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 forest lands to death."

Wilderness is an irreplaceable American resource, a fragile environment most vulnerable to the increasing number of visitors. Nearly one quarter 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 (including recruits). The efforts of these volunteers won "The Chief's Volunteer Program National Award". Dale Bosworth, Chief of the U.S. Department of Forestry, cited the 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 conduct field work in uniform to help and inform visitors on the trail, and in Stanislaus Forest Service offices. Volunteers are trained in monitoring techniques. Effective monitoring aids preservation management. In addition, we directly assist the Forest Service by having volunteers in the district front offices writing permits and assisting the public.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There is much more to be done, and you can help! Volunteer information is available at the phone number and website below. Monetary donations and donations of equipment (tax-deductible) can help with upcoming projects. Donors of $250 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 provide deeper coverage into the wilderness for field maintenance, monitoring and special projects.

In addition to field work, the SWV provides monitoring of wilderness conditions including:

• Campsites in heavily traveled areas
• General conditions (streams, habitats, meadows and trails)
• OSV (snowmobile) use in the wilderness in the winter

• Major trash extractions (400 lbs of vintage rubbish pulled out by hikers and brought down by backcountry riders at Pingree Lake, being an example)
• Special monitoring projects
• Wilderness education (Leave No Trace and other educational events)
• Community outreach -- through high schools and groups associated with outdoor recreation
• Completion of an electronic Wilderness Permit system
• Completion of an on-line trail reports system
• Junior Ranger Program -- Wilderness experience and training for youths 8-18

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 volunteer rangers 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

To donate or volunteer, contact us at:
www.stanislauswildernessvolunteers.org/donate.php

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