Wilderness Ranger Intern
The Mark O' Hatfield Wilderness lies just south of the sheer cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. Most of the land adjacent to the river and along Interstate 84 is privately owned and often developed and, of course, outside the Wilderness boundary. The breaks of the gorge are spectacular basalt cliffs, rocky slopes, and rock outcroppings. Rugged and steep, the slopes of the Wilderness rise to a slightly uneven plateau and on to mountain peaks, talus slopes, and lakes with elevations ranging from approximately 100 feet near the river to 4,900 feet on Mount Defiance. Sparkling waterfalls and mossy-green cliff faces often highlight the deep drainages slashing through the broad, flat ridge tops. The main waterways--Herman Creek, Eagle Creek, and Tanner Creek--flow north toward the river, supporting borders of western hemlock and fir. Most of the 200 miles of trails follow drainages.
Performs duties in support of unit programs in wilderness management. Duties include checking visitor use of recreation facilities and monitors compliance with agency rules and regulations for campfires, sanitation, camp sites, party size, etc. Uses tools such as crosscut saws, adze, axes, and hand tools to maintain wilderness areas, facilities, and trails. Improves the quality of wilderness areas by reducing erosion at campsites and restoring the area's natural vegetation. Clears and dismantles abandoned camps, packs out garbage and occasionally helps develop and present Leave No Trace camping programs. Assists in the reestablishment of native plants at denuded campsites and abandoned trails by preparing soil for revegetation, transporting plants to the site and protecting the site revegetation. Examines compliance by use of a checklist on use related with campfires, aircraft, watercraft, stock, hunting and fishing. Reports violation to forest law enforcement personnel. Performs data collection from a checklist for use in inventorying and monitoring resources. Answers routine questions in accordance with Good Host concept. Provides basic information about wilderness and low impact camping techniques. Inventory trail location signs evaluating location, accuracy and maintenance level. Gathers prescribed data on wilderness conditions.
