WMMBA – COVID 19 Trail Work Guidelines

The use of recreational trails built and maintained by the WMMBA is at record levels and it is important to this organization that these trails be properly maintained to ensure the safety of all users. As such, we are in the process of planning trail work throughout the summer season when permitted by Federal, State, and local governing agencies.

This page outlines guidelines for Volunteers and Trail Coordinators for organizing, conducting, and participating in trail work. These guidelines are based on recommendations specified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Professional Trail Builders Associations (PTBA) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trail work is conducted outside and requires workers to be spread out at socially acceptable distances. The WMMBA feels that with the additional guidelines specified in this document, trail work can be conducted in a safe manner that follows proper guidelines for preventing the spread of Covid-19.

We encourage the public to review this document and participate in trail work days if you are comfortable with the conditions and guidelines that we recommend.

 

Volunteer Guidelines

All volunteers attending trail work days should practice good hygiene and use techniques appropriate to avoid the spread of germs. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • If you have a cough, fever or are generally not feeling well, please stay home.
  • Maintain social distancing at all times by keeping 6’ OR MORE away from others.
  • If you must cough or sneeze separate yourself from others and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Discard used tissues in the trash afterwards. If you do not have a tissue, cough, or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Face masks or non-medical grade face coverings (homemade masks, bandana masks, etc.) should be worn while in staging areas. These are not required during trail work so long as social distancing is maintained.
  • Utilize frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after touching your face, sneezing, coughing, or handling items possibly handled by others. The WMMBA will provide appropriate soap, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, etc. for all trail days.
  • Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses whenever feasible. Bring your own if you have them. The WMMBA will provide these when available.
  • Do not share equipment, including hand tools, chain saws, mechanized equipment, or work site items such as PPE, water containers, etc. Bring your own if you have it. The WMMBA will provide these when available.
  • Any tool that is shared must be disinfected prior to use. The WMMBA will handle disinfection of all equipment that is provided.

 

Coordinator Guidelines

Trail Coordinators planning or conducting trail workdays are responsible for ensuring the safety of all volunteers with respect to the spread of Covid-19. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Work groups should be limited to 10 people, including volunteers and coordinators. Multiple work groups can be utilized on a single trail day so long as they stage in different areas or at different times.
  • Volunteer sign-up software should be utilized to organize trail days. This will define the limited group sizes, multiple staging areas, and/or different staging times. The WMMBA will provide access to this software.
  • During trail days, Trail Coordinators are required to abide by the same safety measures as specified in the Volunteers Guidelines section.
  • All equipment, tools, PPE, etc. provided by the WMMBA must be properly disinfected prior to being used, as well as when returned.
  • All tables, coolers, chairs, etc. provided by the WMMBA must be wiped down with disinfectant wipes on a regular basis throughout the day.
  • Volunteers should be encouraged to bring their own water. As needed, bottled water can be provided to supplement.
  • Volunteers should be encouraged to bring their own food. Meals will not be provided for trails days at this time. As needed, pre-packaged snacks such as Clif Bars, Chips, etc. can be provided at your discretion.
  • An open trash container should be provided for “no-touch” disposal of trash.