Safety – Garmin InReach Mini 3

02. December 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, Safety

Outdoor communication keeps getting smarter, smaller, and, like all thing, more expensive. Garmin’s new inReach Mini 3 Plus ($499) adds a touchscreen, voice messaging, and photo sharing to a device that once prided itself on being almost stubbornly simple.

The new version jumps from a tiny grayscale screen and a handful of buttons to something closer to a stripped-down phone. It sends voice messages, supports photo viewing, allows photo sharing when paired with the Messenger app, and uses a touchscreen for faster navigation. It’s a sharp turn for a device best known for blunt practicality.

The core inReach pieces are still here. Two-way messaging, SOS support, and LiveTrack all remain, now delivered through a color screen with built-in audio tools. Battery life stretches up to 330 hours in 10-minute tracking mode, which should get most people through long trips without rationing power. READ FULL STORY

READ FULL STORY

Education – Wound Care Summary

02. December 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, Safety

Wound Care PG

(PDF)

Education – Practice Guidelines for Hypothermia

02. December 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, Safety

The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel of clinicians and researchers to appraise and update the WMS clinical practice guidelines for out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia. The panel readdressed previously posed questions and considered additional questions not previously considered. All articles were considered, but those published between 2013 and 2019 were the focus of the review. The 2019 guidelines are the product of this effort. The guidelines focus on pre-hospital treatment, although hospital capabilities are discussed and considered for transport and triage recommendations.

Accidental hypothermia is the unintentional drop in core temperature to 35°C (95°F) or lower, and is a result of net heat loss from the body. For the purposes of out-of-hospital assessment, classification of hypothermia is based upon the clinical presentation of the patient. Core temperature is addressed, but this is frequently impossible to reliably, or safely, obtain in the field. The key considerations for classification and treatment are level of consciousness, alertness, intensity of shivering, physical capacity, and cardiovascular stability. The “Cold Card,” presented in the guidelines, provides a succinct summary and is easy to carry into the field.

The cold stressed patient [core temperature >35°C (95°F)], is not hypothermic. They have a normal mental status, coordination, are alert, and will be shivering to produce heat. The mildly hypothermic patient [core temperature 35-32°C (95-89.6°F)] will demonstrate impaired movement, often manifesting as poor coordination. They may be mildly tachycardic, but blood pressure will be normal. Moderate hypothermia [core temperature 32-28°C (89.6°-82.4°F)] is remarkable for worsening coordination, changing mental status, and decreased alertness. Shivering may still be present in patients with moderate hypothermia. Careful handling is imperative for these patients. Patients with severe/profound hypothermia [core temperature <28C° (82.4°F)] demonstrate a marked decrease in their level of consciousness, to the point of coma, will no longer be shivering, and demonstrate cardiac instability. These patients must be handled very carefully to prevent ventricular arrhythmias. If no pulse is present after a one-minute check, compressions should be started.

Treatment is progressive, depending on the state of hypothermia. Field rewarming begins with the prevention of further heat loss by protecting the patient from the environment – including the safe removal of wet clothing, and initiation of rewarming. Rescuers must be aware of the possibility of afterdrop and circumrescue collapse, both of which can be triggered by moving a patient from the horizontal position. After protection from the environment, methods of active field rewarming employ a combination of an insulative layer, a vapor barrier to prevent evaporative heat loss, and an external heat source. Examples of the heat source include chemical heat packs, forced air, and hot water bottles. Heat should be applied to the axilla and chest and care taken to monitor for burns. It is not recommended that small chemical heat packs (hand warmers) be used for core rewarming as they do not provide sufficient heat to affect core temperature. Immersion in warm water or a warm shower is not recommended for patients with hypothermia as it may lead to shock due to peripheral vasodilation.

Resuscitation of hypothermic patients differs from normothermic patients in that compressions are NOT started if there is any palpable pulse – regardless of rate. Rescuers should palpate for a pulse for at least one minute and only start compressions if no pulse is present. If a monitor is available, the rhythm should be assessed. A nonperfusing rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, is an indication to begin compressions. Organized electrical activity without a pulse (PEA) should be assessed with ETCO2 (end-tidal carbon dioxide) monitoring. If ETCO2 indicates there is perfusion, do no initiate compressions. Resuscitation is not initiated in patients with fixed, dilated pupils, obvious fatal injuries, and rigor mortis. Lividity is an unpredictable indicator in hypothermic patients so is not to be used as a sign of death.

Accidental hypothermia in the wilderness environment rarely occurs with readily available transport. In those needing active resuscitation, transporting is a challenge, however, and may be unsafe for rescuers. Compressions may be interrupted for up to 5 minutes while moving the patient. Compressions should resume for at least 5 minutes before the next interruption.

Once advanced field interventions are available, IV access should be attempted, and warm fluid resuscitation initiated. An AED or defibrillator may be employed for a shockable rhythm. If the body temperature is below 30°C (85°F), only one attempt should be made. Further attempts are indicated once the temperature is greater than 30°C. Medications for resuscitation should not be administered until the core temperature is above 30°C, and then intervals for administration should be doubled. If airway protection is indicated, it should be initiated when available. Ventilation rate should be guided by ETCO2, and if not available, care must be taken to not hyperventilate the patient.

