Continental Divide Trail Coalition

2015 Volunteer Guide

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You’re Invited…

Volunteer in our office…Are you in the Denver area? We’re looking for dedicated volunteers in our Golden office for mailing,

data entry, web support and education and outreach events.Call us at (303) 996-2759

When I was 18, I took my first steps as a volunteer working on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). I was a Virginia Tech freshman and as part of it’s Outing Club, I found myself in Bland County, VA with a Pulaski, a pair of loppers and 6 other volunteers. Our job for the day, was to clear 10 miles of the 30 mile A.T. segment they were responsible for maintaining. It was 1987- and within the first mile, I fell in love and never looked back. And so began my love affair with volunteering, the outdoors, and our National Trail System. With the volunteer fire lit, I became a seasonal volunteer with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on their Konanrock Crew, and spent four summers building new segments of the A.T. During the rest of the year, as a member and then President of the Outing Club, I spent almost every waking moment on the Trail with some of the coolest people out there. There is no question, that first day changed my life, and ever since, I have been an active volunteer and professional working on behalf of all of our national trails.

What inspired me though, wasn’t actually the work. Sure, it was cool to build sections of a Trail that are still there today, but the work is hard, dirty, and never-ending. What inspired me were the people I met and today, still call my family and friends. From all walks of life, of all backgrounds and experiences, we were there together, standing side by side, working tirelessly and unselfishly to create the miracle of ensuring the Trail was built and

maintained for others to enjoy. Today, this still inspires me, and it inspires the efforts of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC).

When we built CDTC, we did so to honor the miracle of volunteerism and to ensure that everyone had a chance to fall in love not only with the Trail, but it’s diverse community of friends, supporters, and dreamers. We are inviting you to join us as we launch our volunteer programs and ask you to become part of the “miracle” that makes the CDT a reality. With out you, the work to not only finish the CDT, but ensure what is completed remains usable, safe, and provides transformative experiences, can not be accomplished. In our guide you’ll find volunteer construction projects we are supporting across the Trail, as well as those of our partner organizations including the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the Colorado Trail Foundation, Montana Wilderness Association, and New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors. We also invite you to become a volunteer as part of our Trail Adopter Program. But most of all, we invite you to join us, as we get dirty, get busy, but most importantly, stand side by side and work tirelessly and unselfishly to ensure the miracle of the CDT remains a legacy for future generations to enjoy. We invite you to join us and Brave the CDT.

Teresa Ana Martinez, CDTC Director

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Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I register? Review, Complete, sign and return the Volunteer Registration and Release forms on the following pages and return by mail to CDTC at: PO Box 552 Pine, CO 80470

OR

Complete forms online at: www.continentaldividetrail.org

Do I need trail experience?No experience is necessary to participate. CDTC will provide you with the on the ground training you’ll need to have a successful project. Please review the project descriptions to ensure the project difficulty rating meets your needs.

What does it cost to Volunteer?It is FREE to volunteer. We encourage you to become a CDTC member to help offset project costs

What happens after I’m accepted?We will mail you a Project Fact Sheet, providing you all the details necessary to plan your trip including: meeting place, time and location, schedule, directions, map, camping description and location, hiking distance, what’s provided, recommended personal equipment, etc.

What do I bring?Each volunteer is responsible for bringing their own personal gear. Every project will differ in length and location. Please refer to the Project Fact Sheet you receive after registration for recommended personal equipment for your project.

What is provided?Generally, meals, tools and all group gear are provided. Plus, every volunteer will receive a goody bag as a “thank you”.

CDTC Trail Construction Projects

April 11: Gila National Forest – Help kick off the trail season working on a brand new section of the CDT in the Burro Mountains near Silver City, NM. Day project. Easy to moderate.

April 18: BLM NM Bootheel – Volunteers needed to repair/install trail signs, maintain and inventory trail corridor and rehab water cache locations. Day project. Moderate.

July 24-26: Rio Grande National Forest – Trailhead Sign Installation. Work with a great team to Install kiosks at 3 trailhead locations and continue light maintenance along the CDT. Frontcountry camping project. Easy to moderate.

