About the Adopt a Trail Program

Before you decide to adopt a trail, please read all the information below, and look at our resources which contains more information.

What's Involved

• Visit the trail at least once a week or as often as possible from April to October and once a month from November to March
• Designate a contact person. The contact person is responsible for submitting all required documentation (forms and Activity log) to the District and serves as the liaison between the District and the volunteers they represent
• The trail should be kept clean from litter/garbage
• Leave garbage at the nearest Parks garbage can. No can or garbage full? call the District Trails Coordinator to arrange pick-up
• Remove any fallen branches off the trail (dispose of farther into the bush)
• Remove any graffiti from trail signage
• Report all Hazards – erosion, sink holes, missing or damaged signs, dangerous/fallen trees, damage bridges and benches to the Trails Coordinator
• Report vandalism and any dumping activity
• Report any unusual or suspicious events on the trail
• Fill in the activity log after each visit. When the activity log is filled, forward to the District by dropping off at Breannan Park Recreation Park or Municipal Hall or fax, email the Trails Coordinator, or fill out your activity online by adding a comment to your trail through the Adopt a Trail interface.
• Provide proper Trail etiquette to ensure safety of all users

Length of Adoption

The adoption is for a minimum of one year. Adoptions can be renewed after each period (subject to review and if no other group is interested in the section of trail), or the adopted trail can be changed, or the adoption can be terminated.

Equipment

Volunteers will be loaned equipment if needed

Standards and Procedures

• Safety first
• Complete activity log during or after each visit
• Fill out First Aid form when injured and contact the Trails Coordinator
• Do not spend your own money anticipating reimbursement from the District without receiving written approval from the District

Safety Standards

• Any Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Work in pairs or teams. This is safer than working alone, as it allows you to look out for each other
• Report all accidents and injuries immediately to the Trails Coordinator
• Have access to a phone. Carry a cell phone and know where you are along the trail and different access points that are available in case of emergency
• Never reach blindly to pick up an item. Use tongs or a stick to identify the item before picking it up. Volunteers should always be wearing gloves
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails
• Power tools such as chain saws, are not permitted to be used by volunteers
• Trees, shrubs and all plant material should not be cut or damaged
• Stay off the trail during storms and adverse weather conditions
• For environment and safety concerns, please stay out of creeks or rivers, even to retrieve litter
• Wear gloves, safety vest, suitable footwear and appropriately dressed for the weather
• Carry adequate supply of water, especially during the summer months

Forms

The following forms must be completed to volunteer in the Adopt a Trail Program. For an overview of the adoption process, please click here.

• Adopt a Trail Program Application Form (online form)
• Statement of Commitment (available to download - original hardcopy must be submitted)
• Release and Waiver Agreement (available to download - original hardcopy must be submitted)

The following form must be completed when volunteering in the Adopt a Trail Program

• Activity Log

The following form must be filled out in the event of an injury.

• First Aid Form

Liability

All volunteers with the District of Squamish must be registered and the Activity Log must be up to date and accurate. The District of Squamish will carry third party liability insurance for injury and property damage to third parties arising out of the activities of this program. In addition, program volunteers will be added to the District’s volunteer insurance program. Should you wish to have further information about this coverage please contact the Trails Coordinator.