How to Volunteer for the Forest Rangers

Courtesy: U.S. Forest Service

If you love the great outdoors, interacting with people and performing a valuable service at the same time, volunteering as a ranger for the Forest Service could be for you. Since 1905, the Forest Service has managed over 193 million acres of national forest and grasslands where millions of annual visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities. The volunteers of the Forest Service help full-time forest rangers monitor the wilderness and keep it safe for everyone. Here's how to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Hiking boots, shorts and backpack Wilderness maps of your area
Hiking boots, shorts and backpack
Wilderness maps of your area

Step 1

Contact your local Forest Service office in the early spring. While many USFS volunteer programs do not begin until early summer, training often takes place in the springtime long before the snow melts. Find out who supervises the volunteer program, and ask about the minimum commitment you'll be expected to honor. Find out where they need help and when.

Step 2

Get in shape. If you've been cooped up indoors during the winter, you'll need to get fit enough to perform your duties. Most Forest Service offices require that volunteers commit to a minimum of four hours a day, four to eight days during the summer season. Don't expect to get in shape your first day on the trail.

Step 3

Buy a sturdy, waterproof pair of hiking boots with lug soles. Avoid lightweight models of boots, especially if you'll be hiking during the early spring when the snow melts in wet, muddy conditions. Break in the boots by wearing them for walks around the neighborhood. If possible, do some short day hikes with a fully loaded day pack to get used to your equipment.

Step 4

Buy a good-quality day pack that has plenty of room for all your supplies, including food, first-aid supplies and plenty of water. You'll need to carry enough gear for yourself and others who might find themselves stranded in the wilderness.You'll also need an extra pair of socks, hat, water bottles, rain poncho, compass, gloves and trash bags.

Step 5

Hook up with an experienced Forest Service volunteer for your first few hikes. Observe how she interacts with visitors and learn from her how to handle wilderness infractions, emergencies and other incidents.

Step 6

At the end of your hike, record all of your experiences on a Forest Service-provided form. The form will usually include tallying the number of physical encounters you have had, dogs on trails, illegal campsites, noxious weeds and other statistics that are important to Forest Service management.

Tips & Warnings

Get in shape before the volunteer season begins. Buy good-quality hiking equipment that will last the entire season. Get a variety of maps, and become familiar with the areas you intend to patrol.

Get in shape before the volunteer season begins.

Buy good-quality hiking equipment that will last the entire season.

Get a variety of maps, and become familiar with the areas you intend to patrol.

Avoid hiking by yourself whenever possible. Always sign the guest log at the trail head to let people know where you are. Report in with your local Forest Service supervisor at the end of your shift.

Avoid hiking by yourself whenever possible.

Always sign the guest log at the trail head to let people know where you are.

Report in with your local Forest Service supervisor at the end of your shift.

Resources

United States Forest Service

Article Written By Allen Smith

Allen Smith is an award-winning freelance writer living in Vail, Colo. He writes about health, fitness and outdoor sports. Smith has a master's degree in exercise physiology and an exercise specialist certification with the American College of Sports Medicine at San Diego State University.

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