2023 Update:
SBFC has been diligent over the past three years in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re still concerned about this disease and are working closely with our Forest Service partners to mitigate its spread during the 2023 field season. We understand that the situation continues to develop. Our decisions follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and to keep the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and communities a priority. The CDC offers a Community Level tool useful for monitoring the latest data.
Pre-project:
All volunteers and SBFC staff should continuously monitor their health and the onset of any COVID-19 symptoms. This year we will not be requiring that all volunteers submit a pre-project symptom screening form. Please stay home if you are not feeling well. Note that your volunteer deposit is refundable if you need to cancel due to COVID-related concerns.
During volunteer projects:
o Practice good personal hygiene, especially when handling food. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be provided.
o Since we will be working outside, mask wearing will be optional.
o At the crew leader’s discretion, body temperatures may be screened at any time during the volunteer project.
o All tools will be disinfected and cleaned after using.
o Avoid sharing food, water, and personal items.
It is our hope that we will not have to return to our 2021 protocols (below).
2021 COVID-19 Protocol:
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in the U.S., we made the difficult decision to cancel the majority of our trail projects and events. For those we did host, we minimized the length, group size, or adopted a self-supported backpacking model, with volunteers responsible for their own meals. Participation was limited to residents of Montana and Idaho only.
In 2021, SBFC continues to monitor CDC and local public health guidelines and suggestions, maximize caution, and do our part to keep the public healthy. The following practices are in place:
Pre-project:
o Volunteers will be asked to fill out a symptom screening form the week prior to the project start. If you have been vaccinated, you will be asked to provide an image of your vaccination card.
o Volunteer agreement forms will be available electronically to minimize sharing of objects such as paper and pens.
o Project leaders will screen body temperatures with an infrared forehead thermometer.
o We encourage traveling in separate vehicles. If you must carpool with members outside of your household, ensure occupants wear a face covering and keep the windows down.
During project:
o Crew size will be limited to 10 people, including SBFC staff and volunteers.
o Cross cut saws will not be used in order to ensure 6 foot spacing. Axes and hand saws will be utilized.
o We will limit sharing tools, preferring an individual to carry and use the same tool all day. Tools will be disinfected and cleaned after using.
o We hope to hit the trailhead early enough to avoid crowds. If there is overlap with the public, we’ll give ample space to ensure a 6 foot radius.
o We will practice a minimum of 6 foot spacing while hiking, working, and having meals. In instances where social distancing recommendations are not possible, participants will be required to wear face coverings, safety glasses, and gloves.
o Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be provided. We will have a few extra cloth masks on hand, but strongly encourage you to bring your own!
o We understand that delicious meals and snacks are part of the trail experience! For extended projects, volunteers will be responsible for preparing their own meals. SBFC will provide a food per diem to reimburse volunteers for their food costs. For single-day projects, SBFC may provide pre-packaged snacks, beverages, and lunch items.