Backcountry Response Teams

Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs)

: A 3-person crew visits Dumbell Lake as part of BCRT in 2007

Because many of WTA's one-day and weekend work parties are only able to address the first few miles of trail, there is a need to have extended 3-4 day work parties to address maintenance needs of trails that head further into the backcountry.

WTA's Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs), trail crews consisting of 4 - 12 people, are a means to do this. Intended for experienced backcountry hikers, trips will require each individual to carry his or her own provisions for the duration, as well as have the ability to camp without supervision.

These trips will follow WTA's work party guidelines and will be led by a WTA crew leader. Due to the more arduous nature of these work parties, BCRT volunteers must be in good physical condition and will be expected to be equipped and able to carry all gear required for an overnight stay including:

tent
sleeping bag
cooking gear
food for the entire trip

Volunteers will also be asked to carry heavy work tools which may include loppers, pulaskis, shovels, grub hoes and crosscut saws. We encourage you to share some general gear with others in the group (stoves, cookware, etc), and we can try to facilitate this consolidation of equipment via e-mail and at the trailhead.