Background Statement
An all-volunteer non-profit organization, we strive to achieve our mission with boots-on-the-ground field programs focused on stewardship of the land and education of Wilderness visitors, as well as outreach to local organizations and advocacy for selected environmental campaigns.
We deploy nearly 100 Volunteer Wilderness Rangers on trails and at trailheads to engage and assist Wilderness visitors, promoting Wilderness ethics in general and Leave No Trace principles in particular. ESWA Rangers also help maintain trails and campsites in the Wilderness, and install signs on trails and at popular camping areas.
We deploy over 30 certified Sawyers and other volunteers who help keep trails free of deadfall trees. Together, the Rangers and Sawyers service trails and campsites deep in the backcountry, aided by pack llamas. Our WeedSpotters identify sites of invasive weeds infestations, which are then treated by professionals. With our Advocacy program, we support and promote projects that are broadly aimed at protecting and improving the health of Wilderness and its surroundings.
Our 2023 Season Numbers:
ESWA SAWYERS:
• 41 Outings to 16 different Wilderness Trails
• 706 hours in the field
• 513 trees cleared
ESWA VOLUNTEER WILDERNESS RANGERS:
• 97 different VWRs did 281 patrols
• 2123 Hours on Patrol
• 10,916 Wilderness Users contacted
• 166 Fire Safety conversations
• 1,120 Dogs were encountered (72% on leash)
ESWA TRAILHEAD HOSTS:
• 26 different TH Hosts did hosting at 7 Trailheads
• 99 Total Hours TH Hosting
• 1983 Wilderness Users
• 15 Fire Safety conversations
TRAIL WORK:
- Four llama-supported multi-day work trips deep into our Wilderness Areas
- Two day-long work trips on Deluge Lake trail
- Helped USFS re-reroute the Surprise Lake trail
INVASIVE WEED ABATEMENT
- ESWA's WeedSpotter Program participated in three weed-pull days
- Obtained a $30,000 grant to fund noxious weed abatement in or near our Wilderness Areas
We have been pursuing these objectives for more than a quarter-century. Read about these activities on other pages of our website.