How does the VOlunteer Partnership program work?

The Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation is a wilderness stewardship organization, and we accomplish our work through partnerships and volunteers. We partner with national and local, community-based groups each year to host multi-day volunteer stewardship projects in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Areas. Each wilderness stewardship partnership project is planned to meet the capabilities and interests of volunteer groups. We will work closely with you and your group to ensure projects are well thought out, planned, and fun.

This guide outlines the operation of the program, detailing both individual and shared responsibilities to ensure a productive partnership.


PROJECTS

SBFC wilderness stewardship projects typically run for 6-8 days.

We require a minimum of 5 volunteers and a maximum of 10-12 volunteers. SBFC always provides a trained Wilderness Steward leader who has crosscut saw and Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certifications. Our partners are welcome to bring a leader. Projects are typically located in accessible but remote wilderness, wildlands and backcountry areas. 

SBFC can also arrange 1- or 2-day projects for groups up to 20.

The SBFC Volunteer Director will work with the partner volunteer group leader to determine project logistics that include:

  • Dates (a typical hitch model runs midweek to midweek)

  • Location

  • Length of project

  • Project leadership

  • Number of volunteers

  • Experience, fitness level, and age of volunteers

  • Overall project difficulty level. This includes the length of hike from trailhead to base camp, overall miles for the project, terrain, etc.

 

SBFC RESPONSIBILITIES

SBFC will support each partner group by providing:

  • Project identification, approval and logistical coordination with the U.S. Forest Service

  • Technical leadership by trained and certified SBFC staff, including training in tool use, trail work, and backcountry camping

  • Tools and personal protective equipment

  • Group kitchen and camp gear

  • Pack support, if needed


Additional responsibilities may be divided between SBFC and the partnering group. To be determined for each project are:

  • Menu planning, food shopping, and on-site meal preparation

  • Group leadership and organization of volunteers (e.g., a partner volunteer group may appoint a volunteer crew leader for pre-trip and on-site support)


SBFC cannot provide any of the following:

  • Transportation of volunteers in SBFC vehicles

  • Personal backpacking gear/clothing/equipment

  • Travel insurance of any type 

SBFC operates under an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. To participate in an SBFC volunteer project, all volunteers are required to sign a U.S. Forest Service volunteer form 301. Under this agreement, volunteers will be covered for injury while performing service work if an accident or injury should occur while on a volunteer project on USFS-managed lands.

Volunteers must provide their own health and other insurance.


PARTNER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • The partner will provide SBFC with a list of volunteers registered for the volunteer project, and will facilitate the registration of each volunteer through a secure SBFC web link.

  • The partner will ensure volunteers receive the payment link for the required project deposit. SBFC charges a refundable volunteer deposit for single and multi-day projects ($15 and $60, respectively) to secure each participant’s spot. In some cases SBFC may be able to waive this deposit; please speak with the SBFC Volunteer Director.

  • Advance notice of cancellation within 14 days of project start date (or as soon as possible). Deposits will be considered donations if cancellation is later than 14 days before the project date.


SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES

Both volunteers and SBFC staff share the following responsibilities:

  • Mutual Respect: Engage with each other in a spirit of respect and collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions.

  • Feedback and Improvement: Provide and receive constructive feedback to improve and enhance the volunteer experience.

  • Goal Alignment: Work together towards common goals, ensuring that individual efforts contribute to the overall objectives of SBFC.

  • Communicate Effectively: Keep open lines of communication and inform each other of any challenges or changes in the project plan.

  • Adhere to Safety Protocols: Follow all safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

  • Represent SBFC Positively: Act in a manner that reflects the values and mission of SBFC while engaging with the community and other partners.


We look forward to working together to achieve meaningful outcomes for conservation and stewardship in the beautiful landscapes we serve.

Interested in planning a partner project or learning more?

Contact volunteer@selwaybitterroot.org