As a “Cooperator” with the United States Forest Service [USFS], we assume responsibility for the Level One maintenance of the oldest network of hiking trails in the northeast. Level One work consists of clearing blow-downs, cleaning-out drainage, blazing, signage, and cutting-back the encroaching forest growth. We also work with the USFS on Level Two projects, such as stone stairways, retaining walls, wooden ladders, bridges, and other special projects designed to conserve the beautiful resources of the White Mountain National Forest.
Level One and Level Two work is addressed with a combination of volunteer and professional labor. Off the Beaten Path, a professional trail building company, out of Turner Maine, manages our Level One “trail Patrol,” and is the contractor of choice for the WVAIA on our Level Two projects.
We sponsor four Trails Days a year, at which volunteers get together for a rewarding day in the woods, tending the trails, often doing Level One work, and at times, getting involved with special projects.