Trail crew members gain skills as they care for outdoor spaces
In the Columbia Basin,there’s no denying the presence of exceptional campsites and trail networks. But what’s the secret behind their upkeep and management? Some of it is thanks to the trail crews formed with support from the Trust.
Here are some impressive figures: 116 sites and trails overseen, seven outhouses dug, 54 tables built, nine fire rings added, three kiosks put up, six entrance signs installed and nearly 200 kilometres of trail maintained and inspected—all done by these crews in the year 2023 alone.
As user numbers increase annually, there’s been a growing need to improve and upkeep sites and trails. Plus, there’s a huge demand to develop the skills of Basin residents through employment opportunities and specialized training—which this program also does.
“We have people in the program who are returning for their fourth and fifth seasons,” says Kevin Eskelin, Regional Recreation Manager for the Southern Interior East Region of Recreation Sites and Trails BC, which has partnered with the Trust on the program. “It is a stepping stone for career growth.”
Over five years, the program has created 66 jobs in the Basin that have overseen 557 sites and trails. For the 2024 field season, the four crews have three members each, creating 12 seasonal positions.
Training and teamwork
Crew members gain useful skills and leadership experiences that will forever come in handy, while also having fun camping and making friends.
“Trail building is such a rewarding job, as you get to see the progress of your hard work each day,” says Paula Martens, who was a crew leader in Revelstoke in 2023. “Whether this year’s crew members ever fill another bucket up with dirt or haul heavy rocks, they have built up new resiliencies to move beyond what is comfortable. I believe we all learned lots this season and grew as workers together to strive to be our best.”
Based out of Cranbrook, Nelson, Revelstoke and Invermere, crew members and leaders are hired for about four months of work. Training has a strong emphasis on safety in an outdoor setting, such as the proper use of hand tools, first aid, two-way radio communi-cations and wildlife safety.
“Most of our crew members come from an environmental background, which means they’re very capable in the outdoors,” says Eskelin. “Our training builds on the skills they already have.”
Working alongside local clubs and volunteers, the crews undertake tasks that range from tree planting to the installation of infrastructure like bridges, boardwalks and tent pads. Remote work is not uncommon, with helicopters and boats often part of the commute.
Brennan Wittig was a crew leader in Nelson in 2023. He says, “To know that the work we did opened up a trail for the public to experience was the true reward of what made it an unforgettable, skill-building, friendship-creating and life-changing season.”
The bigger picture
This year is seeing an even stronger focus on collaborative work between crews.
“Our crew members all have unique skillsets that we want to bring together,” says Eskelin. “There are multiple benefits of having our crews work together, so we plan on making that happen more this season.”
It’s an additional goal for an already-suc-cessful program. The initiative has garnered positive attention elsewhere in the province and is working as a blueprint to build, with many other recre-ational groups having its approach.
Eskelin says, “We’re proud that the program has become a model.”