Patients with moderate and severe hypothermia are to be transported to a hospital capable of caring for them. Patients with cold stress and mild symptoms need not be transported if they have been successfully treated in the field. Patients with hemodynamic instability, and especially those requiring compressions, should be transported to a facility capable of extracorporeal cardiac life support (ECLS), preferably extracorporeal membrane oxygenation although cardiopulmonary bypass is an option. Rescuers should use good judgement and not bypass a facility if transport times are lengthy. The transport vehicle should be heated to 28°C (82.4°F), however, may be quite uncomfortable for attendants and pilots.

The ultimate outcome for the hypothermic patient is dependent on prompt recognition and classification of symptoms, protection from further heat loss, initiation of active rewarming, gentle handling during rescue, and appropriate resuscitation. In cases of severe and hemodynamically unstable hypothermia, transport to an ECLS capable facility will further improve the patient’s chances for survival.

Education – Tourniquet Lessons Learned from Ukraine and Israel

01. December 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, Safety

Introduction

Prior to 2001, tourniquets (TQ) were inferiorly made, lacked evidence and effective training, and their use was discouraged. However, with effective modern TQ science, development, and TQ inclusion into the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines, TQs became universally accepted by 2006 in the military as the primary option for extremity arterial bleeding. Eventually TQ use transitioned with success to civilian Emergency Medical Service/Fire Department personnel, Law Enforcement personnel, and first responders. Yet, there still is a need to overcome TQ myths (Table 1). Additionally, history reveals from WWII to present that mistakes will occur when applying a TQ (Table 2). For instance, many TQs have been applied to injured extremities without life-threatening bleeding in both military and civilian casualties. Many of these applied TQs were inappropriate since many were placed without visualizing the wound when not in a direct threat environment. In addition, when TQs are applied for over 2 hours, there will be progressive damage that may result in muscle necrosis, need for fasciotomy, renal failure, amputation, and death. This suggests a greater need for TQ education and training.

As an outcome from recent TQ lessons learned in the Ukraine and Israel wars, an article by Colonel John Holcomb, MD and colleagues was recently published in the Journal of Trauma, December 2023. They describe a renewed attention and education about how to avoid prolonged TQ application as recommended in the TCCC guidelines (See Massive Hemorrhage and Circulation sections – Table 3). It is our intent to provide the wilderness medical provider information about: 1) TQ replacement and TQ conversion (ideally performed no later than 2 hours after being applied); and 2) ensure the reader has up-to-date CoTCCC resources with the current TQ replacement/TQ conversion education and training.

Education – PBS – Outdoor Idaho “Doing good in the outdoors”

29. November 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, Public Lands

LINK TO VIDEO

Preview of “Doing Good in the Great Outdoors”

Preview: Season 43 Episode 1 | 30s

We meet trail crews, naturalists, hunters, parks volunteers and even some budding high school biologists who give of their time and their talents to make the Idaho outdoors a better place, and model America’s spirit of volunteerism and citizenship in doing so.

12/04/2025 | Rating TV-G

Idaho State Department of Agriculture urges pause on horse events after out-of-state EHV-1 outbreak

21. November 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Current Events, Education

Idaho State Department of Agriculture urges pause on horse events after out-of-state EHV-1 outbreak

Idaho State Department of Agriculture officials are urging horse owners and event organizers to hit pause on upcoming equine events and avoid transporting horses for now, after multiple cases of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) were confirmed in horses that attended recent competitions in Texas and Oklahoma.

There are no confirmed EHV-1 cases in Idaho at this time, according to the ISDA. But because the virus can spread easily and can be deadly, the Idaho State Veterinarian is strongly recommending a temporary halt to hauling horses.

EHV-1 affects horses’ respiratory and neurological systems. It spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact, shared airspace, contaminated clothing, and other surfaces. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, or neurological symptoms such as stumbling, incoordination, loss of tail tone, and hind-limb weakness.

EHV-1 cases have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Idaho horse owners who attended or were near those competitions are asked to contact the Idaho State Veterinarian. Exposed horses should quarantine for 21 days and be monitored for symptoms. This virus is not transmissible to humans.

More guidance is available here.

Trail Stewardship – ID Guide

20. November 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

READ ONLINE

Nearly two-thirds of Idaho land is public, which means that outdoor recreation is not just a huge economic driver, but, for a majority of Idahoans, it’s a way of life. Our public lands are managed by entities including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Fish and Game, and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. And behind the scenes, there are even more organizations working to keep these large acreages of land accessible to all of us. Here are just a few:

The Idaho Trails Association (ITA) was founded in 2010 and predominantly works on backcountry trails throughout Idaho. However, they’ve also recently expanded into the “front-country” of the Boise foothills and trails adjacent to cities including Pocatello, Sandpoint, and Coeur d’Alene.

In 2025, the ITA had over 800 volunteers with 15,000 hours of volunteer time on over 350 miles of trails. Volunteers don’t need to have prior experience — they receive training before starting projects. Projects range from easy to arduous and range in length from one day to over a week. Traditional tools including crosscut saws, axes, and Pulaskis are used for trail maintenance.

ITA partners with other trail groups to build capacity and work together to get more continuous miles of trail done, Executive Director Melanie Vining said. These include the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, Great Burn Conservation Alliance, Ridge to Rivers, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation (SBFC).

The SBFC was founded in 2006 by concerned citizens with help from the USFS to add capacity for on the ground stewardship in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. They added the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness to their work around 2012. Both wildernesses are managed by the USFS.

“Having a partner stewardship organization is critical for public lands management agencies, particularly when working in remote/large landscapes like the Selway and the Frank,” said Executive Director Ryan Ghelfi. With recent federal funding cuts, work from these partner organizations has become even more crucial. SBFC has continued to raise private funds to help augment the USFS capacity to get trail work and other stewardship projects done. They were even able to hire River Rangers and Checkers for the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers.

