintenance, backcountry first aid, backcountry safety, bear safety, Leave No Trace principles, and possess knowledge of the area in which you will be working.
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Do I need backpacking/backcountry experience to participate on a BMWF trip?
No, you only need to be in good shape and bring the motivation to work. On the longer backpacking trips and especially the more strenuous rated projects, we do ask that you have some experience carrying a backpack and hiking long distances over rugged terrain. These projects are not a good way to gain this experience and we would suggest volunteering for one of our easier rated trips first. We have various trips for all ability levels and you can contact us to find an appropriate one for you.
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Will I have time off to explore the backcountry?
We schedule time at the end of each workday, and one full day off on the weeklong trips for you to explore and enjoy the area you will be working in.
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Can I bring my dog on the project?
With the possibility of problems arising between your pet and pack-stock, wildlife, or other volunteers, we require that you leave Fido at home.
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On longer backpacking trips will I be expected to bring my own gear?
Volunteers need to bring their own personal gear such as a tent, backpack, sleeping bag, work clothes, etc. We will provide you with a list of items needed when we send you details for the project you have signed up for. On our pack-supported trips, some of your personal gear may be able to be packed in along with the group gear, tools, and food.
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Does the BMWF provide food for the project?
Yes, on overnight to weeklong trips, unless stated otherwise. When filling out the registration form make sure to include dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences to help us with our menu planning. On backcountry trips, diet is very important as you will be working hard and burning lots of calories so don't overlook this. Please provide us with plenty of information to help us make a menu that works for you and everyone on your crew.
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What is the BMWF trip cancellation policy?
It is very important to know that you are expected to commit to the project once you sign up. All of our projects take time and effort to organize and we want to make sure we have full trips so that we can complete the project as outlined to us from the Forest Service. Please don't sign up for a trip if you don't know if you can do it. If you hold a space and cancel less than 2 weeks before your trip, BMWF is entitled to consider your $50 project deposit as a donation/cancellation fee and it will not be reimbursed. Most importantly, you may prevent someone else from participating and it can be very difficult to fill your spot at the last minute. If several people cancel, it may be necessary to cancel the whole project of which time, effort, and money has gone into and the Forest Service is counting on. Partner projects are all subject to the same cancellation terms.

We realize that last minute emergencies or health reasons may prevent you from participating, but please take signing up for a BMWF project seriously and make sure the dates will work for you before sending in your application. The BMWF may find it necessary to cancel a project due to low volunteer sign-up or safety reasons (wildfire), but will contact volunteers as soon as possible and no later than two weeks before the project start date. For this reason, we strongly recommend volunteers purchase trip insurance when making airline reservations or other travel arragements.

What do I need to bring?
For our day or weekend projects, you will need to bring sturdy hiking boots (no hiking shoes), work gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirt, plenty of water, lunch, snacks and a daypack. We also suggest that you bring full raingear, and extra clothing layers in case you get cold or wet. For backpacking projects, we will send you a list of items needed. The BMWF will provide all tools, safety gear, supervision, and plenty of work.
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How can I make sure I am in shape for a project?
Sign up only for a project that matches your fitness level and experience (see explanation of trip difficulty). You will have much more fun and won't hold the rest of your group back if you choose a trip within your abilities. For backpacking and strenuous rated projects, prepare, months in advance by increasing aerobic exercise levels, several times a week. Also consider and be prepared for increased elevation if you are coming from lower levels. On past volunteer trips, most problems have occurred on the hike in, so be prepared. Get out hiking with a loaded backpack on the weekends and be sure to wear the boots you will be using during your trip. Poorly fitting backpacks or boots need to be remedied before your trip. A good way to measure your fitness before a project is to use the "Moderate Pack Test", a work capacity test originally designed by the USFS. For our Moderate to Strenuous rated projects, you should be able to hike 2 miles, with a 25-pound pack in under 35 minutes. Remember, you will get a lot more out of the trip and have much more fun if properly prepared and physically ready.
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I want to plan a project for my school, organization or own friends and family. Can I do that?
Absolutely! We encourage you to contact us if you have a group together that would like to participate in our wilderness service projects. We will provide a BMWF trained crew leader with extensive backcountry experience to help with the details. We will also coordinate all the logistics such as food, tools, safety gear, base camp, group camp gear, pack support (if necessary), etc. You focus on recruiting volunteers (minimum 4, maximum 8) and we take care of the rest.

Please note that new partner projects will be subject to a $200 non-refundable deposit per crew for the first year working with the BMWF to help offset costs such as planning and packing. The deposit will decrease to $100 the subsequent year based on positive coordination and project productivity. A new partner is no longer subject to the standard $200 deposit after two seasons of a positive working relationship. The BMWF has the right to reinstate the group deposit with existing partners at any time when performance is less than ideal.
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Are noxious weeds really that big of a problem?
The health and integrity of our forests and agricultural land are under threat from these invading species. Just read the following article to get a good idea of just how big the problem is: An Exotic Invasion of Elk Country Weeds, by David Stalling.
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What do I need to bring to a WEEDs project?
Long pants, long-sleeve Shirt, closed toe shoes or boots, and a hat are required for trips where we will be spraying. We will provide Protective Equipment but it is also fine to bring personal eye wear that you know you will be comfortable in.
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Are herbicides and chemicals safe?
Herbicides are not 100% harmless because they are designed to kill plants. However, the herbicides we will be using are some of the safest available. It takes approximately 10 years and 150 million dollars worth of testing to get a pesticide on the market. The lengthy and expensive process of approving an herbicide insures that these products are safe.
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If herbicides are safe, why do I have to wear Personal Protective Equiptment (PPE)?
The BMWF provides full body suits, eye protection, and gloves for our volunteers if they choose to wear this. At the BMWF safety is a priority and we want to provide our volunteers with every safety requirement.
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I've never applied herbicides before. What if I don't know what to do?
The BMWF Weeds Crew Leader has a pesticide applicators license. On a weeds trip you will be taught how to apply herbicides using backpack sprayers. You will also learn how to use a GPS unit for mapping weed problem areas.You can join us even if you've never done this sort of work before!
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