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Foggy Forest

2021 NWSI Session Recordings

Session Recordings

To access the recording for a session, find the link under the session name, which will take you to the recording on YouTube. You can also find the links to the YouTube recordings in the NWSI recordings program here

Click to jump to each track:

There are 5 different tracks for the National Wilderness Skills Institute including, Traditional Skills, Visitor Use Management, Wilderness I, Wilderness II, and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Three types of sessions do not have a specific track including, Coffee Hour, All Track Combined, and Happy Hour sessions. Click on each track to jump to the recordings for the track.  

All Track Combined

Track

Coffee Hour

Description

Join us each morning as we start the day with a brief welcome and updates followed by various topical discussions including regional breakouts, exploring native land acknowledgements, research, global initiatives, field mapping, and micro-mentoring.

All Tracks Combined

A few larger sessions have been developed that cross all tracks including the opening keynote session, exploring public lands management, history, and conservation with a focus on telling a more inclusive narrative, funding programs, review of the week, and a closing discussion around take-aways and next steps.

Happy Hour

End each day with informal and relaxed hangouts ranging from reflecting on the keynote message, testing your wilderness and river knowledge in a friendly game of trivia, join us for movie night, and sharing your story around a virtual campfire with your regional peers.

Recordings:


Welcome and Keynote: A New Way into the Wild - Inclusion as a Criterion for the Future of Conservation

  • Welcome YouTube Link

  • Keynote YouTube Link

  • Dr. Drew Lanham, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology; Master Teacher and Certified Wildlife Biologist; Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department Clemson University

  • Bill Hodge, Executive Director, Bob Marshall Foundation

  • Join us as we kick-off the National Wilderness Skills Institute followed by an in-depth discussion with Dr. Drew Lanham. He is a cultural
    and conservation ornithologist whose work addresses the confluence of race, place, and nature. Drew is an accredited author, a lifelong
    bird watcher and hunter-conservationist living in Seneca, South Carolina.             

Public Lands in the US: A More Inclusive Examination

  • YouTube Link

  • Paul Sanford, National Director of Recreation Policy, The Wilderness Society 

  • Liz Vogel, National Director for Access and Education, The Wilderness Society

  • Sharon Musa, High Meadows Fellow, The Wilderness Society

  • In this interactive virtual class, we'll explore public lands management, history, and conservation with a focus on telling a more inclusive
    narrative presented by The Wilderness Society. Participants will:
    • Review the definition of public lands and management of public lands.
    • Understand that the common historical narrative of public lands has done little to reckon with the sometimes-atrocious means by
    which public lands were created.
    • Explore how social and political movements affected and continue to affect how and for whom public lands were and are created.
    • Learn about some of the historic and current contributions that Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color have had and
    continue to have in the conservation movement.

  • Resources:

  • How did Public Lands Come to Be?

  • Groups Diversifying the Outdoors   

 Happy Hour - Keynote Discussion

  • YouTube Link

  • Bill Hodge, Executive Director, Bob Marshall Foundation

  • Join us as we spend time exploring the messages shared in the keynote discussion with Dr. Drew Lanham. What role do we each play in
    promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and what connection does this have to stewarding Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers? 

Happy Hour - Trivia Night

  • Play Trivia Here

  • Pete Irvine, Retired, USDA Forest Service

  • Dusty Vaughn, Specialist, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers, Washington Office, USDA Forest Service

  • Click the link above to play trivia!     

Coffee Hour - Exploring Native Land Acknowledgements

  • YouTube Link

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program Manager, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Dr. Serra J. Hoagland, Acting Tribal Relations Program Manager, Intermountain Region, USDA Forest Service

  • Discussion will center around the concept of native land acknowledgements and offer resources and reflection points for Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers staff wanting to explore this.

  • Resources:

  • Native Land Acknowledgments Resources

  • Native Land Acknowledgments in Wilderness Presentation          

Happy Hour - Movie Night "The Dark Divide"

  • Rent or Purchase Movie for Viewing Online

  • Post movie screening panel discussion intentionally not recorded

  • Tom Putnam, Producer

  • Dr. Robert Michael Pyle, lepidopterist, writer, teacher, & founder of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

  • panel discussion with the producer, Tom Putnam, and author, Dr. Robert Michael Pyle
    "The Dark Divide” is based on the true story of renowned butterfly expert Dr. Robert Pyle’s (David Cross) perilous 1995 journey across
    one of America’s largest undeveloped wildlands. At the urging of his dying wife Thea (Debra Messing), the shy author finds himself in
    over his head on an epic, life-changing expedition through Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest in search of new species of
    butterflies. Over the course of his six-week adventure Pyle battles self-doubt, the grueling trail, and the people and creatures who call
    this forest home. And, somewhere deep in the heart of The Dark Divide, he makes a discovery that challenges everything he knows
    about the natural world. Based on the book “Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide” by Robert Michael Pyle.  

