Saws That Sing: Trail Work On The PCT

It is hard to believe that it is already time to start thinking about trail work for this season.  It seems like only yesterday that I was out on the Pacific Crest Trail learning how to crosscut saw and construct a water drain.  We barely finished our last project adding a connector trail to the PCT at Stevens Pass when the next day there was snow on the ground.

For those who have been doing this important job of trail maintenance, planning starts before the end of the last season.  I was already being recruited to help lead a work party in to Glacier Peak by October.  But for me, the planning and leg work starts now with starting the process of sawyer certification.

This week I received my PCTA crosscut sawyer materials in the mail and I am so excited! And nervous.  (There was that one time, in high school woodshop…)

I have signed up for the first classes in the beginning of April, followed up by practical work in the beginning of June.  Part of the requirements also include First Aid and CPR, which I am already working on for my scrambling class.

It looks like I get to do some online work beforehand, as well as studying the two sawyer “bibles”, Saws That Sing and the student guidebook from the USDA.

A lot of the information is familiar having worked multiple crews last year, but it is fun to see how it all comes together.

Teamwork is key.

Do you have plans for trail work this year?  Will I see you out there?  Almost anyone can do trail work and just 2 days worth earns you your NW Forest Pass.  Check out the PCTA or WTA website or just ask me how you can get involved!

Here are a couple other posts I wrote about last year’s trail work…

Packin’ With The Boys

Signs of Change