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Working Together
Volunteering and Getting Involved
The PCT was built with the sweat and determination of volunteers and government agencies sharing passion for a superior trail experience and the belief that building a trail from Mexico to Canada would benefit generations to come. It is this same passion that drives volunteers today. Whether it’s building new sections of trail, enjoying incredible vistas and panoramas with friends, or giving back to the land and providing an experience for others, all volunteers play a critical role in strengthening the PCT.
The Forest Service and other agencies recognize the valuable contributions that volunteers and private, nonprofit trail groups have made to the development and maintenance of the Nation's scenic and historic trails. In recognition of these contributions, it is a purpose of the Forest Service to encourage and assist volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and management of the national scenic and historic trails.
Why we need your help:
Heavy trail use, floods, fires and overgrown vegetation can cause tread erosion, trail blockage and, in some cases, permanent damage. The PCT is in constant need of maintenance and monitoring due to increased demand for recreation opportunities and the loss of open space.
Working with agency partners, volunteers are the lifeblood of the trail. Each year volunteers through the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) provide support for more than 2,650 miles of trail annually through major rehabilitation projects, routine maintenance and additional administrative assistance.
How you can help:
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy getting your hands dirty, or show your support behind a desk, ample opportunities exist for volunteering. The PCTA’s coordinator of volunteer programs will put you in touch with local volunteers, leaders and projects near you.
Contact the PCTA online at www.pcta.org or by phone at 916-285-1846.
About the PCTA:
The PCTA is the Forest Service's major nonprofit partner in managing the trail. The PCTA's website provides a wealth of information for volunteering for the trail, planning a trip, checking on current trail conditions, or obtaining maps and other items. A PCTA representative can be reached at (916) 285-1846, or from contact information below:
| Region Name | Geographic Boundaries | Staff |
|---|---|---|
| General Inquiries | PCTA Main Office | Front Desk, 916-285-1846 |
| Trail Information Specialist | PCTA Main Office | Jack Haskel, jhaskel@pcta.org, 916-285-1846 |
| Volunteer Operations | PCTA Main Office |
Amy Calvillo Aubin, acaubin@pcta.org, 916-245-2543 |
| Trail Operations Manager (interim) | PCTA Main Office | Justin Kooyman, jkooyman@pcta.org, 530-414-3422 |
| Southern California | Mexico to Kennedy Meadows | Anitra Kass, akass@pcta.org, 951-257-4100 |
| Southern Sierra Region (interim) | Kennedy Meadows through Yosemite NP | Anitra Kass, akass@pcta.org, 951-257-4100 or Justin Kooyman, jkooyman@pcta.org, 530-414-3422 |
| Northern Sierra Region | North Boundary of Yosemite NP through Lassen NF | Connor Swift, cswift@pcta.org, 530-570-8276 |
| Big Bend Region | Northern Boundary of Lassen NF to Windigo Pass | Ian Nelson, inelson@pcta.org, 541-778-3252 |
| Columbia Cascades Region | Windigo Pass to White Pass | Jeanine Russell, jrussell@pcta.org, 970-317-4000 |
| North Cascades Region (interim) | White Pass to Canada | Jeanine Russell, jrussell@pcta.org, 970-317-4000 or Ian Nelson, inelson@pcta.org, 541-778-3252 |