The SBFC has engaged with approximately 200 volunteers this year, both adults and kids, who focused on trail maintenance which included removing downed logs, cutting back brush on trails, and rebuilding tread that had been washed away from time or extreme storms.

The Sawtooth Society was founded in 1997 by a group of landowners, politicians, and recreationalists to assist in preserving the scenic and historical values of the 756,000 acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).

They work with, but independent from, the USFS to assist in maintaining the 900 miles of trails, provide funding for improvement projects, and serve as a liaison for local, regional, and national collaboratives.

In a typical year, they facilitate around 700 hours of volunteer work alongside their paid staff. Volunteers complete a variety of tasks — from stuffing envelopes to bucking trees in the backcountry. With federal funding cuts, the SNRA had its staff dramatically reduced from 34 full-time, non-fire staff to just nine.

The Sawtooth Society was perfectly positioned to help in this situation with its own trail crew infrastructure. They additionally raised $80,000 from supporters to double their trail crew capacity and provide visitor services at the SNRA Headquarters.

“We were able to hire the crew the USFS would have hired, maintaining collective decades of SNRA trail knowledge that would have been lost otherwise. Most importantly, this ensured that trails that are used the most would be open and accessible for the many types of recreation that takes place in the SNRA,” Director of Operations Michael Hoover said.

The Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA) is based in the McCall area. With only two paid employees, the rest of the work is done by volunteers. CIMBA has helped to maintain mountain bike trails at places such as Ponderosa State Park, Brundage Mountain Resort, USFS land, and Jug Mountain Ranch. In the past, they have also partnered with the Central Idaho Trail Riders Alliance on projects. If you like to recreate — whether it’s motorcycles, mountain biking, hiking, or trail running, Trail Coordinator Jared Alexander stressed the importance of getting involved with your local volunteer groups.

Alexander also praised all of the people, or “trail fairies,” that aren’t even out with an organization who help clear trails on their own free time. All of us can be stewards of our public lands.

Education – NOLS Wilderness First Aid – Idaho

17. November 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, Safety

LINK TO WEB SITE

LINK TO PAGE

wfa-schedule-january-2025
2021_wm_student_agreement_rev_jan_2022

BCHI – March State Board Meeting & Convention

15. November 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Education, Public Meetings

2026-BCH-Convention

Education: BCHC Education Pages

11. November 2025 · Write a comment · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Education

LINK TO EDUCATION PAGE

LINK TO SAW PROGRAM PAGE

The BCHC saw program was the framework that the BCHI saw program was built. They were a great help in getting our program started.

Education: Fall 2025 Idaho Wildlife Federation

31. October 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Education

Idaho Roadless Rule (PDF)

Idaho’s Large Tracts Program

Oct 24

Written By Kyle Maki

For many Idaho hunters, some of the best days in the field happen on private timber ground – chasing elk through foggy draws or hiking into a quiet clear-cut for deer at first light. Part of what makes that possible is the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Large Tracts Program.

This program is a partnership between Fish and Game and private timber companies that keeps large sections of private forestland open for public use. These are working timberlands – owned and managed for logging – but thanks to these agreements, hunters, anglers, and other recreationists can still enjoy access without needing special permission or paying a trespass fee. In return for allowing access, IDFG compensates enrolled landowners (at a much lower rate than they could get by leasing it exclusively to individuals) and conservation officers are able to enforce regulations and restrictions such as game laws and motor vehicle violations.

Most of these enrolled lands are found in north and north-central Idaho, home to some great whitetail, elk, bear, and turkey habitat. The rules are pretty straightforward, but every year, a few bad choices – driving around a gate, cutting firewood without permission, ignoring closures – risk leaving a negative impression of hunters on the landscape. These lands are private, and access is never guaranteed – especially if abuse or damage becomes a significant enough problem.

Following these rules is more important than ever in times of change. Since May of 2019, PotlatchDeltic – the largest landowner enrolled in the Large Tracts Program – has allowed public access to 567,002 acres of their land. But just recently a merger has been announced between Potlatch and the Florida based company Rayonier to become the second-largest publicly traded wood commodities company in North America.

While there are many questions that are waiting to be answered, including the new name of the merged companies, one thing is for certain – we want the Large Tracts Programs looked at in a positive light to ensure these properties are able to be accessed by all, not leased to individuals or through paid permit system like much of the private timber ground in western Oregon and Washington.

Programs like this only work when we hold up our end of the deal. Respecting restrictions, packing out what we pack in, and reporting violations when we see them are small actions that make a big difference. They show landowners that Idaho hunters value the opportunity they provide.

The Large Tracts Program is proof that access and private property rights can coexist – when there’s trust and cooperation. So this season, as you head into your favorite patch of timber, remember: these lands aren’t ours, but the privilege to use them is. Let’s do our part to keep them open for Idaho hunters.

Heads up, deer hunters – EHD is affecting parts of the Clearwater. region Get the latest details and heat map from Idaho Fish and Game. LINK TO MORE INFORMATION

American Heart Association releases new Fall 2025 recommendations

27. October 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

WATCH VIDEO

Education – Defensive Horsemanship

22. October 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

ONLINE (HTML) DOWNLOAD (PDF)

USFS Defensive Horsemanship Manual (pdf) / BCHA Mountain Manners (pdf)

Education – Attaching a Rifle Scabbard, Bow Scabbard or Camp Tool Scabbard to your Saddle

11. October 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Rifle Scabbards

I personally hang my rifle scabbard on the off-side of the horse. I attach it with the rifle butt toward the front at about horn height, and angle the rifle barrel slightly toward the back.

