The Cascadia Marine Trail Site Steward Program

The Cascadia Marine Trail (CMT) Site Steward Program is a long-standing volunteer effort to maintain a water trail that spans a couple thousand miles of shoreline. Site Stewards serve as the eyes and ears for WWTA on the growing Cascadia Marine Trail. Site Stewards monitor campsites with the perspective of the paddlers who use the sites and are trained to evaluate the function and features of the campsite.

Stewards visit Cascadia Marine Trail Sites at least two times a year and file reports electronically with WWTA. The reports update WWTA on the condition of facilities and trails, the presence of invasive plants, missing or damaged signage, any work the steward performed and user information.

The arrangement of work parties at sites are often a result of important information received from these reports. Stewards also serve as an information resource for WWTA, land management agencies, and the greater public and often help arrange and conduct site work parties.

Stewards may be called upon to advocate for the Cascadia Marine Trail by attending public meetings, submitting comments to government agencies, and serving as a liaison between WWTA and the public.

When visiting a site a steward may need the following: 

Ratchet set to remove lag screws (diff. sizes)
Scrapers to clean mold n scum
Cleaner and rags
Stapler for installing laminated signs
Carsonite stakes w/ decals
Stake installer (a steel ‘pounder’ for driving stake into ground.  The ‘pounder’ is about 2’ long and weighs 10-15 lbs.)
Clippers and cutters to remove blackberry and other weeds and vegetation
 
Here is another list from one of our most active stewards:
– Take an adjustable wrench and large pliers.  Most of the signs are put together with 5/8” lag screws so definitely take a 5/8” wrench also.
 
– A hammer
– A scrub pad to clean with and a scraper for build up of scum or insect casings, dirt, old packing tape, etc.
– A tool with a razor or multi tool blade held safely for scraping really nasty stuff
– Cleaning spray
– Paper towels or several cloth rags
– A small step stool is nice for taller signs or find something to stand on.
 
Driving, or paddling?
 
– We often take loppers and brush cutting tools to clear blackberry (when we drive!).
 
– For fallen signs, we use a post hole digger and a shovel with a narrow blade.  Also, a pick, and a long-handled spade.  I don’t have a long iron spike, but for rocky, hard soil this can be hit with a big hammer to loosen soil and rock to dig a post hole.
 
The usual process involves disassembling the bulletin board, cleaning it, removing decrepit old maps and CMT signs, installing laminated new maps and guidebook pages, and putting it back together.
 

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