The Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers were formed in 1991 by a group of citizens with a love of the wilderness in response to a crisis situation in the management of our region's wilderness areas. Recreation visits to Forest Service lands have jumped from 4.6 million in 1924 to 900 million in 1999, while federal budgets for land management are being reduced. Americans are “loving their parks to death.”

Wilderness is an irreplaceable American resource, a fragile environment most vulnerable to the increasing number of visitors. Nearly ¼ of the Stanislaus National Forest is Designated Wilderness. The Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas represent a magnificent segment of the Sierra Nevada…John Muir's Range of Light. Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers educate the public to prevent damage to the wilderness, and engage in projects to restore areas impacted by overuse.

In 2003 SWV established itself as a non-profit corporation with 32 members. Through recruiting, in 2005 the SWV increased membership to 61 volunteers. The efforts of these volunteers won "The Chief's Volunteer Program National Award". Dale Bosworth, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service cited SWV "for devoting thousands of hours to the restoration and protection of Wilderness on the Stanislaus National Forest through education, example, maintenance and restoration."

Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics are best practices used to prevent ecological damage to wilderness areas (www.lnt.org, for more information). Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers are trained in these practices, and in how to train others. Volunteers assist the Forest Service in maintaining trails, restoring campsites, teaching Leave No Trace ethics and practices, providing information to visitors and maintaining signage in wilderness and at trail heads.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There is much more to be done, and you can help by becoming a volunteer or making a monetary donation or donation of equipment. Volunteer information is available at the website below. Monetary donations and donations of equipment are tax-deductible as SWV is a 501 (c)3 corporation.. You can become a supporting member through a donation of $250 or more. Supporting members donating $500 or more will receive a beautiful plaque with an unforgettable photo taken in the wilderness. Please see the website to view photos.

Our goal is to have controlled growth of our membership. The increased number of volunteers will help us complete more projects in remote locations and achieve the mission of wilderness protection.

The Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers have completed recent special projects such as:

• Major trash extractions (400 lbs of vintage rubbish pulled out by hikers and brought down by backcountry riders at Pingree Lake, being an example)
• Multiple project work days using multiple volunteers directed to specific work projects
• Many miles of trails maintained
• Special monitoring projects
• Wilderness education (Leave No Trace and other educational events)
• Community outreach -- through high schools and groups associated with outdoor recreation

The goal of the SWV in providing education, conducting special projects and monitoring requires resources in the form of equipment and people. The SWV is actively recruiting both. We are seeking volunteers with an interest in preserving wilderness while enjoying the sanctuary of wilderness. We are seeking funding through donations (sponsor donors) and grant funding to continue and expand our project capability and capacity. And we are seeking donations of equipment (GPS units, radios, first aid kits, outdoor equipment) to equip our volunteers insuring safety while providing appropriate tools to conduct their work.

HOW WE HELP

In the 40 years since the passage of the Wilderness Act America's support for Wilderness has only strengthened, but the job of Wilderness restoration and protection has grown in magnitude and complexity. SWV is committed to keeping pace with the needs of the Wilderness and the Forest Service.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please contact Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers

A California Non-profit Corporation
Summit Ranger District - Stanislaus National Forest - 1 Pinecrest Lake Road - Pinecrest, CA 95364