2026 Wilderness Steward volunteer

Do you spend your summer recreating in Central Idaho's beautiful Wilderness Areas? Are you concerned about the character of these spectacular places, their use, their accessibility, and their wildness? If your answer is universally “yes,” then Idaho Conservation League wants you to join our Central Idaho Wilderness Stewards!

Volunteers, or “Wilderness Stewards,” conduct independent patrols of the Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness, Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness, Sawtooth Wilderness, and recommended Wilderness in the Sawtooth and Salmon-Challis National Forests. 

On these independent patrols, Wilderness Steward volunteers serve as an extension of hands, ears, and eyes for land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service. While on patrol, Wilderness Stewards tend to the character of our public lands by naturalizing backcountry campsites, clearing illegal fire rings, removing waste, and collecting data about trail use for our land management agencies. 

Additionally, Wilderness Stewards get the chance to do the crucial work of engaging with fellow recreators about the tenets of Leave No Trace and regional Wilderness regulations, helping to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and authentic wilderness experience for all.

If you’re looking to make a difference while recreating in Central Idaho’s beautiful public lands this summer, Idaho Conservation League hopes that you’ll consider “recreating with purpose,” as a Wilderness Steward.

To become a Wilderness Steward, please APPLY HERE ***AND*** with the ICL application form by Friday May 15th, 2026. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to email stewards@idahoconservation.org.

In person training on 6/6 in Ketchum. More details once you apply :-)