The Pisgah Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service, in an effort to streamline processes and engage volunteers, is introducing what is known as a “Sponsored Volunteer Agreement” covering trail maintenance activities. While this will eventually roll out to all volunteer groups, they asked Pisgah Area SORBA to be the first group to adopt the agreement, and we have been working closely with Pisgah Ranger District staff to shape what the agreement entails.

At a high level, here’s what this new agreement means to you:

• Names of potential volunteers will be included on a master roster you will no longer be required to fill out USFS paperwork
• Work days can now take place any day of the week during daylight hours, and all work will continue on announced work days with approved Crew Leaders
• Crew Leaders and approved sawyers are covered under this master agreement, and PAS will be responsible for ensuring necessary training and certification is up to date
• The agreement covers use of hand tools, power tools and powered transport equipment (wheelbarrows, etc.), but does not include powered heavy equipment, which will require project-specific approval

A draft of the agreement is attached below for Chapter comment.

The agreement entails: Click on each item to see what they entail.

1 – OMB form 0596-0080 indicating PRD and PAS representation
2 – The PRD-PAS definitions and agreement. This is the heart of the SVA
3 – Job Hazard Analysis for trails
4 – Job Hazard Analysis for trail machines
5 – Job Hazard Analysis for chainsaws
6 – Job Hazard Analysis for mountain bikes (if used during project)
7 – Tailgate Safety checklist (blank)
8 – USFS Health and Safety Handbook
9 – Trails in our care.
10 – USFS-SORBA MOU for reference

To see the list of trails we maintain in Pisgah click here.
If you are interested in joining the Pisgah District Crew contact Chris Strout by  Clicking here
To find out about future trail work days click here