Coffee Hour - Topic Breakouts: Wilderness Research

  • YouTube Link

  • Jason Taylor, Director Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, USDA Forest Service

  • This session will be an informal discussion, focused on addressing questions from attendees about the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, the use of science to support Wilderness or other public lands stewardship, science careers at resource management agencies, and other questions about research related to Wilderness.    

Coffee Hour - Topic Breakouts: International & Global Initiatives

  • YouTube Link

  • Adam Hanson, NAWPA Facilitator & Manager of Conservation Programs, The WILD Foundation

  • Hanna Öllös, Carpathian Region & Wilderness Specialist, European Wilderness Society

  • Learn about various initiatives that are building global movements to protect wild places and rivers including updates on the World Wilderness Congress, international wilderness guidelines, rewilding projects, and inclusivity in the wilderness culture.

  • Resources:

  • European Wilderness Society Presentation

  • Wild Foundation Presentation    

Coffee Hour - Topic Breakouts:Using "Field Maps" Applications in Wilderness Management

  • YouTube Link

  • Dylan McCoy, Lead Wilderness Ranger, McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Quick introduction to getting a GIS account, then talking about Field
    Maps mobile application, how it works, how it's been applied to Wilderness Management, it's capacity and limitations, lessons learned,
    and time for Q&A. Outcome is a better understanding of Field Maps and how it may be a tool folks can use to track management data.    

Coffee Hour - Message from the USDA Forest Service Chief

  • YouTube Link

  • Vicki Christiansen, Chief, USDA Forest Service

  • Chief Christiansen will be sharing some thoughts as we being to wrap up the week with our last day of sessions.   

Coffee Hour - Micro Mentoring

  • YouTube Link

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Get connected with a National Wilderness Skills Mentor to schedule for a micro-mentoring session. Micro-mentoring is typically 1 short (30-45 minute) session where a mentor and mentoree discuss perspectives, career goals, leadership, and personal challenges. Mentorees are encouraged to share with the mentoree before the mentoring session occurs a resume and a brainstorm of things they would like to discuss with the mentor. We will use the session at NWSI to match mentors and mentorees, and coach mentorees on how to be best prepared for the mentoring session they will then schedule.

  • Resources:

  • NWSI Micro Mentoring List

  • Micro Mentoring Presentation  

Funding Programs

  • YouTube Link

  • Randy Welsh, Executive Director, National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance

  • Kerry Morse, Conservation Awards Manager, National Forest Foundation

  • Sharon Seim, Alaska Region Wilderness & Trails Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Brenda Yankoviak, National Trail Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Dusty Vaughn, Specialist, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Washington Office, USDA Forest Service

  • We will hear from a panel of guests, all of whom have a connection to funding programs specific for wilderness and trail stewardship.

  • Resources:

  • Wilderness Stewardship Performance funding PPT  

What We Learned

  • YouTube Link

  • Bill Hodge, Executive Director, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

  • This session will take participants through a review of what was the 2021 National Wilderness Skills Institute. With a focus on having fun
    and making sure this community of practice stays connected we will provide some highlights from the week.

  • Resources:

  • National Wilderness Workshop Informational Presentation     

Happy Hour - Take Aways and Next Steps

  • Take Aways and Next Steps YouTube Link

  • The End YouTube Link

  • Slideshow of Past In Person Regional Skills Institutes

  • NWSI Core Team

  • This week wasn’t what we wanted to do…or was it? We all came into this knowing that this training session was a needed replacement
    for what we would have rather done in person and within our local landscape. But what did work about the week and is there a need for
    some bigger connection in future years? Let’s spend one last zoom session together and toast to the wilderness and wild & scenic river
    adventures ahead!!

Traditional Skills Session

Traditional Skills

Provides a foundation for the skills needed to work in a wilderness setting. With an overview of hand tools, using pack stock, trail maintenance techniques, crosscut use, field leadership and backpacking and backcountry nutrition, participants will have a solid foundation for some actual time in the field to practice these skills.



Mastering the Basics: An Examination of the Physics, Nuances, & Mechanics of Traditional Skills

  • YouTube Link

  • Bob Beckley, Retired, National, Technology & Development Center, USDA Forest Service

  • Susan Jenkins, Project Leader, National Technology & Development Center, USDA Forest Service

  • Jeremy Watkins, Wilderness/Trails Specialist, Seeley Lake Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Aaron Klug, Bob Marshall Wilderness Trail Specialist, USDA Forest Service

  • Dolly Chapman, Retired, Wilderness, Trail Crew Leader & Owner of Chapman's Sharp Saws

  • Doug Hunt, Retired Packer, Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, USDA Forest Service

  • Jessica Kehoe, PT,DPT,CSCS, Alpine Physical Therapy

  • This session provides participants an opportunity to learn from traditional tool experts with a focus on learning how to use a tool ratherthan just learning the “how to do it” technique. The foundational teaching by these experts puts more emphasis on the science, physics and dynamics of the work and the proper shape, size, and balance of the tool. This understanding improves efficiency and safety of tool use regardless if tool users are new to the skill set or have years of experience. There is nothing easy about using traditional tools, it is hard work, but improving proficiency of tool use enhances the experience and promotes the recognition of value in the work and tools used in wilderness.

