Dylan Barker

Lead Wilderness Steward - Payette National Forest

Hitch 2 6/21/23-6/28/23

*Karl teaches Fellows Ariel and Julian about the tree species in the area.*

It’s not often I leave a hitch where my cheeks are more sore than my shoulders.

Along with Wilderness Ranger Fellows Ariel Centano and Julian Barstow, our second hitch of the season was spent accompanying Jim Heidelberger (SBFC Board Chair) and the Whisky Society from Moscow, Idaho on their annual Whisky in the Woods trip. Back for their 2nd year on Sulphur Creek, this group of hard-working volunteers was determined to open up this trail further than they made it previously, and boy did they perform. Cutting over 400 trees in those short 8 days, we just about doubled, if not further, the distance they covered last year.

We were gratefully packed in by the Squaw Butte Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of Idaho based out of Emmet, Idaho to a camp about 4 miles down trail. Day 1 was a quick introduction to the week of work we had ahead of us. After a quick trailhead camp tear down and the first of many great breakfasts provided by Jim, the group headed down the trail to clear way for the pack string, with the first cuts being made within 5 minutes of the trailhead. The next 6 days were full of nonstop pulling saws, levering logs, and constant laughs.

*Jason celebrates his 21st birthday with a Dutch oven biscuit made by Lovina, delivered by his son Cai.*

*Bert indulges in “just one more” lemon bar prepared ahead of time by Jim Heidelberger.*

*One of the many phenomenal dinners prepared by Jim throughout the week.*

While the work we did was immense and memorable, I will be forever appreciative of our time spent around the campfire each morning and night. Sharing jokes, stories, memories, passing around tupperwares of incredible desserts, and celebrating birthdays: those were the times that made this a hitch to remember. This group of longtime friends was quick to invite and involve myself and the fellows into their inner circle for the week, and I can’t thank them enough for that.

Working with a group that schedules their year around a week of hard work, great whisky, and even better food really puts into perspective how much these Wilderness areas mean and how important they are to keep alive.

DYLAN BARKER

LEAD WILDERNESS STEWARD

Payette National Forest

Frank Church-RONR Wilderness

Dylan grew up in Indiana where he was introduced to most things outdoors at a young age. While attending college, his interest in public land and the outdoors grew into a passion. Dylan moved to Missoula in 2021, and worked two seasons on a trail crew. He developed a love for service in the form of trails conservation. He is excited to spend the summer connecting with Wilderness and sharing his knowledge with others. There are few things in life that bring Dylan as much joy as being able to live and work out of some of the most scenic areas in the country.