August 6-10 : Bridger-Teton National Forest – Trail construction and monitoring in the beautiful Sheridan Pass area. Primitive front-country camping. Moderate to strenuous.

August 21-24 : Carson National Forest I – Trail construction. Volunteers needed to clear corridor, build trail structures and minor tread construction. Frontcountry vehicle accessible camping. Moderate.

August 24-28: Carson National Forest II – Trail construction. Volunteers needed to clear corridor, build trail structures and minor tread construction. Frontcountry vehicle accessible camping. Moderate.

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Partner ProjectsCDTC has many GREAT partners who are also working to protect and build the CDT. Show our friends some love and VOLUNTEER! Please visit each organization’s site for info on signing up for these opportunities.

New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors: www.nmvfo.orgProject date and location

• May 2-3: Chain of Craters

Colorado Trail Foundation: www.coloradotrail.orgProject date and location

• June 25-28: Turquoise Lake *women only• June 28-July 4: Turquoise Lake• July 11-18: Wheeler Trail• July 11-18: Searle Pass to Kokomo Pass• July 18-25: Middle Fork//Collegiate West• July 25-August 1: Gold Hill• August 8-15: Hancock trailhead / Collegiate West• August 22-29 Hancock trailhead / Collegiate West• August 22-29 Windy Peak• September 8-11 Janet’s cabin/Searle pass

Headwaters Trail Alliance: www.headwaterstrails.orgVolunteers for Outdoor Colorado: www.voc.orgBob Marshall Wilderness Foundation: www.bmwf.orgMontana Wilderness Association: www.cdtmontana.orgProject date and location

• June 19-27 Straight Creek trail #212 Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex• June 26-28 Granite Butte New trail• July 10-19 Bowl Creek, Bob Marshall Wilderness• July17-25 Flesher Pass• July 31-August 8 Cutaway Pass, Anaconda Pintler Wilderness• July 31-August 8 Targhee Two Top• August 14-22 Upper Landers Fork, Scapegoat Wilderness• August 16-21 Glacier National Park, Two Medicine Lake• August 23-28 Yellowstone National Park• September 4-12 Welcome Creek Brushing, Bob Marshall Wilderness• September 11-19 Upper Seymour Lake, Anaconda Pintler Wilderness

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2015 CDTC VOLUNTEER PROJECT REGISTRATIONSave a stamp and register online at www.continentaldividetrail.org

Please sign me up for the project(s) below:#1 Project Name ____________________________________________#2 Project Name ____________________________________________• Please complete one set of forms for each participant.• Forms Required: To register participant and parent(s) of minor

participants (under the age of 18) must complete, sign, and return BOTH this Registration form and the attached Volunteer Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement. Openings are on a first-come basis.

• Acceptance: Once CDTC has processed your forms you will receive a status confirmation letter or e-mail indicating if you are confirmed or on a waiting list for a project based on availability. Please allow a maximum of 6-8 weeks to process your registration.

• Send to CDTC: Mail this form and the attached Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement to:

CDTC Volunteer DepartmentP.O. Box 552

Pine, CO 80470303-838-2949

Optional CDTC Membership or Donation Yes! I want to become a CDTC Member for $35.00. Please accept a one-time donation to CDTC.

Payment preference: Check (enclosed- make payable to CDTC) Credit Card # ___________________________________________

Exp Date CVV Participant InformationName DOB Address City State ZIPPhone 1 Phone 2 EMAIL (optional) Initial I authorize the distribution of my email address to coordinate rides, gear, etc with other volunteer.T-Shirt Size (S, M, L, XL, XXL) Emergency Contact (person not attending same project):Name Relationship Address City State ZIPPhone 1 Phone 2

Check here if you DON’T want project communication (confirmation, details, updates) via email. Note: if you don’t check here and want to receive emailed information, be sure to add volunteer@continentaldividetrail.org to your address book to avoid important news being filed as SPAM.

Is applicant covered by a hospitalization and medical care policy? Yes No

Insurance CompanyPolicy # Phone Although CDTC staff may review your health information and accept your registration, ultimately, it is the participant’s (and parent/s of minors) responsibility, in consultation with their physician, to determine if CDTC activities are an appropriate match for them. Participants understand that they share in the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others on the trip. Please review the CDTC Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement.