  • Resources:

    • North American Crosscut Saw and Related Tools Drawings, 2021

    • One Moving Part: The Forest Service Ax Manual, 2019

    • Ax Posters

    • North American Crosscut Saw and Related Tools Drawings

    • The Crosscut Sawyer (with Dolly Chapman, John Glenn and Jeff Halligan)

    • Handtools for Trail Work - Part 1 (with Dolly Chapman and Ian Barlow)

    • Handtools for Trail Work - Part 2 (with Dolly Chapman and Ian Barlow)

    • Danger Tree Video Series

    • Hand Tools for Trail Work (companion video’s linked above)

    • An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual

    • Getting the Hang of It 

    • Transporting Cross Cut Saws

    • Bob Beckley’s Publications: US Forest Service, Technology and Development Center            

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Jessica May, Trails Specialist, Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Kerry Wood, Wilderness & Trails Program Manage, Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • An overview of definitions of common terms, some details of trail clearing and basic tread, and a run through of the most common trail tools. this is targeted at the novice trail maintainer.   

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Pete Duncan, National Saw Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Day one we will cover personal protective equipment, equipment requirements, human factors, and the five-step cutting process: Objective, Hazards/obstacles, Leans/binds, Escape paths and Cut plan (OHLEC). We will also present an overview of the USDA Forest Service Saw Program.

  • Resources:

    • Introduction to Crosscut Saw Operations Student Guide

    • Traditional Skills - Wilderness Connect For Practitioner

    • The Crosscut Sawyer:

      • Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) Course Developed by the US Forest Service Available here:​

        • The Crosscut Sawyer - USDA Forest Service 2007 - Publication 0723-2D02-MTDC - Missoula Technology Development Center. ​
      • Crosscut Saw Manual,USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology Development Center

      • Saws that Sing, USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology Development Center

      • The Crosscut Saw Filer, USDA Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center, 1123-2D03-MTDC:

        • The Crosscut Saw Filer, Part 1 of 5 - YouTube

        • The Crosscut Saw Filer, Part 2 of 5 - YouTube

        • The Crosscut Saw Filer, Part 3 of 5 - YouTube

        • The Crosscut Saw Filer, Part 4 of 5 - YouTube

        • The Crosscut Saw Filer, Part 5 of 5 - YouTube

      • Hand Tools for Trail Work, USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology Development Center:​

        • Handtools for Trail Work - Part 1 - YouTube

        • Handtools for Trail Work - Part 2 - YouTube

      • An Axe to Grind, USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology Development Center:

        • An Ax to Grind - Part 1 - YouTube

        • An Ax to Grind - Part 2 - YouTube   

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Bill Hodge, Executive Director, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

  • Day two will explore binds and tension, setting your cut, compound cuts and spring polls.  

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Dave Haberl, Crosscut Saw Instructor and Evaluator Pre-Sale Forester, Rochester Ranger District, Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, USDA Forest Service

  • Day three will cover use and maintenance of the saw, ergonomics in using the saw, saw types and handle types

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Pete Duncan, National Saw Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Dave Haberl, Crosscut Saw Instructor and Evaluator, Pre-Sale Forester, Rochester Ranger District, Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, USDA Forest Service

  • Bill Hodge, Executive Director, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

  • Day four will be a tool overview, sharpening of the saw, and a recap of the week. 

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Ken Graves, Forest Packer, PSCOE Co-Director, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

  • Michael Morse, Wilderness & Trails Supervisor, PSCOE Co-Director, Inyo National Forest

  • Katy Bartzokis, PSCOE Lead Packer, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

  • Debbie Mcdougald, Special Uses Permit Administrator & Stock Program Manager. Sierra National Forest

  • This session will introduce participants to the capabilities of pack stock and their role in managing public lands throughout the nation. We will also discuss safely working around stock, including horse psychology, stock on the trail, all the way up to some of the safety factors that packers consider when putting a string together. Interact with a panel of professional USFS packers.     

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Jessica May, Trails Specialist, Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • MJ Crandall, Recreation Staff Officer, Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • This session will review Trail Management Objectives (TMO) in the context of field work and accomplishment reporting. The goal is to explain some of the national standardization of our trails system while acknowledging local variation. It is also meant to connect what field workers are doing on the ground with the bigger picture of trail system management. If you are novice to trail work, it will be helpful for you to take the Trail Maintenance Basics for Field Staff prior to attending this session.   

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Dylan McCoy, Lead Wilderness Ranger, McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Quick introduction to getting a GIS account, then talking about Field
    Maps mobile application, how it works, how it's been applied to Wilderness Management, it's capacity and limitations, lessons learned,
    and time for Q&A. Outcome is a better understanding of Field Maps and how it may be a tool folks can use to track management data.    

