CONTACT TRIP LEADER PRIOR TO REGISTRATION.
MESSAGE Trip leaders Lucas Raudabaugh, Valentin Povarchuk, OR Zach Thorson TO EXPRESS INTEREST OR ASK ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRIP - INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND A GOOD TIME TO REACH YOU.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Join the Soggy Bottom Boardwalk Build crew on the Eagle Mt. Trail - the highest use hiking trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
*** No backpacking or construction experience is required, just a Safety First and can-do attitude for potential hot, buggy, and wet boggy work conditions. We work rain or shine ***
After two years of collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service of the Superior National Forest, BWAC is ready to begin restoration of three boardwalk sections in 2026 and 2027. This year, we have materials ready for the 300 foot long boardwalk through the bog.
Due to BWCAW regulations, this will be a hand tool only building project.
Crew member jobs: dry land construction, wetland construction, and wetland demolition.
Itinerary:
5 PM, Thursday, June 25th - Basecamp at U.S. Forest Service campground near the trailhead.
7 AM, Friday, June 26th and Saturday, June 26th - Travel to Eagle Mt. trailhead, hike in 1.5 miles to work area. Replace aged-out boardwalk at the direction of the U.S. Forest Service and BWAC trip leaders. Snack, water, and lunch breaks.
5 PM - Hike out and return to basecamp.
9 AM, Sunday, June 28 - Depart U.S. Forest Service campground.
Personal Gear: For basecamp - each crew member will be responsible for providing their own shelter, sleep system, food, and personal gear. (NOTE: the basecamp will be located at a campsite suitable for car camping, so you can sleep and eat in relative luxury!) For workday - provide and carry personal work gloves, daypack, lunch and snacks, and two liters of water capacity. If there is something you do not have, please let the crew leaders know well in advance of the trip.
BWAC will provide: campground reservation, wilderness entry permits, group first aid kit, construction and clearing tools, safety glasses, hard hats, knee pads, group tarp, and safety training. Water sterilization devices are available for use as needed. Crew members will also carry their share of borrowed tools and safety gear.
Anticipated Temperatures/Weather Conditions: Crew members should prepare for anything from cool rainy days, hot sunny days, insects, and wet boggy work conditions. Crew leaders will discuss specifics closer to trip dates.
Food: 3 Breakfasts and dinners at Basecamp.
2 no-cook lunch and snacks for on-trail. Tap water is available at the campground, and wild water on-trail.
Costs:
- $40 registration cost on Meetup (to ensure commitment, offset admin, tool and map costs) and
- $20-30 carpool gas money
THE FINE PRINT:
- Participants are required to sign a (1) liability release form, (2) confidential health form, and (3) USFS trip form prior to the trip. This is a pet and tobacco-free trip.
- Participation is subject to BWAC rules, i.e., trip leaders can deny participation to anyone for any or no reason. If you sign up for this trip without prior approval of the trip leaders, your sign-up is considered a donation to BWAC.
- Please note the trip could be cancelled due to bad weather, fire danger, or other circumstances beyond the control of BWAC.
Thank you for considering this trip. By investing your time you will be creating lasting value for wilderness hikers and helping preserve this trail for future generations!