Personal Health InformationDoes participant have any condition (mental, physical, emotional or otherwise), which might affect participant’s health or well being, the well being of others, or affect participant’s ability to engage in CDT activities?

No If “yes,” please specify:

• Are there any limitations on participant’s ability to participate in hiking and trail work activities? Please explain (including any adaptations or modifications, appropriate or necessary.)

• Allergies (including foods, medications, bites and stings) No known allergies If “yes,” please specify:

• Medications (include prescriptions, exclude vitamins and herbs) No medications

Medication Condition

Dosage/Frequency Side Effects

Medication Condition

Dosage/Frequency Side Effects Medication Condition

Dosage/Frequency Side Effects Medication Condition

Dosage/Frequency Side Effects

You are required to self-administer medications. You must inform project leaders where you store these medications while on the project in the event of an emergency. I (participant and parent/s of a minor participant) acknowledge that this Volunteer Registration Form contains accurate information. I will contact the CDTC if any medical or health condition changes before the start of the Trip. I acknowledge that providing inaccurate medical or health information or falsifying medical or health information can create serious risks to participant or others, and/or can result in participant’s dismissal from the trip. I understand participant’s ability to participate is contingent upon the CDTC’s review of all forms, including this one.

I understand that although CDTC representatives may review participant’s health information, the CDTC cannot anticipate or eliminate risks or complications posed by participant’s mental, physical or emotional condition.Participant, parent or legal guardian must sign below.

Participant’s Signature

Print Name Date

Parent/Guardian Signature

Print Name Date

Almost done… Read the “Risk & Release” Agreement and sign

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VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS & RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENTPlease read in full, sign agreement and return to CDTC.

