Trails Council has developed a Trail Patrol Volunteer program modeled after many that are found elsewhere in California. Our program is open to active trail users who want to give back to the community. Volunteers are welcome to patrol their favorite trail or select trails to patrol on a random basis.
We have seen the resources available to Federal, State, County and City agencies diminish over time. New electronic technologies make it easier than ever for information to be shared between trail users, non-profit organizations and the land management agencies. A registration form located at the bottom of this page.
Purpose
Members of the Trails Council Volunteer Trail Patrol program actively participate in the protection of trails/open space and assist in monitoring visitor use. They distribute maps with trail information and regulations to visitors if available. Trail Patrol members are not Park Rangers and they do not enforce regulations. They provide Trails Council with information on trail use patterns and trail conditions. Trail Patrol Volunteers are extra eyes and ears to observe and report interesting or occasionally hazardous incidents and conditions. Trails Council shares the reports received from the volunteers with the land management agency or agencies.
Qualifications
Trail Patrol Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and in good health. They do not wear a designated uniform vest or name tag while on patrol. Volunteers are required to attend all applicable orientation and training sessions given by Trails Council. Equestrians must own or have regular access to a horse, wear a helmet, and successfully complete a qualification ride with a volunteer trainer. Bicyclists must provide their own bicycles and wear helmets.
Commitment
To remain active in the program, volunteers must complete and submit a report on at least one (1) patrol shift per month. Patrols are self-scheduled, and the length of time to complete a patrol shift varies by the pace of the volunteer, mode of transport (hiking, biking, or riding a horse), and which property is being patrolled. There is no minimum amount of time or distance required for a patrol. Volunteers may request a leave of absence for medical leave or vacations/life changes that prevent them from patrolling for more than one month. Likewise, the Volunteer Programs staff will inform Trail Patrol and other volunteers if a certain section of trail or an area of a preserve is closed due to restoration, repair, research or other reasons. Communication is key; volunteers who do not meet the minimum commitment and do not respond to staff inquiries about their missed patrols will be Inactivated and dropped from the Trail Patrol program.
Location
Volunteers may do patrols in any of the trails in Santa Barbara County during daylight hours. Volunteers will be advised if the Trails Council has a special need or request for trail patrol coverage, but otherwise, each Trail Patroler chooses which trail/open space and when they patrol and do NOT need to inform the Volunteer Programs Administrator or other staff prior to their patrol. Trail Patrol should not be on closed lands or an open preserve after dark, except as part of a special activity or assignment.
We would like to increase the number of patrols at the following trails:
- Baron Ranch Trails
- Midland School Ranch Trails
- Franklin Trail
- Gaviota State Park Trails
Independent Supporter
As a Trail Patrol Volunteer, you will be representing yourself as a Trails Council member in communications with other trail users. Therefore, it is important that you appear friendly and approachable. Wearing a Trails Council t-shirt, vest, or item with the Trails Council logo is optional and only intended to encourage others to participate in the program.
Training
Trail Patrol volunteers receive training by Trails Council's Volunteer Programs Administrator. Patrols are self-scheduled (volunteer decides where and when they go on a patrol). Trail Patrol Reports should be submitted within 48 hours (2 days) of completing the patrol, via the online Volunteer Portal or by digital/paper form, to the Volunteer Programs Administrator. Urgent or potentially hazardous situations should be called in to Trails Council staff immediately. For emergencies call 911.
Benefits
The program provides an opportunity for recreation while using real-time information gathering to protect trails and open space lands. Trail Patrol volunteers in good standing and active status (having consistently kept the minimum commitment of 1 patrol per month) are celebrated at Volunteer Appreciation events.
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