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program Manager, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • How to give and seek Leader’s Intent in moving and dynamic situations, give Field Briefings to others, and facilitate After Action Reviews.

  • Resources:

    • After Action Review

    • Field Briefing Checklist

    • Leaders Intent

    • Field Leadership Development Presentation       

Have an Impact

  • YouTube Link

  • Katie Currier, Masters Candidate, University of Idaho, Former Program Manager, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

  • Jessica Satterfield, Conservation Education Specialist, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, USDA Forest Service

  • Katie has been Crew Member, Crew Leader, Field Operations Coordinator and Program Manager for backcountry programs in virtually every landscape across our public lands and she will share the what and how of packing your pack for extended time in the wilderness. Jesse has led and prepared crews for extended hitches in the backcountry and has established some best practices for preparing for feeding diverse (and hungry) crews, with critical decisions coming before ever leaving the workstation.

  • Resources:

    • Backcountry Nutrition Presentation​

Visitor Use Management Session

Visitor Use Management

Provides participants with the tools needed to adapt to a variety of challenges and opportunities that are present in current land management settings. These sessions will go from the theoretical to the applied with an overview of the Visitor Use Management Framework and a variety of lessons from the field.

Recordings:


The Wonderful World of Visitor Use Management

  • YouTube Link

  • Linda Merigliano, Recreation and Wilderness Program Manager, Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Are you frustrated by visitor behavior? Do you want to address management challenges in a meaningful way that lasts? Do you feel like you're lacking the tools and information you need to tackle visitor use challenges? This session will provide an introduction to visitor use management and to valuable tools that will help you tackle challenges big and small.        

Lessons from the Field - Visitor Use Management on the Appalachian Trail

  • YouTube Link

  • Morgan Sommerville, Director of Visitor Use Management, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

  • I'll describe the history of VUM on the Appalachian Trail (AT), Appalachian Trail Conservancy's (ATC) adoption of the Interagency Visitor Use Management Council’s (IVUMC) Visitor Use Management (VUM) planning framework, give some examples of AT VUM planning work, and describe ATC's strategic VUM plan for future A.T. VUM work. 

WISDOM: A Six-Step Process for Effective Public Contacts and Authority of the Resource Technique

  • YouTube Link

  • Ralph Swain, Retired, Rock Mountain Region Wilderness & Rivers Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Jack Ader, Wilderness Ranger, West Fork Ranger District Bitterroot National Forest, USDA Forest Service 

  • Learning how to make professional public contacts with wilderness visitors is truly an art and a science that comes with experience. However, managers and rangers can improve their techniques by using a systematic six-step process called WISDOM that has been fieldtested and used in congressionally designated wildernesses throughout America. Following the WISDOM presentation, a separate followup Authority of the Resource Technique (ART) presentation will conduct role-playing skits using volunteers from the audience to reinforce the six-step process. The ART presentation is intended to be interactive.

Monitoring Campsite and Trail Conditions

  • YouTube Link

  • Dr. Jeff Marion, Recreation Ecologist, USDI U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center

  • Dr. Jeremy Wimpey, Principal, Applied Trails Research, LLC

  • This presentation will address how monitoring can supply a Visitor Use Management process with accurate information about campsite and trail conditions to evaluate thresholds/standards of quality and aid in selecting corrective actions and evaluating their efficacy. The bulk of the talk will be focused on developing and implementing effective monitoring programs, with helpful guidance for both program leaders and field staff.

  • Resources:

    • Monitoring Campsites and Trails Presentation ​

Management Case Studies: Resolving the Worst Appalachian Trail Camping Impacts

  • YouTube Link

  • Dr. Jeff Marion, Recreation Ecologist, USDI U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center

  • Morgan Sommerville, Director of Visitor Use Management, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

  • This presentation will present and discuss three cases studies where management-science collaborations sought to resolve the recognized “worst” Appalachian Trail camping locations by shifting camping from popular flat areas, where campsite proliferation and expansion had created unacceptably large “mega-clusters” of campsites and impact, to sustainable side-hill campsites in sloping terrain. The cases studies are Annapolis Rocks vista, Maryland, Slaughter Gap, Georgia, and Hawk Mtn Shelter, Georgia. The “lessons-learned” from each will be shared and discussed.

  • Resources:

    • Management Case Studies: Resolving the Worst AT Camping Impacts PPT​

Lessons from the Field: Digital Kiosks and Visitor Use Management

  • YouTube Link

  • Chrysann Jaeger, Conservation Education Specialist (acting), Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, USDA Forest Service

  • USDA Forest Service Northern Region digital kiosk program: Explanation and background of what digital kiosks are, and how digital kiosks can assist with visitor use management. How can we think of new ways to use this technology to encourage certain visitor use patterns?