INTRODUCTIONPlease read this entire Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement (hereafter ‘Document’) carefully. All participants must sign this Document. For participants under 18 yrs. of age (hereafter sometimes ‘minor’ or ‘child’), one or both parent/s or legal guardian/s (hereafter collectively ‘parent/s’) must also sign. In consideration of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, a nonprofit organization, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers and all other persons or entities associated with it (collectively referred to in this Document as ‘CDTC’) allowing me to participate in activities that take place in the regions of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (‘CDT’), participant and parent/s of a minor participant understand and agree as follows:ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS CDTC activities (which may be scheduled or unscheduled, and supervised or unsupervised) may include, but are not limited to hiking, backpacking, climbing, trail construction and maintenance, camping, participation in work or service projects related to the CDT, and travel to and from these activities (referred to in this Document as ‘activities’). I (and my Parent/s, if I am a minor) acknowledge that the inherent and other risks, hazards and dangers (referred to in this Document as ‘risks’) of these activities can cause injury, damage, death or other loss. Parent/s of a minor gives permission for their child to participate in all activities and agree to discuss the nature of these activities and risks with their child. These risks include, but are not limited to:Risks present in an outdoor or wilderness environment. These risks include travel in high altitude, mountainous or wilderness terrain both on and off trail. Participants’ travel may be subject to storms; lightning; strong winds; fast moving rivers or other water bodies; difficult stream crossings; currents or white water; falling rocks; extremely hot or cold weather or water; snow and ice; snow slides and avalanches; fallen timber; stinging, poisonous or disease carrying animals or insects; poisonous plants; wild animals and other natural or man-made hazards. Hazards (both on land and above and below water level) may not be marked and weather is unpredictable year around.Risks involved in decision making and conduct including the risk that a CDTC staff member, representative, volunteer, co-participant or other party may misjudge a participant’s capabilities, health or physical condition, or misjudge some aspect of instruction, medical treatment, weather, terrain,water level and/or route location. CDTC uses volunteers to assist with, and sometimes lead its trips and projects. These individuals are not professional guides or leaders. In all activities, all participants share in the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.Personal health and participation risks. The risk that participant’s mental, physical or emotional condition (disclosed or undisclosed, known or unknown) combined with participation in these activities could result in injury, damage, death or other loss. Although CDTC personnel may review participant’s health and medical information, CDTC cannot anticipate or eliminate risks or complications posed by participant’s mental, physical or emotional condition.Work project risks. Participating in CDT work or service project can include risks associated with activities such as digging, lifting, construction and clean-up. Projects may include the use of tools and equipment (i.e. Pulaski’s, shovels, rock bars, pick mattocks and McLeod’s) that can cause injury resulting from use, misuse or malfunction.Risks associated with travel. Travel can be on foot or by vehicle or other means and can be over rough and unpredictable terrain or via lakes and rivers, in snow, sleet, rain or other adverse weather conditions.Risks connected with geographic location. Activities may take place in remote places, several hours from medical facilities, causing potential delays or difficulties in communication, transportation, evacuation and medical care. Although crew leaders may or may not have wireless communication devices, use of these communication devices in outdoor, mountainous and/or wilderness terrain is unreliable and inconsistent. Further, crew leaders may not be trained in first aid, CPR or wilderness medicine. Each participant must carry any needed medications and first aid supplies. Participants should bring first aid supplies recommended by their personal physician or medical care provider, including those to counteract potential serious allergic reaction (for example, anaphylaxis resulting from allergy to bee stings). The risk that equipment used in an activity may be misused, or may break, fail or malfunction.Risks arising from riding or recreating in areas where others may be using firearms, including the risk of being shot or struck by flying debris or by accidental discharge of a firearm.Risks associated with cooking and camping. Risks include gas explosion, scalding or other burns associated with cooking over a gas stove or open fire, and water contamination in natural water sources. All water may be contaminated and should be disinfected, filtered or boiled before use.Risks associated with free time. Participants will have free unsupervised time before, during and after the start of a trip and at various other times. During both supervised and unsupervised activities, all participants share in the responsibility for their own safety.Risks regarding conduct. The potential that the participant, or other participants or third parties (e.g. driver, rescue squad, hospital) may act carelessly or recklessly.Other risks generally associated with outdoor, recreation, education and/or service activities. These and other risks may result in participants: falling; being struck by lightning or objects; colliding with or impacting objects or people; experiencing vehicle collision, capsize or rollover; reacting to high altitude, weather conditions or increased exertion; becoming lost or disoriented; suffering gastrointestinal complications or allergic reactions or experiencing other problems. These and other circumstances may cause hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat related illness), heat stroke or exhaustion, dehydration, frostbite, drowning, high altitude sickness, heart or lung complications, broken bones, paralysis, concussions, sunburn or other burns, mental or emotional trauma or other injury, damage, death or loss.I (PARTICIPANT AND PARENT/S OF A MINOR PARTICIPANT) AGREE: I have accurately completed all required forms, agree to abide by the terms of those documents, and agree to obey all CDTC rules and policies; I have reviewed and understand all CDTC information and materials received, including the Volunteer Safety Information, and understand that CDTC representatives are, and have been available should I have further questions about these activities or the associated risks; If participant has any mental, physical or emotional conditions or limitations which might affect his/her ability to participate, I agree to disclose those to CDTC, and represent that participant is fully capable of participating without causing harm to him/herself or others; CDTC cannot assure participant’s safety or eliminate any of these risks. Participant is voluntarily participating with knowledge of the risks. Therefore, participant (and parent/s of minors) assume and accept full responsibility for participant, for the inherent and other risks (both known and unknown) of these activities and for any injury, damage, death or other loss suffered by participant (and parent/s of minors), resulting from those risks, and/or resulting from participant’s own negligence or other misconduct.RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENTPlease read carefully. This Release and Indemnity agreement contains a surrender of certain legal rights. I (adult participant or parent/s for themselves and for and on behalf of their participant child) agree as follows:1) To release and agree not to sue the CDTC, with respect to any and all claims, liabilities, suits or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs) (hereafter collectively ‘claim’ or ‘claim/s’) for any injury, damage death

or other loss, in any way connected with my child’s enrollment or participation in CDTC activities, or use of any equipment, facilities or premises. I understand that in signing this Document, I, my child, and anyone acting on my or my child’s behalf, surrender our respective rights to make a claim against the CDTC for any injury, damage, death or other loss suffered by me or my child;

2) To defend and indemnify the CDTC (‘indemnify’ meaning protect by reimbursement or payment, including for attorneys’ fees and costs) with respect to any and all claim/s brought by or on behalf of me or a family member for any injury, damage, death or other loss in any way connected with my/my child’s enrollment or participation in CDTC activities, or use of an equipment, facilities or premises; and/or b) brought by a co-participant or any other person for any injury, damage, death or other loss to the extent caused by my conduct in participating in CDTC activities and/or using any equipment, facilities or premises.

