In order to have a favorable impact on visitors to the wilderness, you need to not only be prepared, you need to show up on your chosen dates.  The USFS has severely limited personnel to place in the field, and they are counting on our presence in certain Travel Zones so that they can patrol other areas.  Therefore, if you cannot meet your chosen trail assignment, you need to notify the IPWG and USFS.  Countless hours are spent by volunteers to develop the schedule from your input, so please be responsible in meeting your assigned commitment.  A list of volunteer substitutes is available if a replacement is needed.

 

 AUTHORITY OF THE RESOURCE

Dr. George N. Wallace developed a non-confrontational technique for approaching people called the “Authority of the Resource Technique” (ART).  It really is an art that can be learned by anyone.  Most people escape to the wilderness to get away from rules, regulations and “Big Brother”.  The last thing they want is an authoritative figure (you) quoting regulations ad nauseam.

We really don’t have to, because we have the most authoritative voice right in front of us – Mother Nature!  And you know it’s not nice to try and fool her.  Nature, in its simplest and raw form, commands her own authority.  There is a very complex, yet orderly, flow in a balanced ecosystem.  When its laws are violated, there are consequences.  There are many people in the backcountry who are not aware of the principles upon which nature operates; or, who are oblivious to how their actions spoil a wilderness experience for others.

 Fortunately, most people are more than willing to change their behavior to protect the wilderness if they are approached in the proper manner.  Stopping people on the trail, or barging into their camp, with a code book in one hand and spouting off line and verse of each infraction that they are violating is definitely NOT the way to develop happy campers.  That tactic will force them to throw up a defensive wall, and they will only focus on the words, your badge and bureaucratic presence.                                      

What you actually want them to do is to concentrate on the natural authority that surrounds you. By using the principles of the authority of the resource, you can neutralize your officious presence and allow them to relegate to nature the influence necessary to affect the desired change.  This technique by no means diminishes the importance of the regulation; instead, it subtly de-emphasizes the regulation by transferring part of the expected change back to the visitor who is allowed to interpret nature’s requirements.

When you use this technique properly, and you show genuine interest and concern about what is happening, the visitor will be more receptive to your viewpoint.  The fact that you have a volunteer badge and hat also lends credibility that your beliefs are those also held by and are desirable from the perspective of the U. S. Forest Service.

Authority of the Resource – Guidelines

We are called “hosts” for good reason.  When we are on the trail, we are the official agents of both the IPWG & USFS; and, as such, we should act as a pleasant and gracious host should.  Take pride in the work that you do, for it is very important for the well-being of the wilderness. 

Here’s a few tips on being a good host:

Before entering a camp:

• Observe

• Discuss the situation with your partner

• Approach the camp

When entering the camp:

• Be mindful of your approach; don’t assume a threatening or aggressive posture

• Check your attitude; don’t be overbearing, self righteous or appear to be an elitist

• Be aware of the impression you leave behind

Ease the obvious tension that naturally occurs by:

• Smiling to establish harmony

• Being understanding

• Being sympathetic & kind; if children are present, don’t embarrass the adult

• Being calm, friendly, and polite; as opposed to abrupt, hurried, or impatient

• Using icebreakers: introduce yourself, talk about the weather, visitor’s pet, etc.

• Remove sunglasses

• Stand shoulder to shoulder; don’t get in the visitor’s face

• Talk to visitors at their level: stand or sit with them

• Lead up to the situation instead of jumping on it right away, but get to the point as soon as possible

• Be courteous, but be firm; don’t be critical, harsh, or sharp

• Keep the situation on a positive note; don’t lose your cool, or respond to abusive language in anger

• Be a good listener

• Be consistent in dealing with all people

• Ask the visitor if you can share information with them on the preservation of our wild area

• We have no policing authority, so focus on the authority of the resource, not the law

• Have handout material like LNT & dog cards available as needed

• Offer to help move the camp, put out fire, etc., as appropriate

Avoid what may appear to be dangerous situations – your safety comes first

• If conversation gets confrontational, carefully and politely walk away

• Contact a USFS officer.  Document incident on your report form

• Answer all questions if possible.  If you don’t know the answer, say so

Above all, remember to enjoy yourselves while doing a great job for the wilderness!