TRAIL MAINTAINER'S SPOTLIGHT
The first Wisconsin Rovers trip of 2020. The crew replaced the Spring Creek Bridge and followed all of the new guidelines. (above and right) Photo: Bob Leedle
Spotlight: Coronavirus Task Force Valerie Bader, Director of Trail Development
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s with everywhere else in the world, the Coronavirus significantly impacted the North Country Trail and its volunteer community over the past several months. Projects and maintenance days were postponed, chainsaw and Crew Leader training events were cancelled, and events and hikes put on hold indefinitely. NCT volunteers adapted to these changes, even with increased Trail visitation almost everywhere across the Trail. In May and June, NCT locales began to reopen and individual land managers began to welcome group projects on the Trail, so NCTA was met with the new challenge of providing guidance for volunteers to return to work safely with Coronavirus still impacting our Trail communities. NCTA established a 16-member Task Force to help address best practices and guide discussion and decision making. The Task Force is composed of Chapter and Affiliate leaders, volunteers, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service partners, NCTA Board representatives and Association staff. The Task Force focused initial efforts 8
The North Star
on establishing a framework for trail leaders to make good decisions about how NCT volunteers could safely consider hikes, trail projects and events over the 2020 field season. The “Volunteer Responsibly” guidelines include the following recommendations: •
Minimize the spread by staying home if you feel sick
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Focus on projects rather than public hikes or events
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Limit group size to 10 or fewer participants
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Maintain six-foot distance between volunteers and trail users
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Use face coverings when physical distancing isn’t possible
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Practice good hygiene
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Clean tools between use and avoid sharing
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Keep projects local and avoid shuttles
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Avoid conflict
Allegheny National Forest Chapter takes a break and puts on their masks when physical distancing isn't possible. Photo: ANF Chapter
More information and the full guidelines document can be found on NCTA’s Trail Alerts web page. The Task Force will continue to meet regularly over the coming months and re-evaluate the guidelines based on changing conditions across the Trail. Many thanks to this great group of people who have jumped into engaging conversations and challenging decisionmaking to keep NCT volunteers safe, happy and healthy.
