Group offers free training classes

by Submitted Sandy Compton to Western News
| April 8, 2016 8:02 AM

Summer is a busy time for the Friends of Scotchman Peaks and FSPW has several opportunities for our volunteers in the coming months. Following is a short compendium of upcoming events and training days.

FSPW needs hike leaders. If you want to know more about leading hikes in the Scotchman Peaks or are thinking of leading a hike this summer, now’s the time to go to http://www.scotchmanpeaks.org/hiking/leading-hikes/ There is an online form to be filled out if you wish to lead a hike, as well as a link to our hike leader’s packet that will help potential leaders learn more.

There are still some openings for the FSPW Wilderness First Aid Class, scheduled for mid-May. This course generally costs $150 or more. FSPW offers it to volunteers at no cost in exchange for a couple of days of volunteer work or leadership on a hike or trail day. If you are interested, contact Nathan Mynatt by writing to nathan@scotchmanpeaks.org

FSPW has openings for their chainsaw and cross-cut certification class, to be held in May. It will be held at Heron Community Center with the field portion in the Bull River valley. FSPW is waiting to pick a date so they can canvass those who are interested about what day works for them. If you are interested in this program, please write to sandy@scotchmanpeaks.org. There are three openings left.

“Crosscut Maintenance 101,” will be led by veteran back country packer Jeff Halligan. Learn the basics of sharpening and maintaining crosscut saws. This class will held June 3 at FSPW program coordinator Sandy Compton’s property in Montana. There are six spaces left. Write to sandy@scotchmanpeaks.org

The annual FSPW trail maintenance and hike leader training will be held on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 4, at Eddy Creek campground with an afternoon ‘practicum” on Star Peak Trail #999. Trail building and maintenance basics and cross-cut training, as well as hike leader procedures and responsibilities will be covered. This class will be facilitated by our Forest Service partner Joel Sather.