Sierra National Forest Seeks Summer Campground Hosts

Sierra National Forest Seeks Summer Campground Hosts
Contact: Sue Exline (559) 297-0706 ext 4804
For immediate release.

North Fork, CA (March 24, 2010)... Do you enjoy camping and meeting new people? Would you like to spend the hot summer months in a pleasantly cool and quiet campground? The Bass Lake Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest has openings for volunteer campground host positions at two campgrounds – Nelder Grove and Granite Creek. Both campgrounds are accessed by the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Nelder Grove campground sits within a spectacular grove of giant sequoia trees at about 5000’ elevation and is approximately 15 miles north of Oakhurst. Granite Creek campground is a backcountry campground adjacent to trailheads leading to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and the sparkling and cool Granite Creek, at 7000’ elevation. Granite Creek campground is approximately 35 miles from Bass Lake.

The best candidates for Nelder Grove campground will enjoy interacting with over 1000 visitors (over the summer) and will provide historical and interpretive information. The best candidates for Granite Creek campground will have stock (horse or mule) experience and will assist visitors in horse camping activities.

The season runs from mid to late May through September. Campground hosts are volunteers who receive free camping in exchange for welcoming and educating campers and helping them to enjoy their visit. Campground hosts perform basic campground maintenance, such as cleaning fire rings, pit toilets, and campsites and may also perform light maintenance duties. Volunteer hosts will need to provide their own camping equipment (RV, tent, etc). Both campgrounds are primitive and do not have electricity or other hook-ups. The Forest Service and the host mutually agree on reimbursement for subsistence expenses (e.g. cost of propane, mileage, etc.). Forest Service staff support the hosts and provide training, uniforms, and cleaning materials. The schedule is five days per week, which includes weekends.

Please provide a statement of interest, experience, and references to Gayne Sears at gsears@fs.fed.us or mail to Bass Lake Ranger District, attention: Gayne Sears, 57003 Rd 225, North Fork, CA 93643, by April 23, 2010. For more information, contact Gayne Sears, District Recreation Officer in North Fork, at 559-877-2218 ext 3182.