Requirements for All Guides

All Guides Must:

1. Be adequately trained, comfortable, and competent at the task at hand. Hire experienced guides and/or train them sufficiently.
2. Be appropriately trained regarding safety, including evacuation routes and where to seek medical attention.
3. Have an active CPR/First Aid Certification through the American Red Cross or equivalent.
4. Have relevant licenses, such as a hunting license
5. Have an understanding of the ecosystem in which they operate. Provide education to clients as appropriate.
6. Have a thorough understanding of the operating plan. Permit holders should provide copies for guides to read through.
7. Understand and teach light-on-the-land techniques, such as Leave No Trace
8. Be employees, as opposed to independent contractors or guides paid “under the table.” More information about independent contractors can be found here.
9. Have awareness of invasive species and take precautions to prevent their spread. See the following resources:

• Aquatic Invasive Species - A Guide to Identifying Threats to CA Freshwater Environments
• Decontamination Protocol.pdf
• Invasive Species Program (ca.gov)
• Noxious Weeds of the Klamath National Forest (usda.gov)

Guides Operating in Wilderness Areas Must:

1. Have an understanding of the Wilderness Act, and the law, policies, and local special provisions of the wilderness in which they operate.
2. Place the wilderness resource above the ease and convenience of himself/herself and his/her clients.
3. Not sacrifice the wilderness resource for economic gain.
4. Have the ability to interpret natural processes and communicate to their clients.
5. Shares with client’s wilderness history, cultural background, ethics, and values.
6. Communicate with clients that natural processes like fire are a part of the wilderness ecosystem, and that natural processes will be allowed to operate freely and that they will change over time
7. Emphasize the value of opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation in the wilderness.
8. Have the ability to practice and teach traditional/primitive skills.