Volunteers donate nearly 12,000 hours of service in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Fiscal Year 2024 Volunteer Accomplishments

Redding, CA, December 5, 2024— This past Fiscal Year, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest saw 11,971 volunteer hours accomplished by 358 volunteers through various organizations and service activities.

The 1972 National Volunteer Act allows volunteers to participate in service activities on public lands like the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, one of 154 national forests within the National Forest System. The Act recognizes public interest in giving their time and skill towards service on public lands. It allows federal agencies like the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management to have volunteers through Volunteer and Service Agreements.

Group and individual volunteers this past year have provided a wide array of services like avalanche forecasting, rock climbing for restoration, mule packing, wilderness trail patrol, and plant and wildlife surveys, offering their expertise in niche environments from the top of Mount Shasta down to the wild and scenic Trinity River.

Many volunteers offer their time and expertise in mountainous terrain or forested land, but it doesn’t end there. Others support critical work in lab environments taking photographs of forest plants for online databases or serve as resource advisory committee members to provide local knowledge and expertise that help guide management decisions.

Through volunteer engagement, management areas such as recreation, heritage, fish and wildlife, forests, water, and minerals have more public support to accomplish work across vast landscapes. Service on public lands enables community members to actively participate in meaningful management practices fueled by purpose, need, and the support of dedicated volunteers.

While not all volunteer engagement is able to be supported due to environmental conditions or existing coverage from other groups, many local nonprofits coordinate with federal entities to support volunteer engagement and coordination. Organizations like the Ascend Wilderness Experience, Watershed Research & Training Center, Resource Conservation Districts, Backcountry Horseman of California units, and local trail alliances or associations may provide volunteer opportunities or know of ways to get involved on public lands through unique missions within their areas served.

Volunteer engagement may come in many shapes and forms, and no effort is too small. From picking up litter to promoting stewardship on public lands, we appreciate everything volunteers do. Those interested in getting involved can start by contacting a local Ranger Station, Field Office, nonprofit, or Supervisor’s Office. Staff can get you in contact with a volunteer coordinator or another local organization working on public lands.

To reach volunteer coordinators for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf for office contact information.

a Forest Service News Release

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