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 more than 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 about 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 2022 Season Numbers:
ESWA Sawyers:
• 37 Outings to 16 different Wilderness Trails
• 1366 hours in the field
• 1243 trees cleared
ESWA Volunteer Wilderness Rangers:
• 104 different VWRs did 281 patrols
• 1800 Hours on Patrol
• 9016 Day Users in 388 different groups contacted
• 179 Fire Safety conversations
• 858 Overnight Users in 358 different groups contacted
• 1,256 Dogs were encountered (75% on leash)
ESWA Trailhead Hosts:
• 20 different TH Hosts did 34 hosting shifts at 12 different Trailheads
• 118 Total Hours TH Hosting
• 1336 Day Users in 508 different groups
• 100 Overnight Users in 58 different groups
• 26 Fire Safety conversations
We have been pursuing these objectives for more than a quarter-century. Read about these activities on other pages of our website.