  • Resources:

    • R1 Digital Kiosk Operational Plan

    • Digital Kiosk Presentation

Lessons from the Field – Providing Up to Date Trail Conditions Via Electronic Formats

  • YouTube Link

  • Joshua Simpson, Wilderness, Trails, Recreation and Noxious Weeds Program Manager, Krassel Ranger District, Payette National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • An overview of mapping products that deliver real-time information to the public at large: ArcGIS online, trails data, maintenance schedules and reporting.  

Solitude Monitoring

  • YouTube Link (Apologies: The beginning of this presentation was not recorded. We are working with Dr. Hall to record the beginning and upload the compete presentation at a later date.)

  • Dr. Troy Hall, Professor & Department Head, Forest Ecosystems & Society Oregon State University

  • Dr. Troy Hall will present on the legislative process involved in the passage of the Wilderness Act to explore how “outstanding opportunities” and its parts were historically understood. Specifically, Dr. Hall will dissect the parts of the phrase “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation” (from Section 2[c] of the Wilderness Act) through an examination of how the terms “solitude,” “rugged,” “primitive,” and “unconfined” were represented and likely understood by participants in the wilderness bill hearings.

  • Resources:

    • Solitude Monitoring Presentation​

The Sustainable Camping & Trail Management Toolbox

  • YouTube Link

  • Dr. Jeff Marion, Recreation Ecologist, USDI U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center

  • This presentation will discuss the use-impact relationship and its implications for managing visitor use to minimize resource impacts. Management begins by developing a sustainable infrastructure of trails and campsites so we will discuss the most influential attributes that makes these features sustainable and how maintenance can enhance their sustainability. Next we will discuss visitor use management options, such as camping management options (dispersed, established site, and designated site), trail management options (pairing type of use to trails that are sustainable for each use), and when redistributing or limiting visitor use is necessary. Finally, we will discuss the role of visitor education and Leave No Trace practices.

  • Resources:

    • AT Report Files (Google Drive)​

Lessons from the Field – The Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System

  • YouTube Link

  • Jason Fisher, Wilderness Specialist, Deschutes National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • The Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System is a joint project between the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests to limit entry on both day and overnight use within three Wilderness areas in order to protect them for current and future generations. This presentation gives a brief history of the project and what the system looks like as it is implemented in May of 2021.

To Permit or Not to Permit: Addressing Visitor Capacity

  • YouTube Link

  • Katy Nelson, Wilderness and Trails Specialist, White River National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Have you ever thought to yourself, "What is visitor capacity and how do I determine the visitor capacity of an area?" or "How would I even go about addressing visitor capacity?" or "A permit system would solve everything!" This session will provide an introduction to visitor capacity and will provide some useful tools and a framework that will help you navigate the complex world of visitor capacity.

  • Resources:

    • Interagency VUM Council Website

    • VUM Framework Primer (Cheat Sheet)

    • VUM Framework

    • VUM Visitor Capacity Primer Cheat Sheet

    • VUM Visitor Capacity Guidebook

    • Visitor Capacity Analysis Tool  

Lessons from the Field – Overcoming Challenges and Continuous Improvement in Wyoming's Snake River Canyon

  • YouTube Link

  • David Cernicek, M.S., Wild & Scenic Rivers, Special Uses, Partnerships, & River Ranger, Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Visitor use reached over 200,000 boaters a season in the Snake River Canyon during the 1990's. While the quality of the river experience was dropping, conflicts were on the rise and stakeholders demanded change. Please join for a discussion of initial interventions and fine tuning that has followed.

Wilderness Session

Wilderness I

Join us on a journey from the beginnings of the Wilderness Act through the foundations that guide wilderness stewardship today.  Learn from experienced instructors working in a variety of wilderness settings who will share their expertise in the fundamentals of wilderness history, character, values, benefits, science, and prohibited uses.  Leave No Trace instructors will lead us through outdoor skills, ethics, and provide teaching tools for responsible recreation.

Wilderness II

Building upon content covered in the Wilderness I sessions, the courses in this track dives deeper into Wilderness Stewardship Performance (WSP) elements, Wilderness Character Monitoring (WCM), and Minimum Requirements Analyses (MRA/MRDG).

Recordings:


How and Why the Wilderness Act Became Law

  • YouTube Link

  • Bill Hodge, Executive Director, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

  • We will explore the cultural shifts that happened to launch a system of public commons, and how that shift and a vision of the future informed the subsequent movement to secure wild public lands within the framework of the larger public domain. We will explore critical moments and crucial characters, while laying open the fissures and cracks left to us by those that advocated for what we serve today.

Wilderness Act 101

  • YouTube Link

  • Ralph Swain, Retired, Rocky Mountain Region Wilderness and Rivers Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • This presentation is targeted to first- or second-year seasonal wilderness rangers, volunteers and those that are new to wilderness stewardship. The power-point will focus on the fundamentals of the Wilderness Act, specifically section 2 and 4 of the Law. It will also address the "why" wilderness was needed in 1964 and for future generations. The presentation will conclude with the challenges forthcoming, including climate change, intervention, and the need to "Let it Be."    