Here’s why:

The barrel of the rifle extends under my stirrup leather and I never know it’s there. This keeps the weight on the front quarters of the horse where he can carry it best. On the off chance I should spot game while in the saddle, I can pull my rifle out before I dismount. Hanging the shotgun scabbard or rifle scabbard on the off-side can help offset your weight when mounting.

One additional note, if you use an open ended leather or nylon rifle scabbard and hang it with the butt toward the rear, your rifle could end up missing. I have heard many stories where folks have found their rifle way back on the trail because they never knew it had been snagged on a branch and yanked out of the gun scabbard.

Pack Saws and Camp Axes

When I attach my pack saw and its scabbard or my camp axe in its sheath. I prefer to attach my saw scabbard with the saw handle tied to the front strings and the blade coming just under my leg. I usually pack my camp axe on my pack mule to the outside of a mantied load, but you can certainly attach it to your saddle if you prefer an axe. An axe sheath is designed with rings to tie your saddle strings to. This hangs the axe at an angle where it is easy to secure the handle out of your way.

Bow Scabbards

When hanging a Bow Scabbard, I secure it to the rear of the saddle behind the cantle and angle it slightly forward so that my bow is facing toward the rear with the quiver to the outside. I prefer this attachment method because with the bow scabbard pointed toward the rear, my horse is free to turn tightly to the right without being hindered by the bow. And once again, the weight of the bow and bow scabbard are on the opposite side from me when I mount the horse, helping to offset my weight as I mount.

Pack Saws & Axes

How do I hang a pack saw on my saddle?
One sure way to secure a saw to your riding saddle is to tie the pack saw handle with the rear saddle strings and then secure the blade under your leg. However, the pack saw scabbard has a versatile design that would allow you many options. Whichever way you choose, remember to offset the added weight of your saw by loading your horse saddlebags or horn bags heavier on the opposing side.

Why do I need to carry a pack saw or a camp axe with me on the trail?
The obvious answer here is for windfall blocking the trail. It is not always possible to go around a windfall, nor would you necessarily want to get into that habit; the new trail you would create only adds to the erosion of a potentially fragile area. It is better instead to simply clear the trail. Read the article “Pack Saws and Camp Axes” for a full explanation of why it is so important to carry a pack saw when you are out on the trail.

Education – NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide

09. October 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

(PDF) pms461

Education – Packing Check List

30. September 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Horse Camping, Tips, Tricks and Tid Bits

Education – Using a USFS channeled radio

24. September 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

Watch Video

2023 Radio User Training Short // 2025 Idaho R4 USFS Radio Channels

Printable NIRSC Basic Wildland Fire Radio Training

Radio Procedures and Etiquette 2020

Education – S-112 Introduction to Chainsaw Operations (Blended-Online Component) 2025

20. August 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

LINK TO ONLINE PART OF COURSE

Education – Sawyer – Rigging for Trail Work Guide

20. August 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

LINK TO PDF

Education – Dana Bailey – Newest USFS Volunteer Sawyer Instructor

18. August 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Education

Dana and Karen Bailey are members of the Heartland Chapter of BCHI.
Dana has been assisting with sawyer training for the last 3 year as a sawyer coach.

New R4 Regional Crosscut Coordinator-Giovanni Lopez

18. August 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Education, Public Lands

Please welcome Giovanni Lopez from the Dixie National Forest as our new USFS R4 Crosscut Coordinator. Gio has a strong wilderness background working with both the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) and the US Forest Service. His previous work history with the MCC had him stationed on the Flathead National Forest working within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. After MCC, Gio has worked in a variety of locations with the USFS such as the Swan Lake Ranger District on the Flathead NF, the Lolo NF, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie in R-6, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, and now in his current position on the Dixie National Forest in southern Utah.

Gio has a passion for wilderness skills and developing the skillsets of others as a crosscut instructor and C-Sawyer Evaluator. He is excited for the opportunity to continue building the Regional Crosscut program and working with our Forest Service sawyers and partners in the use of primitive skills/tools.

Gio will be replacing Patrick Brown from the Payette National Forest. Huge “Thank You” to Patrick as he was in this role for approximately 15 years. Patrick will still stay involved in the saw program when he is able, and we sure appreciate his dedication and passion building this program.

If you want to reach out to Giovanni, his email is Giovanni.lopez@usda.gov. Thank you Gio for taking on this collateral role within the R4 Saw Program!

Education Sawyer – Tree Strike in Central Idaho

06. August 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

READ FULL REPORT

Education – Sawyer Safety Helmets to consider

03. August 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Link to hats on Amazon

Education – Chainsaw Chaps

11. June 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

Education: two chainsaw near misses

10. June 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

#2 Accident/Incident Narrative (Broken Foot):

Date/Time of Near Miss
05/31/2025 3:30 PM
Location (trail number and description of scene)
3382, Chimney Peak trail southeast of Middle Santiam Wilderness
Weather: Warm, sunny

