Trail Ambassadors Guidebook

HOW DO TRAIL AMBASSADORS DO WHAT THEYDO?

Recording Hours
ReferenceLinks

You can access the GATC Work Trip Database to enter your hours from the GATC
website under Member Features > Work Trip Database
You will need to be added by the database administrator before being able toenter your hours.

Entering Hours in the GATC Work Trip Database
After each patrol you will need to enter your volunteer hours into the GATC work trip database. Thiswill help to ensure that the GATC can report on all trail ambassador activities which helps withdemonstrating the value of the program.

Actions

Screenshots

After you have accessed the work trip database, fill in the Work
Trip Entry form.


Record your hours under Project ID: Trail Ambassadors.
For multi day patrols please record between eight andten hours on the basis that you are not working fulltime.
There are extenuating circumstances that would
reasonable allow you to count more hours (for example,
if you sit up all night with someone tending to aproblem).
Conversely, if you take a two hour nap in the middle ofthe day your hours should be adjusted.

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GATC DOCUMENTSGATC DOCUMENTS
Location Resource Guide
Trail Ambassador
Location Resource Guide
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club Section
Trail ambassadors encourage and promote desired wildland ethics among Appalachian Trail visitors
by offering interpretation on the natural or cultural significance of specific high-use areas and tips onbest-practices for enjoying the Trail. High-use sites identified here within each club’s maintenancesection, has specific opportunities that leads to an enhanced connection with the land. Here are somesuggestions for trail ambassador day or overnight location work.
Location
Springer Mountain:
Many people, for many different
reasons, make the pilgrimage toSpringer Mountain annually. Manyof them have heard of the A.T. andare just coming to check it out. The
easily accessibility of Springer byroad means we often find
impressionable people longing for
more information about the Trailand hiking (a great opportunity tostress the importance of adequate
planning/prep and other LNT
etiquette).

Resource Protection & Education
Pack‐it‐in, Pack‐it‐out HumanwasteFires
Encouraging use of designatedovernight sites only

Blood Mountain:

Wildlife protection
Human wasteFires
Know‐before‐you‐go (regulations)Cultural History (CCC shelter,native peoples, etc.)
Natural History

Other high‐use sites (overnightsbest):
Hawk Mountain Shelter Gooch Gap
Addis Gap (during spring “feeding”
season)Minimize campsite and fire impacts
Pack‐it‐in, Pack‐it‐out- 44 -Notes
 Keeping a head‐count ofhikers.
 Make sure they know how tofind the register.
 Great opportunity for a “whatbugs you most?” poll attrailhead parking area toengage on values and bestpractices.
 Fantastic way to mitigate badhabits before they start andmake folks aware of important
things they should know about(Norovirus, Bear Canister
restriction, voluntary hiker
registry, etc.)
 Convey seasonal bear canister
requirement for camping
 Great opportunity to convey
values of designatedWilderness
 Identify groups (leaders)commonly utilizing this area so
we can engage them in helping
plan future hikes to mitigate
future impact.
 These sites are close to roads
and heavily visited.
 Know and share the Trail
Magic suggestions
 Great opportunities exist toengage with groups and share
local knowledge

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GATC DOCUMENTS

Setting up a SPOT Device
Reference SPOT 3 User GuideLinks
Video: SPOT Gen3: Getting Started
There is an initial setup that is required online. This setup allows you to create customized messages
and recipients to the four primary message buttons on the device. This also allows you to set up
different messages under different profiles, depending on the use.
The following is an illustration of a GATC profile set up for the four buttons:

Personal SPOT Devices
For those with their own SPOT device, enter the following in Check-in, Custom, Help/SPOT buttons
under Device Settings:
Send message to: gaatta12@gmail.com, as well as other people you want to inform.
Text: yourself (to confirm transmission)
Message to send:
OK: Your name, partner’s name, “On patrol and everything is OK.”
Custom: Your name, partner’s name, “Non-emergency problem, will be delayed”
Help/SPOT S.O.V.: Your name, partner’s name, “On patrol. I need help at my location that
does not require 911 or Search and Rescue.”
SOS: Add any relevant medical information.

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GATC DOCUMENTS

Club SPOT Devices
For those using club SPOT devices, you can include additional email addresses, such as youremergency contact, to receive your check-ins, just let the trail ambassador scheduling coordinatorknow.
 Send the e-mail addresses you want included.
 Send your wireless carrier so you can receive confirmation texts.
It is always a good idea to run a test before your patrol to insure the batteries work and there are noother problems.

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LEAVE NO TRACE DOCUMENTSLEAVE NO TRACE DOCUMENTS
The Leave No Trace Principles
Reference
Links

Leave No Trace:
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Video: 7 Principles of Leave No Trace – Memory Device

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are the bedrock of the Leave No Trace program. They provide guidance toenjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts. The principles have been
adapted so they can be applied in your backyard or your backcountry.
Note: click any of the headers below for a much deeper explanation on each principle.

Plan Ahead and PrepareKnow the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces


Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
 In popular areas: Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
 Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
 Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
 In pristine areas: Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
 Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash,leftover food and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails.
Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts ofbiodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts- 49 -Trail Ambassadors Guidebook

LEAVE NO TRACE DOCUMENTS

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy acandle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect WildlifeObserve wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them topredators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Visit our Homepage to learn more about Leave No Trace program.
Copyright: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. To reprint the Leave No Trace Seven Principles,
include copyright language and please do not alter them without review from the Leave No Trace Center forOutdoor Ethics.

