1. Trailblazing--Are You Tough Enough?
Trailblazing is one of the last outdoor activities that forces you to confront the reality, beauty and challenge of the great outdoors. While there are many kinds of trailblazing, the physical activity of blazing a trail involves lots of hard, relentless work in an environment that is not structured to satisfy human wants and comforts. Digging ditches, planning controlled fires, uprooting trees and dealing with boulders and large rocks are just a few of the challenges involved in trailblazing. As big as these challenges are, however, the rewards that come along with them are just as great.
2. Make the Right Choice
One of the good things about trailblazing is there are enough kinds of the activity to suit almost any level of skill and intensity. The National Park Service offers trailblazing programs to volunteers who want to get down and dirty by working to create and maintain backwoods forest trails. The density and delicacy of the natural environment surrounding these trail sites means that a lot of the work still has to be manual (with assistance from some gas powered tools), much like it was decades or even centuries ago when the first explorers set out to discover vast tracts of nature.
3. A Trailblazing Legacy
One of the best ways to do some trailblazing is to do it locally. You've probably passed a spot in your area that looks perfect for a day hike or bike ride, if it weren't for the fact that there's currently no access. Fortunately, park administration agencies and local government look favorably on organized trail creation. If the site is in a local or state park, begin with the agency that administers the park. If it's just a local site, head to the city hall to find out what's involved.
4. Get It Together
The most important thing you can do if you want to blaze your own trail is find an environmental advocacy group, a local municipality or even a park service agency or organization to help you along the way. In many cases, there is state and federal funding available specifically for trailblazing. However, to receive funding and permission for the project you need to attach yourself to an environmental NGO or park service, or have a project sponsorship from one of the organizations. You should also be aware that funding for trails often reimburses organizations for the cost, instead of providing the money up front, meaning deep pockets or fundraising is necessary for successful trailblazing.
5. Attitude Is Everything
Everyone from the most dedicated trailblazers such as Lewis and Clark to the local, weekend warrior variety share a dedication to the project. More than this, a willingness to do the work and, just as importantly, being patient is key to not only finishing a trailblazing project but enjoying it and getting out of it as much as you give.
Member Comments