Friends of Plumas Wilderness invites the public to join its Summer Solstice Stewardship Blitz in partnership with the Plumas National Forest’s Mount Hough Ranger District on Saturday, June 21, in the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area. “As federal land management agencies face shrinking budgets and reduced staffing, the need for community-driven stewardship efforts is greater than ever,” said organizers. “This hands-on volunteer day is an opportunity to give back to the public lands that give us all so much.”
Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at Bucks Lake Lodge, parking across from the lodge in front of the cabins. Volunteers will be given a safety briefing and training on wilderness stewardship before being ferried across the lake to the Right Hand Branch of Mill Creek Trail thanks to support from DeWitt Henderson of Bucks Lake Marina.
The day’s work will consist of trail brushing, removing downed logs and learning how to use traditional cross-cut saws. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about getting certified to use cross-cut saws. Volunteers can expect to work until about 2:30 p.m. and be back at the lodge by 3.
Tools and guidance will be provided. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes and layers appropriate for mountain weather, including long pants and long sleeves for trail work, and to bring along sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, snacks and water. Hours logged during the event count toward earning a free national parks pass as a token of appreciation for volunteer service.
More information and signups are available at https://plumaswilderness.org/get-involved/volunteer/. Interested volunteers are asked to RSVP by Wednesday, June 18, to help with planning.