This Release and Indemnity Agreement includes any losses resulting from the negligence (but not the gross negligence or willful, wanton or criminal misconduct) of CDTC, and includes claim/s for personal injury or wrongful death (including claim/s related to emergency or medical response, assessment or treatment), property damage, products liability, breach of contract or any other claim.OTHER PROVISIONSI (participant and parent/s of a minor participant) agree that Colorado law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) governs this Document, any dispute I have with the CDTC and all other aspects of my relationship with the CDTC and that any mediation, suit or other proceeding must be filed or entered into only in Park County, Colorado. I agree to attempt to settle any dispute (that cannot be settled by discussion) through mediation before a mutually acceptable Colorado mediator. I authorize CDTC or Federal Land Management Agency staff, agents or representatives, other program participants, or other medical personnel to obtain or provide medical care for me/my child, to transport me/my child to a medical facility and to provide treatment they consider necessary for my/my child’s health. I agree to the release (to or by the CDTC) of any medical records necessary for treatment, referral, billing or other purposes. I agree to pay all costs associated with medical care and transportation. I authorize the CDTC to use my/my child’s photo for sale or reproduction in any manner CDTC desires, for advertising, display or other use. The CDTC reserves the right to remove any participant from a CDTC trip or project who staff or leaders believe, in their discretion, presents a safety concern or medical risk, or acts in any manner disruptive or detrimental to the group. If participant is dismissed or departs for any reason, participant (and his/her family) are responsible for all costs of early departure whether for medical reasons, dismissal, personal emergencies or otherwise. These costs include, but are not limited to: medical evacuation and costs, transportation costs, and accommodations, and compensation and costs for staff accompanying participant. This Document is intended to be interpreted and enforced to the fullest extent allowed by law. If any portion of this Document is deemed unlawful or unenforceable, it shall not affect the remaining provisions, and those remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.Participant and parent/s of a minor participant: I have carefully read, understand and voluntarily sign this Document and acknowledge that it will be effective and binding upon me, my minor children, spouse and other family members, and my heirs, executors, representatives, subrogors and estate. One or both Parent/s must sign below if participant is under 18 yrs. of age.

Participant’s Signature Print Name Date

Parent/Guardian Signature Print Name Date

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Trail Adopter ProgramShow your CDT Love in a HUGE way!CDTC’s Trail Adopter program provides the opportunity for individuals or groups to maintain public lands in their backyards. Adopters are the eyes and ears of the CDT. We’re looking for people with a willingness to learn more about trail construction and an enthusiasm for adventures on the Trail.

If you have a passion for the CDT, please consider Adopting a CDT Segment in your backyard today!

Who can Adopt?• Individuals• Schools or teams• Local businesses• Trail clubs• Anyone with a passion for the CDT!

What is the commitment?• Visit your CDT Segment twice a year• Complete trail conditions inventory• Do basic trail maintenance• Act as a CDT Ambassador• Organize volunteer projects

No Special Skills NecessaryWe’re very excited to train you on trail construction and maintenance techniques unique to the CDT. Classes and trainings will be held trail wide. Have something special you’d love to learn? Let us know!

2015 Segments available for adoption in Colorado and New Mexico. Contact us at volunteer@continentaldividetrail.org for more

info or to sign up for your segment today!

Continental Divide Trail CoalitionP.O. Box 552Pine, CO 80470(720) 340-CDTC (2382)email: info@continentaldividetrail.org

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDGOLDEN, CO PERMIT #172

Volunteer guide printed with generous support from:

Special thanks to our partners supporting the 2015 Volunteer Programs:

2014 Volunteer Highlights• 160 Volunteers• 1444 Volunteer days• 3 New miles of CDNST constructed• Hundreds of miles maintained!