Trail work activity (relating to incident)
Logging with power saws
Description of Near Miss
Sawyer was standing on a large log cutting a 40″ log that was on top of the log the sawyer was standing on. The objective was to cut the upper log so that it dropped to the ground and make a less complex cut at the trail. The sawyer made an offside cut on the downhill side of the log, moved to the uphill onside and started the onside cut. The sawyer stopped cutting while another person assisted with starting a wedge into the offside then moved to a safe area. The sawyer continued the onside cut for a short time and was getting ready to place a wedge in the kerf in the top of the log. The onside cut was started but did not get very far when the log split out, driving the uncut portion toward the sawyer and down. The chainsaw was thrown to the ground away from the sawyer. The uncut portion of the log hit the sawyer’s left foot on the way down. The log’s fibers were compromised by rot more so at the current cut than at the previous cut only a few feet further up the log. The sawyer was able to hike back to the trailhead.
Lessons learned; Recommendations to avoid similar event in the future:
Rotting fiber in a log can change within a few feet. Don’t expect that the holding wood will be the same a short distance away from a previous cut. Stand as far away as possible when doing the onside cut.

Education – How to sign-up for an event /&/ miles & hours

09. June 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

PDF – SigningUpEvent2025

Education: A Week at Powell Ranger Station

03. June 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

https://wildernessskillsinstitute.org/nrwsi/

Bryce Shull

Wilderness Ranger Fellow

Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute, 5/19-5/23/2025

The season finally feels like it’s begun. After a week of indoor training in Missoula, my fellow SBFC Fellows and I were eager to get into the field and attend the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute (NRWSI) at Powell Ranger Station in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Nestled beside the beautiful Lochsa River and bordering the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Powell is a perfect setting to kick off a season of stewardship.

Going into the NRWSI, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know how big Powell would be, how many people would be there, or what exactly our classes would cover.

We left Missoula early Monday morning, making a quick stop at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center before arriving at Powell. My first impression was surprise— Powell was much larger than I anticipated. The station included bunkhouses, a gym, a barn, storage facilities, and more. Even more striking was the scenery: the Lochsa River flowed right next to the station, and the surrounding mountains made it feel like we were tucked into a hidden gem. But what stood out the most was the deep sense of community. Returning participants greeted each other like old friends, former coworkers reunited, and complete strangers bonded over their shared passion for wilderness stewardship.

On Tuesday, training began in earnest. All of the SBFC Fellows were enrolled in the Trail Maintenance Foundational Skills course. We loaded tools and gear into the rigs and headed to a nearby trail, where seasoned trail workers from across the country shared their knowledge and experience. We got our hands on crosscut saws, axes, Pulaskis, McLeods, and picks. For some fellows, this was their first time using these tools. Regardless of our experience levels, we all shared a common excitement for the week ahead and for the season as a whole.

Our second class focused specifically on crosscut saws. We learned how to properly care for, maintain, and use them in the field. We bucked logs, felled trees both large and small, and gained confidence using crosscuts and axes through hands-on practice. READ MORE

Finding Human Connection in the Largest Wilderness Area in the Lower 48

Raegan Dick | Wilderness Ranger Fellow

Norton Ridge/Marble Creek Trail, Salmon-Challis Forest

05/26-05/31/2025

On the third day of this hitch, I was nervous. The day before, we had made it 2.5 miles up Norton Ridge— a daunting 5.5-mile trail that gains nearly 4,000 feet of elevation to an abandoned fire lookout deep within the Salmon-Challis Forest. It was a tough trail, and I knew it would only get harder the higher we climbed.

As we climbed Norton Ridge that morning, we ran into a woman named Kristin and her two dogs. She lives on a ranch inholding within the wilderness— one we had admired from across the Salmon River earlier in the day. We chatted briefly about our respective work before continuing up the trail.

By the end of the workday, around 3.5 to 4 miles in, our crew decided to push to the summit and see the fire lookout. The temperature had climbed to 85 degrees, and most of us were nearly out of water, but the opportunity to explore the fire lookout was within reach, so we went for it.

It turned out to be one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done. Even after four weeks out west, I’m still adjusting to the elevation— the 7,500-foot difference from my home in Michigan hit me hard. The heat, lack of water, and general fatigue from a full day of trail work compounded the challenge, but quitting wasn’t an option.

The fire lookout came into view as we reached the summit, and I knew it was all worth it. Now eye-level with the snow-capped peaks, it felt like you could see for miles and miles in any direction you looked, almost like being on another planet.

As we began our 6.5-mile hike back to base camp, I was preoccupied with how relieving it would be to finally collect and filter water from the river once we were back. All of a sudden, I slipped down the toe of the trail and twisted my ankle. The pain was sharp, but I knew that the only choice was to continue forward, one foot in front of the other. READ MORE

Education – SW Idaho Trail Volunteer Lowman Field Day

24. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

SEE ALL THE PICTURES FROM THIS FIELD DAY

Education – OHLEC during felling

24. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

WATCH VIDEO

Education – BCHA Colorado Saw Training

24. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

WATCH VIDEO

Education – USFS Guide to Low Impact Stock Use

24. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

LINK TO USFS WEB PAGE

DTS Stanley Wrap-up

24. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

SEE ALL THE PICTURE FROM THE 2025 WORKSHOP

Information about the 2026 Workshop

Education – Sawyer – Tree Strike

09. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

Dry Creek Sawyer Hit by Tree RLS (PDF)

LINK

Education – Wilderness Basics – Suggested by Lisa Echevarria

05. May 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Exploring the wilderness can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also comes with inherent risks. Accidents can happen at any time, and being in a remote location often means that medical help is not immediately available. Knowing basic first aid procedures is essential for preventing minor injuries from becoming serious and for responding effectively to emergencies. Whether you need to treat cuts and burns, stabilize fractures, or manage environmental hazards like dehydration or hypothermia, preparedness can make all the difference. By understanding fundamental first aid techniques and taking proactive safety measures, outdoor enthusiasts can minimize risks and ensure a safer, more enjoyable adventure.

