Give back to the Border Route Trail by volunteering on a Wilderness Clearing Trip on the South Lake Trail. Be prepared for cool evenings, amazing veiws, and moderate day work conditions near the Canadian border.

Start Date: Sunday, September 19, 2025

End Date: Wednesday , September 24, 2025

Camping/Lodging: wilderness camping on South Lake

Meeting Location: will be notified via email once you’ve signed up

Deposit: $25 to hold your spot

Max Trip Size: 9 people per BWCA regulations

Description:

This is wilderness trail maintenance trip using hand tools working on the South Lake Trail and parts of the Border Route Trail. We will be backpacking in 4 miles setting up base camp at South Lake campsite on Friday September 19. We will be maintaining the South Lake Trail, BRT west of the South Lake Trail and clearing the South Lake campsite. Because we will be base camping you can join us for all or part of the trip.

Since this is a wilderness trip you will need to furnish your own food and cookware, tent, water treatment, rain gear and proper clothing. BRTA will furnish permits, tools (no power tools allowed), gloves, helmets, and goggles Car pooling is encouraged. No training or special skills required other than ability to work hard and have fun. I will share details on meet-up and departure location when we have the group signed up.

The following is a great opportunity/benefit offered by the National Park Service/North Country Trail Association for those that volunteer as trail maintenance volunteers. This provides a type of workman’s comp and a recognition program if you record and turn in your hours. The volunteer in the parks program is not required but it is strongly recommended.

https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-resource-center/nps-vip-form/

Hold your spot $25 donation fee to the BRTA is required.

Coordinator(s):
Chris F. - csfothergill@gmail.com - (952) 807-6688

Give back to the Border Route Trail by volunteering on a Non-Wilderness Clearing Trip on the east end of the trail. Be prepared for cool evenings and moderate day work conditions near the Canadian border.

Start Date: Friday, October 5, 2025

End Date: Sunday, October 7, 2025

Camping/Lodging: Either at Otter Lake or MacFarland Lake Forestry Campsite TBD

Estimated Cost: $30

Max Trip Size: 16 people

Description:

A fall maintenance trip is planned on the east end of the Border Route Trail Friday, October 3 thru Sunday, October 5. This is hiking and trail maintenance on the Border Route Trail, a segment of the North Country National Trail, on the eastern edge of the BWCA Wilderness area.  The base campsite will be determined when we know the number of volunteers available for the trip. (Otter Lake or McFarland Lake Forestry campsite) There are no services on the Arrowhead Trail.

The trip starts Friday morning at the trail head parking lot at 8:00 am and ends Sunday afternoon by 3:00 pm.   There are two and three day work options.  Be prepared for fall conditions near the Canadian Border and capable of hiking/working 5 miles per day on rugged wilderness trail with a daypack with your food, water & appropriate extra clothing.

We will use hand tools such as lobbers & saws, chain saws (must be NPS or USFS Sawyer certified), brush cutters and hand work of throwing off brush and logs. The equipment and safety gear will be provided by BRTA.

The BRTA will provide dinner Friday and Saturday evening and breakfast Saturday & Sunday morning along with potable water.  Bring your own lunches, snacks and special beverages.

More thorough details will be provided when you sign up.

To sign up, send an email with your request to info@borderroutetrail.org

 The following is a great opportunity/benefit offered by the National Park Service/North Country Trail Association for those that volunteer as trail maintenance volunteers. This provides a type of workman’s comp and a recognition program if you record and turn in your hours. The volunteer in the parks program is not required but it is strongly recommended.

https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-resource-center/nps-vip-form/