Training for Wilderness Pros

With another field season in the books it's time to look ahead (with a small peek over the shoulder for good measure). The backwards glance is to June 2010 and a week-long training session in the High Uintas Wilderness. Nearly a dozen Wilderness Rangers donned heavy packs and hiked northeastern Utah's high country learning the rudiments of trail maintenance, contacting visitors and developing wilderness skills...


Skill development is particularly apropos looking ahead to 2012 and the Society for Wilderness Stewardship's flagship program, the tentatively titled Wilderness Ranger Academy. Designed in conjunction with the Carhart Wilderness Training Center, the course is expected to feature online, classroom and field modules including Travel & Safety, Visitor Use Management and Resource Stewardship.

While it won't replace local unit training and orientation, the 4-6 week academy will eventually offer an accreditation/certificate which should give graduates a competitive advantage in the job market. With field sessions including map/compass/gps training, crosscut saw certification and river crossing techniques it sounds like a lot of fun too!

And so as Summer 2011 dissolves in the rear-view we're excited about offering wilderness professionals a comprehensive program of training and development sometime before 2013 nicks the horizon. Stay tuned...