Trail restoration work to begin this summer on Moss Lake Trail and South Lake Trail, near BWCA
Northwoods Volunteer Connection, a Tofte-based non-profit founded in 2014 with a focus on connecting volunteers with restoration and stewardship projects in the Superior National Forest, is looking for volunteers to help with two trail restoration projects this summer near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
The non-profit works closely with the U.S. Forest Service and organizations such as the Superior Hiking Trail, Kekekabic Trail Chapter, and Border Route Trail Association to plan and implement trail restoration projects and promote stewardship of recreational resources within the Superior National Forest.
The trail restoration projects scheduled for July this summer are Moss Lake Trail and South Lake Trail, which intersect near Moss Lake and Birch Lake near the mid-trail of the Gunflint.
Jo Swanson, the executive director of Northwoods Volunteer Connection, said the organization is looking for volunteers willing to get their hands dirty this summer and help improve approximately four miles of each trail.
“These are important trails because they’re an access point to the Boundary Waters and the Border Route Trail, which is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail,” said Swanson.
She said the two trails have suffered from erosion issues in recent years. One of the trail restoration goals will be to improve the tread and reduce the berms to help “improve the water situation on these two trails.”
The trail restoration work is scheduled for July 11-14 and August 1-3. Northwoods Volunteer Connection is looking for eight volunteers to complete the projects. The non-profit will provide all necessary supplies and equipment.
To sign up or learn more, visit Northwoods Volunteer Connection.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Jo Swanson, the executive director of Northwoods Volunteer Connection, about the trail restoration projects and volunteer opportunities. The audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins May 1, 2024
