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 Tracks Combined (Includes Coffee Hour and Happy Hour Sessions)
Wilderness (Includes Wilderness I and Wilderness II Sessions)
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
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 ServiceKelly 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.
If you have any questions please email Jacob Wall (j.wall@wildernessstewardship.org).