Understanding Wilderness Character

  • YouTube Link

  • Linda Merigliano, Recreation and Wilderness Program Manager Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Brief overview of wilderness character - how it is defined, why it matters, and what each of the 5 qualities is about. How is wilderness character used with emphasis on use at field level - communication, education.   

Wilderness Values, Four Cornerstones, and Benefits

  • YouTube Link

  • Ken Straley, Acting Wilderness and Wild & Scenic, Rivers Program Manager, Rocky Mountain Region, USDA Forest Service

  • Jason Taylor, Director, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, USDA Forest Service

  • This session will look in depth at the Four Cornerstones of wilderness stewardship (preserve wildness and natural conditions; provide and use the minimum necessary; manage wilderness as a whole; and protect wilderness benefits). These foundational principles will be connected with values that are fundamental to those who work in wilderness as well as visit these special lands for diverse reasons. The final cornerstone, protection of wilderness benefits, will lead into discussion of a timely report on wilderness benefits to present and future generations of wilderness visitors and for those who value wilderness from afar.

    • Resources:

    • Ecological Intervention Supplement

    • Personal Wilderness Values

    • Wilderness Character and Stewardship Principles    

Prohibited Uses and the Exceptions to Them

  • YouTube Link

  • James Sippel, Wilderness Specialist, Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, Bureau of Land Management

  • This session will review the Wilderness Act prohibitions, exceptions to them and special provisions. 

Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills & Ethics – Introductory

  • YouTube Link

  • Erin Collier, Subaru Leave No Trace Team

  • Brice Esplin, Subaru Leave No Trace Team

  • This course provides an overview of Leave No Trace (LNT) principles that protect the outdoors while minimizing our impacts to the land, soil, vegetation, water, wildlife, cultural resources, and other visitors. Participants will learn about LNT guidelines to practice, promote, and share whether in the backcountry, front country, your favorite local parks, and natural areas or in your everyday life. Participants will also be introduced to programs and resources of the LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics and ways to get more involved. Lastly, the course will cover LNT recommendations to keep ourselves, our communities, and our outdoor spaces safe and healthy during COVID-19.

  • Resources:

    • LNT Online Awareness Class 

Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills & Ethics – Teaching Tools for Responsible Recreation

  • YouTube Link

  • Erin Collier, Subaru Leave No Trace Team

  • Brice Esplin, Subaru Leave No Trace Team

  • This course is designed for park and recreation staff, outdoor educators, and guides who will gain skills and knowledge to incorporate Leave No Trace (LNT) into their work as well as teach LNT to all experience levels and in varied environments. Participants will receive an overview of LNT principles, practices, and ethics, including both the how’s and whys behind the importance of practicing LNT. Participants will learn about LNT guidelines to practice, promote, and share whether in the backcountry, front country, your favorite local parks or in your everyday life. Instructors will cover tips, tools, and best practices for effectively communicating and teaching LNT to others (both online and in-person), including interactive activities and techniques such as Authority of the Resource. They will also review programs and resources of the LNT for Outdoor Ethics and ways to get more involved. Lastly, participants will learn about LNT recommendations to keep ourselves, our communities, and our outdoor spaces safe and healthy during COVID-19.

  • Resources:

    • LNT Online Awareness Class 

Minimum Requirement Analysis/Minimum Requirements Decision Guide (MRDG)

  • YouTube Link

  • Dan Abbe, Wilderness Specialist, Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, USDA Forest Service

  • Dan Morris, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers, and Caves Program Manager, Intermountain Region, USDA Forest Service

  • John Campbell, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Program Manager, Southern Region, USDA Forest Service

  • Overview of Minimum Requirement Analysis, where it comes from, why we do it, and tips for how to complete.  

Wilderness Stewardship Performance Overview

  • YouTube Link 

  • Eric Sandeno, Information Manager, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers, Washington Office, USDA Forest Service

  • Dusty Vaughn, Specialist, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers, Washington Office, USDA Forest Service

  • Provides attendees background of the Wilderness Stewardship Performance (WSP) measure, results from the first six years, accomplishment trends, and funding opportunities. From this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of WSP, where to find resources, and possible funding opportunities. (Note: This class is also presented on Friday, May 28th at 1:00-1:50 pm)

  • Resources:

    • WSP Elements Table

Wilderness Stewardship Performance - Natural Role of Fire

  • YouTube Link

  • Frankie Romero, Fire Use & Fuels Program Manager, Washington Office, USDA Forest Service

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program  Manager, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Provides attendees details about the five scoring components, with specific examples, of the Natural Role of Fire Wilderness Stewardship Performance element. From this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of the Natural Role of Fire element and deliverables needed to improve element scores.

  • Resources:

    • WSP Natural Fire Presentation

Wilderness Stewardship Performance - Recreation Sites

  • YouTube Link

  • Stacy Duke, Forest Recreation Program Manager, Hoosier National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Eric Sandeno, Information Manager, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers, Washington Office, USDA Forest Service

  • Provides attendees details about the five scoring components, with specific examples, of the Recreation Sites Wilderness Stewardship Performance element. From this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of the Recreation Sites element and deliverables needed to improve element scores.

