Big Cypress National Preserve Backcountry Volunteer Program

1. Big Cypress National Preserve Backcountry Volunteer Program Aneducated Off-Road-Vehicle user is a responsible ORV user. Jill Wilson and Isobel Kalafarski, March 2009 ORV Advisory Committee Meeting

2. Goals of the Backcountry Volunteer Program • Increase visitor safety • Increase compliance with regulations • Including TREAD Lightly! • Increase agency (National Park Service) visibility • Additional Backcountry staff is available for assistance in day to day operations and in emergencies

3. What is a Backcountry Volunteer? • Works in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) • Are responsible Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Operators • Are stewards of the resource • Provide education and educational materials • Assists with trail maintenance • Aids in minor emergencies

4. Why We Need a Backcountry Volunteer Program? • Primarily due to an increase in ORV use • 1,500 ATVs/ORVs are sold per day in the United States! • Each year up to 2,000 ORVs permits are sold in Big Cypress National Preserve • There is limited ORV access to other public lands in FL • Educated Volunteers help to protect the resource • They teach other individuals that if they want access, they need to protect the areas they are permitted to access • Volunteers provide education • About ORV regulations, hunting regulations, and trail orientation • About safety • About natural history

5. What are the Benefits of Becoming a Backcountry Volunteer? • Opportunity to meet other ORV enthusiasts • Protecting ORV opportunities by promoting responsible riding • Taking pride in public lands by educating others and providing assistance to ORV users and the NPS staff

6. Backcountry Volunteer – Who is Right for the Job? • Good communicator • Safety conscious • Professional demeanor • Even-tempered • Education oriented

7. Program Building Blocks - • Training • ORV training • First Aid and Emergency Training • Natural History training • Quarterly Backcountry Volunteer meetings • Teamwork Activities with NPS staff and other Backcountry Volunteers • Easily identifiable to ORV riders as Backcountry Volunteers by wearing a designated uniform

8. Training / Skill Requirements • Big Cypress ORV Course • ASI Riders Course • Tread Lightly Training • First Aid and CPR Training • Radio and GPS Training • Data Collection Training • Successful and Safe Visitor Contacts Training • Small Equipment Repair Skills

9. ORV Safety Equipment Needed ATVs: • Approved helmet • Protective eyewear • Gloves • Long pants • Long sleeved shirt/Volunteer Uniform • Boots • Other: • First aid kit • Portable radio • GPS - Global Positioning System • PLB - Personnel Locator Beacon • Cell phone

10. Next Steps • Finalize Backcountry Volunteer Handbook and Training Course • Finalize Position Description for Volunteer Work • Begin Recruitment of Volunteers • Designate Equipment needs and look for Funding for Program Needs • Conduct First Training Sessions

11. Ultimate Goal for Backcountry Volunteer Program • To recruit a corps of 10 – 15 local volunteers, to work as pairs on a regular, continuing basis. • To find one or two volunteers to assist the NPS as “leads” for the program. • To have a well trained corps of volunteers to: • Assist visitors in the backcountry • Help with maintenance, resource and emergency needs as they arise • Protect ORV opportunities by promoting responsible riding • Educate others about the Preserve and the NPS

12. Aneducated Off-Road-Vehicle user is a responsible ORV user.