Volunteers are needed for trail projects in North Idaho

The nonprofit organization Idaho Trails Association is looking for hikers who are interested in helping on one-day, weekend, and week-long projects throughout the summer to maintain trails in North Idaho. No experience is needed to participate and hikers of all levels are encouraged to join. All tools and training will be provided at the start of the trip. Many ITA volunteers describe their experience as empowering and a great way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts.

ITA has projects planned all over the state and 14 scheduled in the North Idaho region for summer 2020. Here are three upcoming projects:

• East Fork Boulder Creek- June 20

East of Bonners Ferry, this one-day trip starts near a historic “ghost town”, travels through beautiful forest, and ends near the alpine, rocky summit of Middle Mountain. Work will include brushing, water diversion, and some tread work.

• Long Canyon- July 6-11

A 6-day backpacking trail project in the wildest canyon in northern Idaho. Hike in about 6 miles over Pyramid pass and work the upper end of this remote and scenic trail. We’ll camp right by the creek and do tread work, brushing, and drainage improvement. We’ll work with a great Forest Service trail crew.

• Blacktail Lake- Women’s Only Weekend – August 22-23

On this WOW Weekend, there will be brushing, drainage, and tread work on this 3-mile trail to beautiful Blacktail Lake.

To sign up for these projects and see the rest of ITA’s North Idaho schedule, visit https://www.idahotrailsassociation.org/upcoming-projects.

Idaho has over 10,000 miles of non-motorized hiking trails on public lands throughout our State. 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.

ITA is a nonprofit that works with volunteers, organizations, and government partners to preserve Idaho’s incredible trail system through education, maintenance projects, and Wilderness advocacy.