Request for Proposals for Training our Trail Crew in Trail Building for the Years 2024, 2025, 2026

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Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)

Request for Proposals for Training our Trail Crew in Trail Building for the Years 2024, 2025, 2026

Background – During the 2024, 2025, 2026 field seasons, the MATC’s Maine Trail Crew will work on remote sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Projects will focus on rebuilding and restoring heavily impacted sections of the Appalachian Trail. The Trail Crew will utilize rigging equipment and hand tools to build stone steps, stone stairs, waterbars, and complete short relocations.

Scope of Work – To provide five days of training each of the three years to the Maine Trail Crew staff (5 people) consisting of:

  • Three days of training in advanced trail construction and safety practices focused on stone cutting, stone waterbars, stone stairs, step stones, retaining walls, and trail relocations.
  • Two days of training in rigging systems. Training will be based in Skowhegan, with possible nearby field trips to locations which provide better training opportunities.
  • The contractor is not required to provide equipment although demonstration of new state of the art tools and equipment would be welcome.

Time Frame for completion of project (start to finish)

–   Between May 20-31 2024

  • Between May 19-30, 2025
  • Between May 18-29, 2026

Due date for a lump sum project quote – 5:00 PM Eastern time, August 24, 2023. 

Contractors interested in submitting a proposal must send an email to coordinator@matc.org expressing their interest no later than 5:00 PM Eastern time August 11, 2023 in order to be eligible to submit. Proposal on August 24th and to receive any amendments to the Request for Proposals.

Proposals must Include

• Resume of the person who will be instructing the crew detailing their experience in training trail crews in the skills referenced in the scope of work. 

• Brief curriculum of the training

  • A lump sum price for completing the training for all three years

Prior to award of the contact, the selected Contractor will be required to provide the following:

  • Workers’ compensation coverage, unless exempt by law and ensure that its Subcontractors, if any, comply with these requirements.
  • General Liability Insurance:
  • Must name MATC as additional insured.  
  • Coverage limits: $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate
  • Auto: Coverage limit of $1,000,000 

Questions should be submitted in writing by email to coordinator@matc.org by 5:00 PM Eastern time, August 11, 2023. A written response to any questions will be emailed to all parties who have expressed their interest in the project.

MATC will select the contractor based on qualifications and price by September 22, 2023 and reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

MATC Annual Meeting

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Please join us at the Annual Meeting, held in person for the first time since 2019.

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9 am – 4 pm

Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center, Colby College, Waterville, ME (Directions)

Schair-Swenson Alumni Center at Colby College
  • Free registration.
  • Lunch available at campus dining hall for $10.  CREDIT CARD ONLY. Or bring your own.
  • On-campus parking.
  • Registration opens at 8 am.

Hear what’s going on in the club. Get ready for a successful season. Highlights include: 

  • A conversation with keynote speaker Barry Dana, a former Penobscot chief and artist who runs the 100 Mile Wilderness. Bring your questions.
  • “Ask Me Anything” panel discussion with the ATC and the MATLT.
  • A Day in the Life of a Ridgerunner presentation
  • Annual club business
  • Ask Me Anything panel discussion with campsite, corridor monitoring, and trail maintenance managers
  • Raffle tickets – Cash only

Barry Dana

Barry Dana is a teacher, artist, and former chief of the Penobscot Nation. He grew up on Indian Island in the Penobscot River, where he learned traditional skills and values from tribal elders. Barry creates traditional styles of birchbark baskets, many etched with artwork or quill decoration. Credited with reviving the Katahdin 100, a Native spiritual run that combines a 100-mile trek by canoe, bike, and foot from Indian Island to Katahdin, Dana also runs the 100 Mile Wilderness to Katahdin. When he does he brings an energy drink he makes with a birch syrup from trees tapped in his backyard, trekking poles he carved from hophornbeam wood, a sheath knife, and an eagle feather, which connects him to his ancestors. “When I run,” he has said, “it’s not just for me. It’s for my people.”See the Annual Meeting webpage for details.

Flowfold Sponsors MATC

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The MATC would like to acknowledge the generous support of our most recent Sponsor: Flowfold

Launched in 2010, Flowfold makes everyday gear that is lighter, stronger, and lasts longer. Whether sewing lightweight wallets from recycled sailcloth, or making protective face shields for hospitals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, their mission remains the same: To make quality products that improve the everyday lives of the individuals and communities who use them. 

