| Goals
The purpose of the volunteer Trail Watch program is to promote safe
and cooperative trail use by acting as an educational liaison between
reservation managers and the public. Blue Hills Trail Watch is an
all-volunteer organization of concerned recreational trail users including
bikers, hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Volunteers
spend time throughout the reservation's 7000 acres, acting as "eyes
and ears" for Blue Hills management.
Training
Trail Watch volunteers serve an initial "apprenticeship" under a veteran
Trail Watch volunteer or an DCR Park Ranger. After an initial trial
period of observation and "on-the-job" training, volunteers have a
final briefing with an DCR Blue Hills Ranger where policies are reviewed
and the Trail Watch uniform is issued. Trail Watch volunteers are
encouraged to work in pairs while on the trail and schedules can be
coordinated.
Organization and Policies
1. The Trail Watch Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting
responsible volunteers who have a strong interest in the program's
goals. Each volunteer will become knowledgeable of the Blue Hill's
trail system and trail policies in order to provide accurate information
to all trail users.
2. While on the trail, volunteers
must identify themselves to the public by wearing the official Trail
Watch uniform with the logo.
3. While on the trail, volunteers will: A. Distribute reservation
maps explaining policies/regulations. B. Talk with trail users about
the importance of safe trail use and proper etiquette for multi-use
trails.
C. Make observations as to trail use compliance with current policies/regulations,
trail conditions/hazardous situations and the need to replace or
add trail information signage. D. Note downed trees, vandalism or
trail hazards for DCR repair.
4. Volunteers will provide the Trail Watch Coordinator
with written records of observations and contacts made with trail
users.
5. The Trail Watch Coordinator will meet on
a regular basis with the Blue Hills reservation staff to discuss volunteers
observations and any problem areas! issues which may need attention. |
