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The 6th Annual Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College is here! Trail Skills College is a place to learn all you ever wanted to know about building and maintaining trails. Choose from a variety of classes from trail tread construction to crew leadership. Through trail stewardship, you can enhance the trail experience, leading to healthier and happier trails throughout the Northwest.

Trail Skills College is free to all participants! Camping and meals are provided throughout the weekend. Whether you are new to trail maintenance or a seasoned veteran, we have a class that will enhance your trail maintenance skills. Limited space is available and classes do fill up so register early! We look forward to seeing you at the Trail Skills College!

April 25-27, 2014

The event will be held at the Cascade Locks Marine Park in Oregon. The park will serve as headquarters and campground for this event.  Classes will take place on local trails that are within a short vehicle commute.

There are a large variety of classes being offered from introduction to trail maintenance to advanced crew leadership. Attendees have the opportunity to take one class per day (except for the Intro to Trail Maintenance which is a two-day course). Classes fill up quickly so register early! To find a class that’s right for you check out the Class Descriptions.

Please note: Students will be unable to transfer classes prior to or at the event once they receive registration confirmation.

Friday, April 25
Saturday, April 26Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27Sunday, April 27198/199 First Aid and CPR103 Basic Saw Crew Training100, 101, 102 Intro to Trail Maintenance Track (2-day class)201 Drainage Design and Drain Dips200 Basic Trail Design104 Intro to Chainsaw205 Tread Re-Construction398 Wilderness Structures: Building with Traditional Tools198, 199 First Aid and CPR206 New Trail Construction398 Grip Hoist and Rigging203 Water Bars and Checks207 Trail Decommissioning398 Working with Pack Stock (1/2 day afternoon)205 Tread Reconstruction297 Chainsaw Practicum400 Advanced Leadership304 Leadership Managing a Crew398 Gabions398 Gabions

Prerequisite saw classes will be held at the Trail Skills College to prepare students for the second annual Wind River Saw Training and Certification event being held on May 2-4, 2014. To be eligible for enrollment in the Saw Training and Certification Weekend, volunteers may be required to attend certain classes at the Trail Skills College. Prerequisite classes include First Aid & CPR, Intro to Chainsaw, Chainsaw Practicum, or Intro to Log Out. Learn more about the Saw Skills Training and Certification and the prerequisite classes you may need.

The fitness level will vary depending on the class, however, all participants should be able to hike a minimum of 1-2 miles while carrying personal gear and tools. In addition, classes provide hands on learning opportunities, therefore participants should be prepared to be actively involved in trail maintenance for 6-8 hours per day.

• Priority Registration for current PCTA volunteers and members will open Friday, February 14, 2014
• Registration for the general public will open Friday, February 21, 2014

Email announcements will be sent out as updates become available. If you would like to receive these updates, please send your name, city/state, and email address to [address removed] with “Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College” in the subject line.

If you have questions, please contact PCTA Volunteer Programs at (916)[masked] or at [address removed].

Don’t forget, you can learn new trail maintenance skills by volunteering on a PCTA trail crew. Most projects do not require prior trail maintenance experience. Knowledgeable and experienced crew leaders are on site to teach you the necessary skills. Check out the project schedule to find your adventure!