Wilderness Survival Basics

Surviving in the wilderness requires preparation, awareness, and adaptability. Injuries, harsh weather, and a lack of resources can quickly turn a simple outing into a dangerous situation. Knowing how to respond to medical emergencies, build shelter, find water, and start a fire can mean the difference between life and death. First aid skills can help manage injuries like cuts, burns, and fractures until professional medical help is available. Understanding basic survival techniques and carrying essential supplies can prevent minor setbacks from escalating into life-threatening situations.

How to Find and Purify Water

Water is the most critical resource for survival, but drinking untreated water from natural sources can lead to severe illness from bacteria, parasites, or chemicals. Dehydration can quickly cause fatigue, confusion, and even organ failure. To ensure safe hydration, collect water from clear, flowing sources and purify it by boiling it, filtering it, or using purification tablets. If no natural water sources are available, use techniques such as collecting rainwater or making solar stills. Staying hydrated and consuming clean water is essential for maintaining strength and preventing medical complications in the wild.

The Importance of Building a Shelter

Exposure to extreme temperatures, rain, or wind can cause hypothermia or heatstroke, making shelter a top survival priority. A well-constructed shelter provides protection from the elements, conserves body heat, and reduces the risk of weather-related illnesses. If you’re stranded, look for natural formations like caves or dense tree cover for quick shelter. Use materials like branches, leaves, or tarps to build a sturdy structure. Insulation is key, and adding layers of foliage or dry material can help regulate your body temperature once you’re inside. Knowing how to construct an emergency shelter can keep you safe until rescue or better conditions arise.

Building a Fire

Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, purifying water, and signaling for help, but improper fire management can lead to serious burns or uncontrolled wildfires. In survival situations, having the ability to start a fire without matches or lighters is crucial. Use dry tinder, kindling, and larger logs to build a sustainable fire, and always keep it contained in a fire pit or surrounded by rocks to prevent it from spreading. If someone suffers a burn, cool the area with clean water (if available) and keep it covered to prevent infection.

How to Make a Stretcher

A well-constructed stretcher can be a lifesaver when seeking medical assistance in the wild. Transporting an injured person in the wilderness can be challenging, but knowing how to make a makeshift stretcher can prevent further injury and help move them to safety. Using sturdy materials such as branches, rope, or a tarp, a stretcher can provide stability for someone with a broken bone, sprain, or serious wound. If materials aren’t available, a fireman’s carry or two-person assist can help move the injured individual. When handling a person with a potential spinal injury, keep them as still as possible and avoid sudden movements.

Fractures

A broken bone in the wilderness can be debilitating and, if not stabilized, can worsen with movement. Fractures require immediate attention to prevent further damage, internal bleeding, or infection. Immobilize the injured limb using a splint made from sticks, cloth, or a backpack frame, and avoid putting weight on the injury. If a bone is protruding through the skin, cover it with a clean dressing to reduce the infection risk.

Bug and Animal Bites

Bug and animal bites can range from irritating to life-threatening, depending on the species and severity of the bite. Insect bites may cause allergic reactions or transmit diseases like Lyme disease or malaria, while animal bites can lead to infections or rabies exposure. If bitten, clean the wound immediately with water and soap, apply an antiseptic, and bandage it to prevent infection. If the bite is from a venomous snake or spider, keep the affected limb immobilized, stay calm, and seek emergency medical care. Avoid provoking wildlife, and use insect repellent, long clothing, and proper food storage to reduce the risk of bites.

How to Build a Kit for Emergencies

A well-prepared first aid kit is a survival essential for any outdoor adventure. If someone is hurt, having the right supplies can help you manage wounds, stabilize injuries, and prevent infections until help arrives. Essential items include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, medical tape, tweezers, a tourniquet, water purification tablets, and a whistle for signaling for help. Personalize your kit based on the environment, length of trip, and medical conditions of the group. Regularly check and replace expired items to ensure preparedness.

Checklist for Making an Emergency Kit

Emergency Trauma Kit, with CAT GEN-7 Multi-Purpose Everyday Carry

12. April 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Education

We recommend these Trauma Kit to sawyers taking the “Developing the Thinking Sawyer” certification classes. They are to be worn on the sawyers body and not stashed in their truck, because if you need them it seconds that make the difference. They are also great for horsemen attached to their saddles.

Amazon have Trauma kits available, a couple of the ones we recommend are:

Trauma kit BCH Convention (PDF)

Public Clinic – BCHI Brand Inspection & Vaccine

04. April 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Education

2025 Brand & Vaccines Clinic (PDF)

Public Lands – Whitebark Pine

24. March 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education, Public Lands

The Whitebark Pine survives harsh weather conditions and can live over 1,000 years and grow over 90 feet tall. The oldest is over 1,200 years old and is living in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest.

“The Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a marvelous tree – what ecologists call a keystone, or foundation, species,” the Bureau of Land Management notes on its website. “Its roots stabilize rocky soils at the snowy, windswept 6,000- to 12,000-foot elevations where it grows, and its large, high-protein seeds feed several bird and mammal species – nuthatches, squirrels, black bears, grizzly bears, and red foxes.”

In addition to feeding several birds and mammals, the tree provides shelter and nest sites for many animals including deer and elk. It is also key to helping with Idaho’s water supply.