With their mission to create better, longer-lasting gear, Flowfold has always been adamant that 100% of their products are Made in the USA. Flowfold is a Maine-based brand with a global reach, committed to supporting local communities and maintaining full control of design and production. (https://www.flowfold.com/) Learn more about MATC Sponsorship here. (https://www.matc.org/index.php/sponsorship/)   

Maine Trail Crew Committee Seeks Volunteers

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The Maine Trail Crew repairs steep, rugged, and degraded sections of the Appalachian Trail, helping to protect and preserve this treasured resource for future generations. 

Volunteers (age 18+) are invited to apply to join our paid crew for one or more of the following sessions: June 29 – July 3; July 6-10; July 13-17; July 20 – July 24; August 3-7; August 10-14; August 17-21; August 24-28

Projects run Monday morning through Thursday or Friday afternoon. Crew members must arrive by 4:00 PM on Sunday before their session begins. An enthusiastic and experienced staff looks forward to welcoming you and building trails together

Contact MATC Club Coordinator, Holly Sheehan (coordinator@matc.org) if you are interested in volunteering your time with the Trail Crew. 

COME WORK WITH US! 
MAINE TRAIL CREW 

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION 

What You’ll Do:

Projects focus on rebuilding and restoring heavily impacted trail sections. Crews use rigging equipment and hand tools to construct stone steps, install waterbars, improve drainage, and stabilize steep terrain. 

Who Should Apply?

We welcome individuals 18 years or older from all backgrounds. Ideal crew members bring enthusiasm and positive energy, good physical health, adaptability and teamwork, willingness to follow instructions and safety guidelines, readiness to share camp chores.

Trail experience is helpful, but not necessary — we’ll teach you the skills you need.

Benefits:

  • Transportation to and from Maine air, train, and bus terminals
  • Tents and backpacks provided if needed
  • Housing, meals, and transportation to project sites
  • Days off at the Maine Trail Center in Skowhegan, Maine
  • Trail work training, including stonework skills
  • Camping along the Appalachian Trail
  • A Maine Trail Crew T-shirt
  • A meaningful Appalachian Trail Experience

Volunteer Application: https://forms.gle/mSF7vyG3FwEpkrBK7

For more information or the volunteer application email: coordinator@matc.org

Corridor Monitors Wanted

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OPEN MATC CORRIDOR MONITORING ASSIGNMENTS

(Updated 1/4/2026)

Section 27. Little Wilson Falls to Leeman Brook Lean-to. This is a long (6.92 miles) section that does not involve significant climbing but includes some rough terrain.

Section 34. Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to to Marble Brook. This 5.03-mile section lies on both sides of the West Branch of the Piscataquis River, so monitoring requires crossing the river. All of the section lies in the valley cut by the West Branch so there is some side-hill walking.

Section 35. Marble Brook to the Outlet of Bald Mountain Pond. This section is easily accessible from the Breakneck Ridge Road in Blanchard (may need permission to pass through gate) and covers 5.29 miles of boundary line over nearly flat terrain.

Section 36c. West of Bypass Trail to Moxie Pond at Joe’s Hole. This assignment includes 5.5 miles of boundary line over the west side of Moxie Bald Mountain. Good access via gravel roads.

Section 38. Middle Mountain (of Pleasant Pond Mtn.) to Boise Road. This very scenic assignment includes 3.95 miles of boundary line over the northerly portion of the Pleasant Pond Mtn. ridge. Excellent access from the logging road near Pleasant Pond.

Section 43. North Branch Carrying Place Stream to Sandy Stream. This assignment includes 6.85 miles of boundary line over very gentle but somewhat wet terrain. It is accessible over the A.T. from the gravel Carrying Place Road.

Section 44. Sandy Stream to the SW inlet of West Carry Pond. This assignment includes 4.8 miles of boundary line over flat but sometimes swampy terrain. It is accessible over the A.T. from the Long Falls Dam Road or from the gravel Carrying Place Road. The section was carefully monitored and maintained for many years by Bill Geller and the boundary lines were renewed by A.T.C. Boundary Technicians in 2020 and 2021.

Section 50/51. West Peak of Bigelow to Bigelow Range Trail. All of this section is on State of Maine land so there are no boundary lines to walk. Just walk the A.T. and observe conditions along the way.

Section 54. North Crocker to Caribou Valley Road. This assignment includes 5.3 miles of boundary line that is easy to access but requires considerable climbing. Great views!

Section 57a. Mt. Abraham Side Trail to Barnjum Road. This section includes 3.6 miles of corridor boundary lines. Good access so long as Barnjum Road is passable and relatively gentle terrain.

Section 63b. Middle of Bemis Ridge to Bemis Stream Side Trail. This section includes 5.37 miles of corridor boundary lines over sometimes rough sidehill terrain. Access requires hiking in over the A.T. or over the gravel Bemis Stream Road, which begins at the gravel road between Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Houghton on Route 17.  The Bemis Stream Road is gated but may be made available, although it is suited only for 4-wheel drive at best.

