traditional tools training

Traditional Tools & Working in Wilderness Areas

 

 

Within federally designated Wilderness areas, only traditional (non-motorized) tools may be used for trail maintenance on National Forest System trails. This requirement helps preserve the wilderness character of these special places while allowing for essential stewardship work to continue.

 

Whether you are new to trail work or already experienced, learning to work with traditional tools offers a meaningful way to connect with wilderness, its history, and the people who care for it.

 

What Is a Federally Designated Wilderness Area?

 

While many people think of any forest as “wilderness,” federal wilderness has a specific legal definition.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”  The Act was created to preserve natural ecosystems, protect wild landscapes, and provide opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

 

Wilderness areas are valuable for their historical, scientific, educational, geological, and ecological significance. They also provide economic benefits to surrounding communities. But perhaps their greatest value lies in what they offer people. For many, time spent in wilderness is transformative—offering perspective, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of why these lands are set aside and protected. Every visitor leaves with their own story.

 

Today, more than 800 wilderness areas across the country—ranging from small coastal preserves to vast Alaskan landscapes—are protected as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

 

What Are Traditional Tools?

 

Traditional tools are non-motorized, human-powered tools used for trail maintenance and stewardship in wilderness areas. These include:

 

• Crosscut saws

• Axes

• Folding saws

• Loppers

• Hand pruners

 

These tools reflect a long tradition of working with the land in a way that is respectful, intentional, and low-impact.

 

Why Are Motorized Tools Not Used in Wilderness?

 

The use of traditional tools supports the core values of wilderness by:

 

• Preserving the undeveloped character of wilderness

• Protecting opportunities for quiet, solitude, and reflection

• Maintaining natural soundscapes for wildlife

• Reducing the need to transport heavy or intrusive equipment

• Encouraging teamwork and cooperation among trail crews

• Offering physically engaging, rewarding work that builds strength and skill

   

Using traditional tools connects modern stewardship with the historic practices that shaped these trails and landscapes.

 

Traditional Tools Training with Wild Alabama

 

Wild Alabama offers Traditional Tools training several times each year for volunteers working in federally designated Wilderness areas within Alabama’s National Forests. These trainings support stewardship efforts across multiple partner organizations that actively care for wilderness lands in the state.

 

Our goal is to build skills, confidence, and a strong stewardship community while ensuring all work is conducted safely and in alignment with U.S. Forest Service standards.

 

 

Becoming an Official Traditional Tools Card Holder

 

For those interested in becoming an officially certified crosscut sawyer, participants are expected to:

• Follow all U.S. Forest Service standards outlined in the Guide to Using Crosscut Saws

• Gain hands-on experience through multiple trail maintenance days prior to formal training

• Participate in a two-day training covering policy, safety, and technique (classroom and field-based)

• Complete the required online crosscut sawyer coursework

• Maintain current medical training appropriate for remote fieldwork

• Commit to ongoing stewardship work with Wild Alabama or another approved partner organization in Alabama

   

Wild Alabama can help guide interested individuals through this process and connect them with appropriate partner groups.

 

What You’ll Gain from Training

 

Participants may earn certification as an A-level (Apprentice) Sawyer or B-level Sawyer, depending on demonstrated skills and experience. Training also provides:

 

• A strong foundation in the safe and effective use of traditional tools

• A deeper understanding of wilderness stewardship principles

• Support from a community of experienced traditional tools practitioners

• The opportunity to practice a rare and meaningful craft that directly supports wilderness protection

   

Ready to Learn More?

 

If you’re curious about traditional tools, wilderness stewardship, or becoming a certified crosscut sawyer, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Contact Lindsay Madison (lindsay@wildal.org) or Jonathan Kelly (jonathan@wildal.org) to learn about upcoming workdays, training opportunities, and ways to get involved.