BY KAREN BOSSICK

Wanted: Youth to man a crosscut saw and wield an axe.

The Idaho Trails Association, which is based in Boise, is looking for youth ages 14 through 18 who are interested in learning new skills while helping to clear and maintain non-motorized trails in the Wood River Valley area.

The project is a new youth program funded by the Wood River Women’s Foundation that will be done in coordination with the Ketchum Ranger District.

Participants will work as a team under the guidance of the non-profit ITA’s youth counselors. They will live in a base camp where they will learn about camping and how to live in a backcountry setting. They will also learn about the natural environment of the area and its flora and fauna.

They will learn communication skills, decision making, problem solving and how to plan and implement projects, while identifying trail issues and correcting them.

Tasks will include brushing, limbing trees, cleaning water bars and correcting trail tread issues.

Food and tents will be packed in via packstring and participants will hike in carrying just their personal gear.

The project is being funded with a $13,800 grant from the Wood River Women’s Foundation. It will take place July 29 through Aug. 4 in the backcountry around Wood River Valley.

“This is a great start to a program that will benefit Idaho’s youth, reaching those who may never have had the experience to camp and work outside,” said ITA Director Jeff Halligan. “We plan to grow the program to provide similar opportunities to youth across the state.”

For more information, visit www.idahotrailsassociation.org. Or, email youth@idahotrailsassociation.org or Jeff Halligan at Jeff@idahotrailsassociation.org.