Section 67. Hall Mtn. Lean-to to Wyman Mtn. This section includes 4.2 miles of corridor boundary lines along gentle terrain, but requires a hike and a climb to reach either end.

Monument Pin
Monument Pin
Check out the MATC Corridor Monitoring web page

Campsite Maintainer Coordinator

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We’re looking for a person or two to coordinate campsite maintainers. This role involves duties in the field as well as administrative work (email etc.). Here are the job duties:

  • Recruit, interview, and select maintainers for campsite vacancies (MAINEtainer, website, etc.)
  • Perform new maintainer orientation and education
    Aid, train, and communicate with new and existing campsite maintainers in the performance of their duties
  • Ensure maintainers are current members of the Club and have signed the Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA)
  • Review incoming work trip reports and monitor activities (and inactivity) of campsite maintainers
  • Recommend replacement of campsite maintainers when circumstances warrant
  • Communicate and coordinate work needs beyond the capability of the maintainer to the Campsite Manager, and District Manger as appropriate
  • Work with the Campsite Manager to provide written annual summaries of work performed by maintainers and issues encountered

Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator with your interest or any questions.

Update Your Contact Information

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Thank you for your interest in updating your contact information!

Please fill out the form below to ensure we have the most accurate details on file. Your information is important to us, as it allows you to stay informed about Club news and events that matter to you. Or click this link if you have trouble viewing the form.

We want to assure you that the MATC will never share your information with any other organizations without your explicit permission. Your privacy is our priority.

Update Form: Scroll through form and click “Next”

Airlift of Materials in the Barren-Chairback Range

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August 8-11, 2024

One day during August 8-11, the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) will be working with a helicopter contractor to airlift 12,000 pounds of lumber and tools to the Cloud Pond Campsite, Chairback Gap Campsite, and Fourth Mountain bog. Materials will be used to build new privies at the campsite, and install new bog bridging through the bog. 

The date will be the first good weather day during the period August 8-11. The activity will last about 1-2 hours at each location. 

Several volunteers will be at the campsites and bog assisting with the effort. Please heed any instructions by volunteers to keep their activities running smoothly and everyone, including you, safe. 

Questions can be directed to:

campsite@matc.org 207-215-5306

dhumphrey@matc.org 207-944-3054

“On the Trail”

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“On the Trail”
Maine’s Appalachian Trail

Sample three different sections of the famed Appalachian Trail as it winds through the Maine wilderness, with a look at some other fun activities to pursue along the way. This special episode stops in Carrabassett Valley for an overnight stay at the Horns Pond shelter in the Bigelow Range, followed by some mountain biking at Sugarloaf Mountain and kayaking on Flagstaff Lake. Next is a day hike to Pierce Pond in the Kennebec Valley Region, along with a whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec River and an ATV ride at Northern Outdoors Lodge in The Forks. Wrapping things up is a hike up Barren Mountain in the 100-Mile Wilderness and a visit to the towns of Abbot and Monson, home to beautiful Lake Hebron.

Watch the episode trailer

Air Dates/Times

  • Sunday, April 7, 9:00AM on NESN
  • Wednesday, April 10, 2:00PM on NESN
  • Sunday, April 7, 12:30PM on NESN+
  • Monday, April 8, 10:00PM on NESN+(Episode available on the ENE YouTube Channel)

MATC on “Borealis”

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MATC President Tom Gorrill is interviewed in Episode 2 of Borealis! You can watch it on Maine Public’s YouTube channel. Borealis is a new multi-media outdoors series hosted by Aislinn Sarnacki and produced by Maine Public highlighting. This episode also features Native Nyle “River” Sockbeson who thru hiked the AT this summer to inspire Wabanaki youth and raise awareness to indigenous lands and cultures along the Trail.

Hurricane Lee and Potential Impacts to Maine

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Alert – Hurricane Lee

9/14/23 Update: The National Hurricane Center is predicting winds and rain from Hurricane Lee will impact Maine Friday evening (9/15) through Saturday night. The predicted track could change, so hikers should continue to monitor the forecast. 

Stream flows are already challenging due to significant rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. As of 11:30 AM on 9/14, the USGS gage on the Piscataquis River in Blanchard was at 644 cfs, more than three times the flow at which we expect stream crossings to become challenging. The National Weather Service is predicting significant additional rain on Saturday. The rain will fall on saturated ground into already swollen streams increasing stream flows even further. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Monson Visitor Center also has information. For more information about Hurricane Lee, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website.