“Tolerant of the harshest conditions, whitebark pine grows at the highest treeline elevations; its canopies shade snowpack and protract snowmelt, thus regulating downstream flows; its roots stabilize soil, which reduces erosion, particularly on steep, rocky slopes,” the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation notes. “Thus, whitebark pine protects watersheds, which is important for both agricultural and drinking water.”

Another interesting fact about the Whitebark Pine is that it relies solely on the bird – the Clark’s nutcracker – to reproduce.

“Carrying the seeds in a pouch under its tongue, the bird buries them in shallow soil caches, sometimes up to 10 km away,” the National Park Service notes on its website. “Nutcrackers are known to cache up to 90,000+ seeds in a good seed crop year!”

These trees are very slow-growing. For example, once the seeds start to sprout, it can take the whitebark pine 25 to 30 years to begin producing cones. At 60 to 80 years, the tree’s peak cone production begins.

While the Whitebark Pine is crucial to Idaho’s ecosystem, its survival has been threatened by several different factors.

“Today, their survival as a species is jeopardized by mountain pine beetle outbreaks, altered fire regimes, climate change, and a fungal infection called white pine blister rust,” BLM notes.

In 2022, the Whitebark Pine was officially listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. To learn more about the efforts to save the Whitebark Pine, head to BLM’s website here.

Education: Ask a Vet – David Hayes DVM – March 2025

07. March 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Current Events, Education, Training Events

EPSON MFP image

Ask a Vet – March 2025

Horse_Report_Spring_21_web_final

Education – DTS Stanley – A workshop for Crosscut and Chainsaw Sawyers

28. February 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety, Training Events

https://sbbchidaho.org/events/DTS-Stanley.html

Stanley 2025 Workshop-DRAFT (PDF)

Education – 2025 Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute

28. February 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Public Lands, Safety, Training Events

https://wildernessskillsinstitute.org/nrwsi/sessions/

The 2025 Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute will be held from May 19 – 23, 2025. Sessions will start at 11 AM PT on Monday and conclude at 12 PM PT on Friday. To allow for flexibility in sessions this year you are allowed to register for one session on Monday and Tuesday, and one session on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You must register for two sessions and stay for the entire week. The exception to this is the Crosscut Saw C- Recertification and Host A/B Course and Advanced Trail Maintenance courses which are week-long.

COST: There is no cost to attend.

FOOD: On your own – no food provided. Participants will handle their own meals. Cooking facilities may be provided – more information will be provided ahead of the event.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY- Registration will close April 1st.

ATTENDANCE PREREQUISITE:

Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training class “Wilderness Act of 1964” online class – The Wilderness Act of 1964 – Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center (iu.edu)
This online course is recommended to be taken before attending the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute but is optional. This is a free class, which includes reading short narratives, listening to audio, interactive graphics, and quizzes. The purpose of The Wilderness Act of 1964 course is to acquaint you with the contents of this law and equip you to consider its impact in managing a wilderness area; this is foundational material relevant to everyone working in wilderness stewardship. We have designed the sessions at the Wilderness Skills Institute assuming you have already taken this class and have learned this foundational material. Feedback from past students has shown that most people prefer to take this class on their own before the full session, so that they can go at their own pace and have time to reflect on what they learned. The average time it takes students is 2.5 hours. You can stop and start the class anytime you want – you don’t have to take it all at once. Once at the Wilderness Skills Institute, please be prepared to discuss what you learned from the class, what surprised you, and what was the most important thing you got from the curriculum.
NRWSI_25_Flyer (PDF)

Education – Wildlife Coyote’s

27. February 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Sawyer – 2025 New Sawyer Evaluation Forms

23. February 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Safety

USFS Evaluation Guidance Crosscut Saw 2025 / Crosscut Evaluation Form FS-2300-0052a (2025)

USFS Evaluation Guidance Chainsaw 2025 / Chainsaw Evaluation Form FS-2300-0052a (2025)

Education: The wolf impact on Yellowstone NP – 20 year study

13. February 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Read what the study says Reintroduced Wolves

New research has demonstrated the powerful impacts the reintroduction of predators can have on an ecosystem. The presence of wolves in Yellowstone National Park has driven a cascading effect that has literally changed the landscape. The new study used data from previous studies on 25 riparian (streamside) sites collected over a 20-year period – from 2001 to 2020. The results show a 1,500 percent increase in willow crown volume along these streams in northern Yellowstone National Park. The effects were produced by changing behavior among elk adapting to the presence of a large carnivore guild (wolves) reintroduced into the Park in 1995-96, and other factors.

Equine Guelph and the Equine Disease Communication Center Announce the New Biosecurity Risk Calculator 2.0

12. February 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Equine Guelph and the Equine Disease Communication Center Announce the New Biosecurity Risk Calculator 2.0

A new, innovative online healthcare tool to help horse owners better manage and understand biosecurity risks is now available through a partnership between Equine Guelph and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).

The Biosecurity Risk Calculator is designed to assess and manage infectious disease risks. The new partnership between Equine Guelph and the EDCC will enhance the tool’s educational resources and outreach.

The Biosecurity Risk Calculator is now available for free at TheHorsePortal.com/BiosecurityTool and on the EDCC biosecurity page. The enhanced tool provides users with easy access to vital information and personalized risk assessments. This tool empowers the equine community to take proactive steps in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In just ten minutes, you can calculate, manage, and minimize biosecurity threats to keep your equine friends healthy by going through ten categories for your farm or facility’s score.