Wilderness Stewardship Performance - Trails

  • YouTube Link

  • Brenda Yankoviak, National Trail Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Matt Able, Assistant National Trail Program Manager (Acting), USDA Forest Service

  • Provides attendees details about the five scoring components, with specific examples, of the Trails Wilderness Stewardship Performance element. From this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of the Trails element and deliverables needed to improve element scores.  

Wilderness Stewardship Performance - Opportunities for Solitude

  • YouTube Link

  • Dr. Troy Hall, Professor & Department Head Forest Ecosystems & Society, Oregon State University

  • Provides attendees details about the five scoring components, with specific examples, of the Opportunities for Solitude Wilderness Stewardship Performance element. From this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of the Opportunities for Solitude element and deliverables needed to improve element scores.  

Wilderness Stewardship Performance – Agency Management Actions

  • YouTube Link

  • Bjorn Fredrickson, Public Services Staff Officer, Santa Fe National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Provide attendees details about the five scoring components, with specific examples, of the Agency Management Actions Wilderness Stewardship Performance element. From this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of the Agency Management Actions element and deliverables needed to improve element scores.

  • Resources:

    • 2 pt - Multi Forest F. Sup Untrammeled Letter

    • 2pt - Suggestions for Forest Supervisor Untrammeled Quality Letter

    • 4pt-Trammeling Meeting Recommendations

    • 6pt - Agency Trammeling Action Tracker Instructions

    • 6pt - Agency Trammeling Action Tracker

    • List of Potential Agency Trammeling Actions

    • WSP - Agency Management Actions Presentation  

Wilderness Stewardship Performance - Round Robin

  • The breakout rooms recordings are not available. Please see the following recordings from previous webinars:

    • Education, June 28, 2018

    • Invasive Species, May 15, 2020

    • Motorized Equipment/Mechanical Transport Use Authorizations, February 19, 2019

    • Cultural Resources, March 14, 2019

  • Eric Sandeno, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Information Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Nancy Taylor, Pacific Northwest
    Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers, Cong. Designated Areas, USDA Forest Service

  • Kelly Pearson, Wilderness Tech. Hidden Springs & Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District, Shawnee National Forest

  • Christina Boston, Pacific Southwest Region Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers, USDA Forest Service

  • Lee Johnson, Archaeologist, Superior National Forest

  • Provide participants a quick 15-minute overview of Wilderness Stewardship Performance Education, Invasive Species, Motorized
    Equipment/Mechanical Transport Use Authroizations, and Cultural Resources elements as well as example deliverables associated with
    each. Participants will gain a better understanding of element presenteds and deliverables needed to improve scores. 

Wilderness Character Monitoring Overview

  • YouTube Link

  • Julie King, National WCM Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Kaitlin de Varona, Program Manager & WCM Team Leader, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

  • Mike Smith, WCM Team Leader (Senior), Society for Wilderness Stewardship

  • Introduction to wilderness character, the 5 wilderness character qualities, and an overview of the monitoring framework. 

Wilderness Character Monitoring - An Interagency Perspective

  • YouTube Link

  • Dr. Peter Landres, Emeritus Scientist, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, USDA Forest Service

  • Kaitlin de Varona, Program Manager & WCM Team Leader, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

  • Julie King, National WCM Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Marissa Edwards, Wilderness Fellow, American Conservation Experience

  • Peter Mali, National Wilderness Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Roger Semler, Wilderness Stewardship Division Manager, National Park Service

  • Peter Keller, National Wilderness Program Lead, Bureau of Land Management

  • A look at wilderness character monitoring history, development, overview, and an interagency update.

  • Resources:

    • WCM Presentation - BLM, Peter Keller 

Wilderness Character Monitoring - Implementing WCM with the USDA Forest Service

  • YouTube Link

  • Kaitlin de Varona, Program Manager & WCM Team Leader, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

  • Mike Smith, WCM Team Leader (Senior), Society for Wilderness Stewardship

  • Jacob Wall, Program Director, Society for Wilderness Stewardship

  • Implementing the Wilderness Character Monitoring (WCM) framework with the USDA Forest Service including legislative and administrative document compilation, narrative writing, measure selection, the USDA Forest Service WCM Technical Guide, and baseline assessment report writing (Wilderness Stewardship Performance points 2-8).

Wilderness Character Monitoring – Support & Resources

  • YouTube Link

  • Julie King, National WCM Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Kaitlin de Varona, Program Manager & WCM Team Leader, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

  • Mike Smith, WCM Team Leader, Society for Wilderness Stewardship

  • Drew Lindsey, Data Service Specialist, USDA Forest Service

  • Jim Edmonds, Central Data Analyst, USDA Forest Service

  • Portia Jelinek, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers NRM Account Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • An introduction to the USDA Forest Service Wilderness Character Monitoring (WCM) Central Team roles and responsibilities as well as a look at resources available to staff working on wilderness character monitoring.

Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Fire Resource Advisors (READs)

  • YouTube Link

  • Dylan McCoy. Lead Wilderness Ranger McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • This course will include a brief introduction into what a Fire Resource Advisors (READ) is, how they are related to Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers (WWS) specifically, some of what a WWSR READ does, why that is important to WWSR management, and how people can get started on this path if they are interested.  

10 Year Trail Shared Stewardship Challenge

  • Youtube Link

  • Brenda Yankoviak, National Trail Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • This session will include an overview of the national trail program (who's who and what we're all working on), and a synopsis of the 10 Year Trail Shared Stewardship Challenge (why it's needed, how it's structured, and what to expect).  

Introduction to “This is Who We Are”

  • YouTube Link

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program Manager, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Learn about the USDA Forest Service’s “This Is Who We Are” program with engagement and reflection around the agency’s mission, purpose, and core values. There will be facilitated discussion intended to help participants envision how they and others deliver on the Forest Service’s mission and core values. All Forest Service employees AND partners are welcome.

    • Resources:

    • TIWWA Temp Employee Orientation Activity Booklet Pages

    • TIWWA Booklet

    • Code and Commitments Double Sided

    • Code and Commitments Poster

Wild and Scenic Rivers Session

Wild and Scenic Rivers

This track assists agency personnel and partners learn more about the management of Wild & Scenic Rivers (WSRs). Courses explore the history of the WSR Act, core competencies and management principles for field staff, wildfire within WSR corridors, and the network of organizations working to protect and defend existing and potential WSRs.

Recordings:


History of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act

  • YouTube Link 

  • Ed Krumpe, Professor Emeritus, Department of Natural Resources & Society University of Idaho

  • LuVerne Gruessing, Retired, Outdoor Recreation Planner Cottonwood Field Office, Bureau of Land Management

  • This course will explain the events that contributed to the passage of the Wild & Scenic Rivers (WSR) Act, discuss the importance of the WSR Act, describe the key primary concepts included in the WSR Act, and describe the role of federal land management agencies in implementing the WSR Act. 

Wildfire Incidents and Wild & Scenic Rivers Resource Considerations

  • YouTube Link

  • Kai Allen, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Rogue National Wild & Scenic River, USDI Bureau of Land Management

  • This session will focus on Wild & Scenic Rivers (WSR) in the context of Wildland Fire Incident Management. The presentation will review the requirements of the WSR Act, consider river specific resource protection measures during a wildland fire incident, and examine the framework for integrating river resources into the overall incident management strategy. This session will benefit a wide range of river professionals and resource specialists tasked with ensuring the protection of river values before, during, and after a wildland fire. 

Beyond the Banks, Understanding Your Wild & Scenic River

  • YouTube Link

  • Steve Chesterton, National Wild & Scenic Rivers Program Manager, USDA Forest Service

  • Kristen Thrall, Recreation, Program Manager, Huron-Manistee National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Tangy Wiseman, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers, Program Specialist, USDA Forest Service

  • Liz Townley, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Planning Specialist, USDA Forest Service

  • Field staff implement law, agency policy and regulation often without realizing their day to day work is designed to align with broader goals and objectives. Understanding the requirements for stewarding a Wild & Scenic River (WSR) and the management plans that provide the basis for how and why WSRs are managed increases knowledge of field level practitioners creating ownership and lasting stewardship of the resource. This session focuses on the fundamentals of managing a WSR.

Assessing and Developing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for River Rangers

  • YouTube Link

  • Colter Pence, Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers and Trails Program Manager, Flathead National Forest, USDA Forest Service

  • Angie Fuhrmann, River Training Center Coordinator, River Management Society

  • Learn about core competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed for entry level river ranger work, in order to develop a personal development and training plan, and then identify resources to develop those KSAs. This session will be shared in three modules:
    I. Review the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council Technical Core Competencies for River Management Specialists and Non-Specialists paper,
    II. Assess your own river KSAs,
    III. Learn about resources to further develop your KSAs.

  • Resources:

    • Forest Service River Ranger KSA Resources

    • Other River Ranger KSA Resources

    • River Ranger KSA Self Assessment

    • IWSRCC Resources

    • River-Manager-Core-Competencies

    • KSAs Assessment for River Rangers Presentation 

Wilds & Scenic Rivers Coalition

  • YouTube Link

  • Risa Shimoda, Executive Director, River Management Society

  • The mission of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Coalition is to protect and defend existing and potential Wild & Scenic Rivers and broaden the movement for their conservation by raising awareness about their value in terms of building greater capacity for river organizations to be more effective in advocating for Wild & Scenic protections; protecting and defending designated and potential Wild & Scenic Rivers and support the non-profit and agency river professionals who steward them, and improving communications amongst river organizations and with the public about the value of Wild & Scenic Rivers.


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