MALT Trail Stewards…
Are MALT volunteers that dedicate themselves to the upkeep of the TAM, the North Country National Scenic Trail, and other MALT trails. Each trail steward will be assigned one or more zones from the maintenance plan that they are trusted to manage throughout the course of a year. Responsibilities include 1.5-3 hours of volunteer trail work per month via a monthly trail conditions report. Optional duties include basic trail maintenance in their zone.
Not a trail steward yet? Indicate your interest here, and we will be in touch!
Trail Stewards Quick Start Guide
Ready to get started? Everything you need to know is on this page!
Once per month, walk your zone, and perform maintenance consistent with prescription listed in the maintenance column of your zone.
In the off-season (November-April), routine maintenance consists mostly of checking/clearing/repairing drainage structures. During the field season (May-October), routine maintenance has more variety and is needed more frequently.
Whenever you walk your full zone, submit a trail report here, or further down on this page.
You DO NOT have to complete every maintenance prescription every time you go out. Do what you have time for, prioritize, and if your zone needs an extra hand let us know. Every little bit helps us in caring for our trails.
If you need to borrow/use any tools or supplies, let us know and we will get you what you need.
Trail Steward Tasks
Monitor assigned zone at least once per month, or more in the growing season
Submit volunteer hours through online Trail Report on this page once per month.
THIS IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ROLE. IF YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE, DOING THIS IS STILL VERY HELPFUL!
Additional/Optional Tasks
If desired, perform needed maintenance as listed for each section of trail in your assigned zone:
Note: not all routine tasks are required on every section of the trail, use best judgement, and always feel free to reach out for clarification.
Routine: monthly from November to April, bi-weekly, when possible, from April to October
Clear Drainages – Clear any debris from drainage outlets, reshape damaged waterbars, aprons, and ditches, unclog culverts
Brushing/Pruning - Clear trail corridor (6ft x 8ft for hiking, 6ft x 12ft for bikes) of new growth or small fallen trees and branches.
Monitor: monthly, year-round.
Routine tasks – only as needed, usually infrequently.
Trail Report – fill out online trail report form, only one report needed per zone. Note: do not submit individual reports for every section of trail in your assigned zone. One monthly report per zone is sufficient.
Inspect built features – Check boardwalks for broken or cracked boards, check framing for shorn screws or nails, check for heaved rebar and protruding screws and nails, check for vandalism, note general condition.