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LEAVE NO TRACE DOCUMENTS

Authority of the Resource- 51 -

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ReferenceLinks

LEAVE NO TRACE DOCUMENTS

Leave No Trace:
Leave No Trace - Authority of the Resource
Video – Leave No Trace – Authority of the Resource- 55 -

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LEAVE NO TRACE DOCUMENTS

44Authority of the Resource in 3 Easy Steps. Leave No Trace, The Resource, October, 2016.

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FOREST SERVICE DOCUMENTS

FOREST SERVICE DOCUMENTS
Trail Ambassador Job Hazard Analysis- 57 -

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General Forest Orders
Reference
Links

Chattahoochee- Oconee National Forests – General Orders (Link)- 61 -

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FOREST SERVICE DOCUMENTS

Bear-resistant Container Requirements
Reference
Links

Chattahoochee – Oconee National Forests – Bear-resistant Container
Requirement (Link)- 64 -

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FOREST SERVICE DOCUMENTS

Limits of Stay
ReferenceLinks

Chattahoochee – Oconee National Forests – Appalachian Trail Limits of Stay(Link)- 66 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYAPPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYATC Strategic Plan 2015-2019- 67 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCY- 68 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYATC Policy on Advertising on the Appalachian Trail- 69 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYATC Guidance on Special Use Permits- 70 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYATC Policy on Wilderness- 71 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYATC Suggestions for Providing Trail Magic- 72 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCYATC Poster on Norovirus Prevention- 73 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCY

Appalachian Trail Ridge Runners – Job Description- 74 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCY- 75 -

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APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVENCY- 76 -

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HIKING REFERENCESHIKING REFERENCES
ReferenceLinks

Following are links to additional, helpful information on hiking the AppalachianTrail.
GATC - Hiker Digest
GATC - Hiker Digest: Backpacking techniques
Backpacker Magazine –The April 2017 issue has a great gear guidecovering 157 products including tents, packs, footwear, sleeping bags andpads, shells and other items. It also describes how to make your gear lastand information on how often people usually update theirgear. http://www.backpacker.com/gear
Bear Guidance - Pete Buak sent along a link to a great article from theMountain Crossing folks at Neel Gap about bears on the AT.
See http://wp.me/s2KU9C-bears.
Bear Canisters? – A post by one of the hikers about getting used tocarrying a bear canister.
https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/embracing-bear-canister/
The Trek – If you want to find out how thru-hikers embarking on theAppalachian Trail feel about their ups and downs including the iffy
weather, see the daily posts.
https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail
Complete list of Hostels located along the A.T.:
https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/appalachian-trail-hostelslisting/?ref=slider- 78 -

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HIKING REFERENCES

Hanging a Bear Bag – the PCT Method
Reference
Links

YouTube Videos: “Hanging a Bear Bag PCT Method”- 79 -

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HIKING REFERENCES

First Aid Checklist
The following checklist is intentionally extensive. You may elect to omit some of the items listed.
However, the checklist is still useful to ensure that you do not forget anything.
Reference
Links

REI – Expert Advice > Outdoor Basics > First-Aid Checklist

FIRST-AID BASIC CARE
 Antiseptic wipes (BZK- or alcohol-based) Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin) Compoundtincture of benzoin
 Assorted adhesive bandages (pref. fabric) Butter y bandages
 Gauze pads (various sizes)
 Nonstick sterile pads
 Medical adhesive tape (10 yds., 1"+ width) Blister treatment
 Ibuprofen/other pain-relief medication Insect-sting relief treatment Antihistamine to treat
allergic reactions
 Splinter ( ne-point) tweezers
 Safety pins
 First-aid manual or information cards

WRAPS, SPLINTS AND WOUND COVERINGS Elastic wrap
 Triangular cravat bandage Finger splint(s) SAM splint(s) Rolled gauze

MEDICATIONS/TREATMENTS Hand sanitizer (BKZ- or alcohol-based) Aloe Vera gel (sun exposure relief) Aspirin (for responseto a heart attack) Antacid tablets
 Throat lozenges Lubricating eye drops

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES Knife (or multi-tool with knife) Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors) Razor blade or #15- or #12blade scalpel Cotton-tipped swabs
 Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages Hydrogel-based pads First-aid cleanse pads with anesthetic
Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze Liquid bandage
 Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea) Poison ivy/poison oak treatment Insect sting relief treatment
Glucose/sugar to treat hypoglycemia Oral rehydration salts
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 Standard oral thermometer Low-reading (hypothermia) thermometer Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter Magnifyingglass Oval eye pads
 Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics) Injectable epinephrine for allergic reactions
 Small mirror
 Medical gloves (pref. nitrile; avoid latex) CPR mask Sewing needle with heavy-duty thread Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter Duct tape (small roll) Small notepad & waterproof pencil or pen Medical waste bag (plus box for sharps)

PERSONAL CARE, OTHER ITEMS Sunscreen Lip balm
 Insect repellent (plus headnet, if needed) Waterproof container for all med supplies Emergency heat-retaining blanket Headlamp(preferred) or flashlight.
 Collapsible water sink or basin Water-treatment chemicals Biodegradable soap
 Personal locator (SPOT device)- 81 -