BAXTER STATE PARK, MAINE, TRAIL CREW INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

From the

May 22, 2009

Baxter State Park's 225 miles of trails are the arteries of the park and provide a variety of challenges and experiences for its visitors. The trail system winds through and over many of the 46 mountain peaks and 67 lakes and ponds in the park, making it a destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, canoeists, fishermen, hunters and photographers. Katahdin, Maine's "Greatest Mountain" is the center piece of Baxter Park and the northern terminus of the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail.
As part of Baxter Park's Trail Crew, you will be part of a cohesive crew living and working together to accomplish essential trail maintenance projects. The projects vary from annual trail patrols to clear wind fallen trees to more technical projects such as setting up complex rigging systems to move large, heavy raw materials. Crews also construct and reconstruct bridges as well as harden trails to prevent erosion and protect soils for rare plants.
Living and working in this environment has its challenges, but it is guaranteed to be a life changing experience and a catalyst for personal growth. Crew members can expect to live in rustic cabins with few amenities or in tents in backcountry spike camps.

TRAIL CREW DIVISION OF LABOR
Restore alpine trails, 20%; assist with erosion control, 23%; clearing brush, 21%; clear blow downs, 12%; construct decked stringer bridges, 8%; construct bog bridges, 8%; maintain water bars, 2%; assist with blaze painting, 2%; post trail signs, 1%; construct new trail, 3%.

TRAINING OFFERED
8 Hours - Introduction to Search and Rescue
16 Hours - Wilderness First Aid Certification
16 Hours - Chainsaw Safety Training
8 Hours – Introduction Wildfire Suppression
Introduction to Leave No Trace
State of Maine Harassment Training
On-The-Job Training

BENEFITS

Work Uniform Package
Weekly Stipend = $200
Housing
Worker’s Compensation Coverage

REQUIREMENTS
Ability to hike at least 10 miles with a heavy backpack; ability to lift loads of 50 lbs routinely; excellent physical conditioning; ability and willingness to perform strenuous trail work; own or willing to purchase steel toe boots for using chainsaws and brush saws; good raingear; ability to withstand variable weather conditions, including heat, rain and snow; adaptability; flexibility and a positive attitude.

Recreational Opportunities

225 miles of hiking trails, 46 mountain peaks, 67 lakes and ponds, fishing, canoeing, wildlife observation and photography, whitewater rafting and kayaking on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, hunting in autumn, three hours to the coast; Acadia National Park, four hours to Maine’s western mountains, Allagash Wilderness Waterway to the North, music festivals and agricultural fairs. You may have to drive a bit, but there are plenty of options to occupy your free time.

Come join the Baxter Trail Crew to live and work in one of the country’s most beautiful wild parks!
FALL TRAIL CREW DATES: AUGUST 9 – NOVEMBER 1, 2009
CONTACT:
Paul Sannicandro – Trail Supervisor at Paul.Sannicandro@maine.gov
Baxter State Park – 64 Balsam Drive – Millinocket, ME 04462
Office # (207) 723-9616 Fax # (207) 723-6381

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