Key Features of the new Biosecurity Risk Calculator:

Personalized Risk Assessment: Users can input specific information about their horses and facilities to receive tailored biosecurity recommendations.
Educational Resources: With EDCC as Equine Guelph’s a new partner, the tool now includes updated educational materials on disease prevention and management.
New User-Friendly Interface: The tool is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for all horse owners and caretakers.

To read more about the upgraded biosecurity risk calculator, please visit https://thehorseportal.ca/2025/02/equine-guelph-launches-biosecurity-risk-calculator-2-0-with-new-partner-equine-disease-communication-center-edcc/

Education: Best Camping Axes of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

31. January 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education, Tips, Tricks and Tid Bits

Camping axes are all designed to do one thing: make wood smaller. Whether they do it by felling a tree, delimbing, splitting, or shaping, an ax needs to efficiently break down wood. As someone who cuts and splits wood to heat my house all winter and enjoys practicing bushcraft, camping, and hunting, I’ve spent some time behind an ax. The issue I’ve found is that not every ax you grab at the local hardware store will cut it. But fear not, I’ve made choosing your next camp ax a little easier by putting the best camping axes through a series of rigorous tests and making my top picks for different applications.

Best Overall: Hults Bruk Kisa
Best for Splitting: Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
Best Budget Hatchet: Husqvarna Hatchet
Best Value: Council Tool 28-Inch Boy’s Axe
Most Durable: Estwing Camper’s Axe
Best for Crafting and Carving: Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet
Best Lightweight: Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet
Best for Throwing: Council Tool Flying Fox

The Best Camping Axes of 2025

WATCH VIDEO

Education – Introduction to Stock Packing – Reference

23. January 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Introduction to Stock Packing

Stock Packing Handout

Education – Iridium GO! Review

18. January 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

READ FULL REVIEW

Education – The Intersection of Wilderness and Technology

15. January 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Around The Campfire, Education

Ryan Ghelfi

Executive Director

Wilderness exists as a line on a map. It’s a line that also exists in reality, though it’s not always apparent when you cross it. Once you traverse the line, rules and feelings change. Change from a chainsaw to a crosscut, from a vehicle to foot, from loud to quiet. Another thing that generally changes when traveling from the front-country to the backcountry is cell phone reception. Of course, cell phones (particularly smartphones enabled with the internet) are a new thing in the last generation, but they are ubiquitous. In many Wilderness areas, a lack of cell service causes phones to become a lot less useful and distracting– until recently.

You can now use a cell phone to send SOS emergency text messages via satellite (which a Garmin In-Reach also does). You can also carry a Starlink in your backpack and take the internet anywhere, even in the deepest canyons and highest peaks of the Selway and the Frank. Traditional cell coverage continues to expand quickly. These changes are happening in real time. This is a big deal, and it will change the way we interact with wilderness.

Soon, it will require a conscious choice to leave the connected world behind, even 20 miles from the nearest road. Many of us now bring our cell phones into the Wilderness to take pictures, use offline maps, and listen to downloaded podcasts. These changes have already been monumental and have, in many ways, eroded the Wilderness experience. I am personally guilty of each of these things. But now, the decision about how to use technology in wilderness will be even more consequential over the coming years. Once there is widespread cheap satellite connectivity to the internet, we will have to actively choose to unplug. Otherwise, emails and texts will never stop pinging at us, even when we are 6,000ft deep in the Middle Fork of the Salmon. READ MORE

National Wilderness Stewardship Webinar Series

15. January 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Education

Public Lands – Utah Law Suite – Supreme Court

13. January 2025 · Comments Off · Categories: Current Events, Education

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up Utah’s lawsuit aimed at wresting control of more than 18 million acres of public land in the state from the federal government.

In its lawsuit, filed in August, the state of Utah argued it was unconstitutional for the federal government to retain ownership of “unappropriated” lands, meaning those not set aside as a national park or for some other specific purpose. And it asked the court to effectively hand over 18.5 million acres of Bureau of Land Management lands to the state.

The conservative-led high court rejected the case outright, with no explanation. It’s a stunning defeat for Republican officials in Utah, who said they brought the case after “decades of legal analysis” and spent millions of taxpayer dollars promoting the legal effort.

“We’re grateful the Supreme Court swiftly rejected the State of Utah’s misguided land grab lawsuit,” Steve Bloch, legal director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, said in a statement. “For more than 100 years, the Supreme Court has affirmed the power of the federal government to hold and manage public lands on behalf of all Americans.” READ STORY / Salt Lake Tribune

A Utah conservation group has sued the governor and attorney general over the state’s U.S. Supreme Court public lands lawsuit.

The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, in a lawsuit filed in 3rd District Court Wednesday, argues that Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes violated Utah’s state constitution by taking their challenge of federal lands to the nation’s high court.

The group wants to stop the state from “dismantling a core part of Utah’s identity: public lands,” said Steve Bloch, SUWA’s legal director, in a statement.

“Utahns love their public lands,” Bloch said in a news conference Wednesday morning. “They’re not about to simply see them sold off or given up without a fight.”

Preview of “Doing Good in the Great Outdoors”

Idaho State Department of Agriculture urges pause on horse events after out-of-state EHV-1 outbreak

Idaho’s Large Tracts Program

CLICK HERE TO APPLY- Registration will close April 1st.

Equine Guelph and the Equine Disease Communication Center Announce the New Biosecurity Risk Calculator 2.0

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