What is a Volunteer Wilderness Ranger?
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The Volunteer Wilderness Ranger (VWR) program was established in 2010 to maintain a consistent stewardship presence in wilderness areas. VWRs are volunteers assigned to patrol wilderness trails. During their patrols, VWRs greet the public, provide educational opportunities to fellow hikers, and assess trail conditions. Because VWRs represent Wild Alabama and the U.S. Forest Service in direct public interactions, volunteers must undergo extensive annual two-day training and shadow an experienced VWR before formally joining the program. Adherence to U.S. Forest Service and Wild Alabama policies and guidelines outlined in the field guide is mandatory for VWRs.

Volunteers have expressed that the non-material rewards of participating justify the commute and time commitment. Many report improvements in mental and physical well-being, as well as the formation of new friendships and acquisition of skills.

Our annual Volunteer Wilderness Ranger training will take place this fall on Saturday and Sunday September 14-15 at the recently remodeled and updated Looney's Tavern in Double Springs. Prior to the training, there will be multiple opportunities for prospective volunteers to participate in practice hikes, meet current rangers, and interact with program facilitators. For more information about the program, please contact Lindsay Madison at [email protected]. The next practices hikes are scheduled for August 17 and 24. You can sign up for these hikes here. https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjExMTEx

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Program Goals & Objectives

• EDUCATE wilderness visitors on Leave No Trace ethics, the Wilderness Act, the importance of preserving wilderness characteristics, etc.
• INFORM the public about closure orders, site-specific regulations, etc.
• MONITOR trail conditions, public use numbers, invasive species, etc. 
• LEAD by example through stewardship workdays, trail maintenance, picking up trash, etc. 
• REPORT illegal actions, suspected wilderness violations, public safety concerns, etc.

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