A supply of LNT pamphlets are located in the cabin to pass out to receptive hikers. A caretaker hat and shirt are also to be found in the cabin for your use around the site. Your presence is met to minimize hiker impact at this high use site.

The Bigelow Col Caretaker's cabin is a one-room insulated cabin with two bunks, a one-burner propane gas stove, sink, table and chairs. It's also stocked with reading material, kerosene lantern, all pots and pans, dishes, utensils, tools, first aid materials and other amenities, too numerous to mention here.

All that is needed upon arrival by the scheduled caretaker is food, personal water filter, bedding and clothing. The cabin is a simple structure but is quite comfortable for this location. It is on loan to the Maine Appalachian Trail Club by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. Proper care and use is essential for the continued use of this cabin.

Please note the following:

1. The cabin has one door and is equipped with a combination lock (combination is changed on a scheduled basis).
   
2. Open the cabin and unbolt the window shutters from inside. These are to be re closed when you leave. The cabin may be in need of a good airing out.
   
3. The cabin has a large resident mouse population, use the traps as you see fit during your stay but do not set them before you leave, it is not fun to find dead smelly mice upon arrival.
   
4. Make any needed repairs to put the cabin in order.
   
5. Clean up the cabin thoroughly upon completion of your stay.
   
6. The Col is a no-fires zone and the wood stove should ONLY be used in an emergency.
   
7. CARETAKING DUTIES, CAMPSITE MAINTENANCE:
   "Moving In" Procedure: Each caretaker should spend the first day of his/her arrival making a thorough examination of the area and its surroundings. The condition of the privy should be noted and cleaned; the presence of trail signs verified (junctions, side trails, water, etc.) all litter removed, all firepits dismantled, and the "Notice Caretaker" sign posted.

   The caretaker should make sure that the base of the tent platforms are supported by stones. At the cabin, the door, windows, stovepipe, stove, and shutters must also be inspected. Any damage and necessary repairs should be reported to the Caretaker Coordinator who will decide what action to take. Needed repairs to secure the facilities against further damage or entry should be made at once or before leaving the area.

   Trail Maintenance: The caretaker is responsible for the maintenance of the trail(s) in his/her immediate location. Time-consuming chores of brush and blow-down removal should be considered; however, this is not mandatory as the trails are assigned for maintenance work to MATC individuals.
   The caretaker should report the condition of the trails to the caretaker coordinator.

8. Administering the use of the tent sites by hikers is one of the caretakers most important duties: proper administration minimizes the impact of heavy usage and allows the caretaker unlimited opportunities to educate hikers. Examples:
   The caretaker should become familiar with the best tent sites and direct hikers to them. No camping is permitted above tree line.
   Indicate that fires may not be kindled. This is extremely important. Gas stoves are allowed in this area.
   To protect water sources caretakers should point out the graywater area near the privy for the washing of dishes.
   Organized groups comprise nearly a third of all trail hikers and because of their size, present special problems. Large groups should be encouraged to camp at other MATC sites such as: Horns Pond 3 miles West, Safford Notch 2.4 miles East, and Moose Falls 1 mile South; otherwise, be prepared to tent on rough sites at Bigelow Col rather than monopolize tent platforms.

9. It will be your main task to minimize human impact on this fragile site.
   You are NOT to do this by "policing" or regulating (at least directly) hikers who visit the Col. You will accomplish the above stated goal by asking the cooperation of the hiker, by suggestion and by showing how it should be done.
   
10. Below is a list of the site objectives you should strive to attain:
    Greet the hikers, identify yourself as the site caretaker and ascertain if they will be staying overnight. If so, suggest the best places to camp. The facilities for hiker use are: 5 - Tent Platforms and 3 - Rough tent sites.
    Explain where water can be obtained. The usual site is 300 yards up the Appalachian Trail towards Avery Peak. A second spring is located in boulders approximately 100 yards South on the Firewarden's trail.
    This spring flows very slowly and has been known to dry up during the summer. The spring located on a side trail below the cabin is also open for hiker use. All water should be treated.
    Obviously no one should wash around the springs.
    The hiker should be told that there is no dump at the Col and all garbage and refuse must be carried out. You should be prepared to pack out any trash left behind by careless hikers.
    The outhouse should be identified to the hiker. Keep a supply of organic material on hand to add to it.
    General educational objectives should also be attempted if you are talking with a receptive hiker. These include: The role of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and the volunteer nature of the club; The Bigelow Preserve and the care needed in the alpine zone on Avery and West Peaks.
    Lastly, please submit a report of your stay and the number of hikers encountered. When you are asking the hikers questions try not to make it sound like a formal survey. The best approach usually begins with a casual conversation on the weather, difficulty of the hike, etc.
    Remember to have a good relaxing stay at the Col.

For information and scheduling contact Caretaker Coordinator: